"If you can't understand how procurement affects the ultimate end users in your organization, whether it's a state prison, or whether it's a manufacturing facility in Germany, then you're abdicating your role, you're just a robot. And that's why procurement has a superpower." - David Yarkin, CEO, Procurated
Long before "DOGE" became a buzzword in government efficiency, the state of Pennsylvania led a pioneering strategic procurement transformation that saved taxpayers millions… $140 million to be exact (and on a recurring basis, at that). The key to their success wasn't just smart buying strategies, but highly effective communication that helped secure executive support and turn resisters into supporters.
In this episode of Art of Procurement, Philip Ideson speaks with David Yarkin, CEO of Procurated and former Chief Procurement Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. David brings a unique perspective influenced by his background as a former press secretary and in procurement leadership.
In this episode, David shares how he led Pennsylvania to unprecedented savings through strategic sourcing initiatives and a powerful approach to communication:
- How to build support for procurement transformation, even against significant resistance, while also staying aligned with company leadership
- Why supplier performance management should be a high priority for procurement and how a lack of visibility into early warning signs can lead to major failures
- How procurement leaders can break through organizational barriers by getting out from behind their desks and experiencing operations firsthand
Links:
- David Yarkin on LinkedIn
- Pennsylvania Did DOGE Before Elon Musk Made It Cool
- Subscribe to This Week in Procurement
- Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube
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