Congratulations to Terry Blake! Blake is King County’s Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). “I am very excited for this leadership opportunity,” said Blake. One of my first priorities will be listening to community-based organizations, such as Tabor 100, on how to strengthen partnerships that produce measurable results.”
Terry spent the last sixteen years in procurement and supplier management roles. He is well-known as an innovator, creating both training and mentoring programs for his procurement team members. In the past, he worked at Expedia, Inc. as the Director of Procurement Tools and Data Intelligence. There he founded and directed the Technology Strategic Sourcing team. He also worked as a Senior Manager for Client Services Delivery at Accenture where he received the “Fire Starter Award” for innovation and leadership.
In November, 2020, Terry began consulting with King County. He worked to enhance project management and executive reporting. He also helped decision makers with corrections for the County’s property tax system replacement project. Blake has big plans for his new role. “I plan on demonstrating the importance of pro-equity contracting principles in creating and sustaining a healthy, and strong economic environment for MWBE businesses and the citizens of King County.”
“Terry fully understands that achieving results for pro-equity contracting is a top priority for King County,” says Director of Finance and Business Operations, Ken Guy. “He’s demonstrated an ability throughout his career to lead transformational change and build relationships that produce results. I’m confident he’s the right leader at the right time to deliver on pro-equity contracting.”
Terry and Sandy Hanks, the County’s Business Development and Contract Compliance Manager, will collaborate with other county agencies to implement equitable contracting in the County’s small business program. King County Executive Dow Constantine, expects more participation by MWBE firms. Toward that end, State certified MWBEs now automatically qualify as small contractors and suppliers (SCS) with King County, making these MWBE firms immediately eligible for County contracting opportunities.
When Terry Blake is not working, he likes to travel, meet new people, and learn new things from their perspectives. He has been to North Korea, China, Eastern Europe, and India. But his place to “recharge” is the Sierra Nevada mountains where he was born and raised. On his desk, you will notice a dictionary and a stopwatch. They are gifts from his grandfather to remind him that ‘words are powerful’ and ‘time passes quickly.’
