Peoria County’s Purchasing Agent Jim Smith has earned the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) credential from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). Smith was among only 137 professionals nationwide who successfully completed the certification exam in October.

Established in 1964, this prestigious certification is an outstanding honor for individuals in the public procurement profession and is an asset to their specific division of governmental administration. To become certified as a CPPB, candidates must complete an application process that requires formal education, procurement related coursework, public purchasing experience, and functional management experience. A comprehensive written examination confirms the candidate’s knowledge of public procurement procedures and best practices. The CPPB certification recognizes only those professionals who have fulfilled these standards of competency in public procurement.

Ron Bell, President of the National Association of State Procurement Officials, emphasizes the importance of this credential: “Achieving UPPCC certification is an importance milestone on the path of recognition as a procurement professional and one for which the individual achieving it can be justifiably proud. This designation signals that the individual is not only highly trained in the procurement field but is serious in executing his responsibility to protect the public’s trust.”

Jim Smith has been with Peoria County for 19 years; the last five as the County’s purchasing agent. He is responsible for implementing the County’s Purchasing Ordinance and facilitating all bids and Requests for Proposal administered by Peoria County. Earlier this year, Smith was named Professional Buyer of the Year by the Illinois Association of Public Procurement Officials (IAPPO). He served as the Committee Chair of IAPPO’s Fall Conference and is currently Secretary for the state association. In addition to IAPPO, Smith is also a member of the National Institute for Public Procurement.