about the procurement school
Our customers
Beginning as NECI in 1980, the Procurement School serves a diverse client base comprised of Canadian public sector organizations and individuals, who conduct procurement and contracting activities. Pro-active by nature, our clients recognize the immense value of the ‘preventative maintenance’ approach to procurement training. They understand the return on investment from providing their staff with early and regular education about the ever-changing Canadian procurement landscape. Our clients fully appreciate that risk management begins with risk identification, and have a sincere desire to attract, engage and retain top performing procurement professionals.
Our History
Since 1980, The Procurement School has been helping Canadian public sector organizations realize maximum value through their procurement and contracting activities. Incorporating the latest developments in adult education and curriculum design, our online and blended learning options capture the latest legal, practical, and business developments to empower procurement professionals to improve contract outcomes.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
To accelerate the world’s transition to ethical, effective, and sustainable procurement, contract management, & strategic sourcing practices.
Our Vision
Create the most impactful and empowering procurement, contract management, & strategic sourcing through training programs, advisory services, & thought leadership community that enable professionals to excel in their careers and drive positive change.
Our Team
Operations Team
Kim Holl
Kim manages our training and service offerings. She is involved with managing curriculum, client accounts and business development initiatives.
Kim arrives with a background in filmmaking, facilitation, and program design where she led social change initiatives for communities in the USA. In 2010 she presented at the World Conference on Restorative Practices in England sharing the positive outcomes from her experience applying storytelling, community conversations and arts-based tools for transformation. She also has a certificate in eLearning Design and Development.
When not working, Kim can be found behind her camera lens, hiking and exploring the vast trails, mountains, and hidden gems of Vancouver Island.
Chantel Jeffery
Chantel is our administrative and customer support hero. She handles all financial matters including invoicing, accounts payable and receivables, and banking. She also assists with our CRM and learning management system.
Chantel started with The Procurement School in 2015, arriving with a background in administrative and customer services. She enjoys the fast-paced environment at TPS and her exceptional organizational skills make the day-to-day operations smooth and efficient.
When not working, Chantel can be found with her two young children, her dog, and her husband spending time exploring Vancouver Island.
Subject Matter Experts
Maureen Sullivan
Maureen is one of our leading Subject Matter Experts since 1994.
An experienced litigator, mediator and dispute resolution practitioner, Maureen has an in-depth knowledge of both procurement law and contracting issues with particular expertise in negotiations.
She is the author of A Guide to Practical Procurement, and in her spare time she volunteers with Restorative Justice.
Lise Patry
Lise is one of our leading Subject Matter Experts. She is responsible for development and review of training program content in the areas of procurement and contracting.
Lise is a commercial lawyer, certified corporate director and former business executive with a passion for government procurement. Majority of Lise’s 25-year career has been spent working on procurement contracts in government and private sector organizations as a commercial lawyer. She also provides general counsel services and offers expertise in structuring business contracts and advising on government procurement and corporate governance matters.
When Lise is not working, you will find her at the gym or on a mission to break 90 on the golf course.
Liz Busch
Liz is one of our leading Subject Matter Experts.
Liz also runs a Procurement Advisory Service, is a subject matter expert with over 19 years of experience as a public-sector procurement professional, managing government projects, programs and staff. She has an in-depth understanding of public sector procurement policy, trade agreements and case law. Liz is an experienced procurement course developer and facilitator/instructor for public sector buyers and vendors and is the principal author of the BC Bid Resources website.
Liz is a huge Star Trek fan, and was married at the Trekcetera Museum in Vulcan, Alberta.
Larry Berglund
Larry is one of our leading Subject Matter Experts.
Larry drafts public sector procurement policies which address social and economic development opportunities, as well as works with social enterprises. He facilitates social procurement strategies within government entities, increasing the understanding by elected officials and suppliers, and develops social procurement skills with procurement professionals. Larry has been a lecturer for United Nations staff and advocates on the role of social enterprises as being an integral part of the supplier community. He presented to the World Bank on social procurement strategies. Larry’s recent book is It’s the People, Not the Paper.
Larry, who played guitar in a rock band in his early days, is also the author of (a) Food, Finance and Philosophy (b) Good Planets are Hard to Buy and (c) Plan It for Our Planet.
Marilyn Clarke
Marilyn is one of our newest subject matter experts.
Marilyn has been practicing as a contracts lawyer for over 20 years. Having supported procurement departments as in-house counsel at a crown corporation and a telecom company, she practices in all aspects of contract law and supports procurement groups with improving and streamlining their processes. She is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and her hobbies include tennis, hiking, and cooking’.
Chris Sheel
Chris has been a practicing public-sector procurement professional for over 25 years. His areas of expertise include operational strategies, public sector compliance, navigating procurement policy, trade agreements, contract management strategy, and collaborative project delivery. Chris volunteers with the Okanagan local community association, golfs a bit and finds relaxation in making hügelkulturs out in the country.
Industry Thought Leaders
Edward Claringbold
Edward writes articles for us based on his industry experience.
Edward Claringbold is Experienced Procurement Officer, with experience of both Public and Private Procurement. An extensive background in customer service, financial, office administration and purchasing provide a great set of skills to excel in the development and execution of complex procurement strategies while providing purchasing advice.
Trish Rafuse
Trish writes articles for us based on her industry experience.
Trish Rafuse is currently Senior Contracts Manager at Interuniversity Services Inc. with over 15 years experience working exclusively in public procurement. In her spare time you can find her coaching and training at her local CrossFit gym.
Helen Doucette
Helen writes articles for us based on her industry experience.
Helen Doucette SCMP(Ret) has over 40 years of experience in the Purchasing, Procurement and Supply Chain Management industry, both private and public. Helen has instructed courses over 26 years. Outside of work, Helen loves tap dancing, reading, and exercising.
Graham Allen
Graham writes articles for us based on his industry experience.
Graham Allen is recently retired from Supply Ontario where he managed the entire procurement life cycle for a number of vendors and individual ministry procurements. His hobbies include white water canoeing, hiking, traveling and reading.
Gordon Kyle
Gordon writes articles for us based on his industry experience.
Gordon Kyle spent over 30 years, managing/supporting successful procurements for the public sector totaling over five billion dollars of project value. He enjoys tennis, cycling, and skiing in his retirement.