Professional Buyer of the Year
Caylie Hansen, Contract Office, Idaho Transportation Department
Caylie Hansen is a Contract Officer with the Idaho Transportation Department who focuses on helping staff understand and apply Idaho's purchasing rules in a practical way. She regularly provides guidance on the use of state contracts, spending limits, and day-to-day procurement decisions, making complex requirements easier for end users to navigate.
Caylie is a frequent presenter at the ITD Annual Administrative Summit, where she teaches topics on small purchasing processes and P-Card compliance. She also leads regular supply meetings and serves as a go-to resource for staff across the agency.
In addition to her work at ITD, Caylie has supported the procurement profession through involvement with the Idaho Public Purchasing Association (IPPA), including volunteering on a committee and serving as Director at Large.
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Professional Manager of the Year
Cathy Wright, Procurement Manager, West Ada School District
 Cathy Wright serves as the Procurement Manager for West Ada School District, where she leads purchasing operations that support 59 schools and thousands of students, educators, and staff across the district. Known for her thoughtful leadership style, Cathy brings a calm, collaborative approach to complex challenges and is widely respected for her ability to bring people together to find practical, ethical solutions.
Cathy grew up just outside Cascade, Idaho, where her family still lives today. Those small-town roots shaped her strong work ethic, sense of community, and commitment to public service—values that continue to guide her work every day.
Since joining West Ada in 2013, Cathy has strengthened the district’s procurement practices through strategic sourcing, policy development, and transparent communication with stakeholders. She authored and maintains the district’s procurement manual, rewrote key legal terms and conditions to reduce risk, and oversees millions of dollars in contracts each year to ensure taxpayer resources are used responsibly and effectively.
Cathy is also a trusted resource beyond her own district. She regularly shares her expertise with other school districts across Idaho, offering guidance on procurement best practices, legislative considerations, and cooperative purchasing strategies. Her dedication to ethical procurement and collaborative problem-solving has made her a valued partner throughout the public procurement community.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Boise State University and maintains both the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and NIGP Certified Procurement Professional credentials. Cathy also serves as Treasurer for the Idaho Public Procurement Association and remains actively involved in community and volunteer leadership.
Whether supporting her district, mentoring peers, or serving her community, Cathy exemplifies the professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service that define the IPPA Professional Manager of the Year.
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