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FOR RELEASE: May 9, 2006

Media Contact:
Jean McHale
ISM Public Relations
800/888-6276, extension 3143
jmchale@ism.ws


ISM Names Persons of the Year

Supply chain professionals are honored for their contributions and dedication to the profession.

TEMPE, Ariz., May 9, 2006 — Institute for Supply Management™(ISM) announces its Person of the Year Awards, honoring members who go beyond the regular scope of work to make outstanding contributions to ISM and the supply management profession. Each winner was officially recognized for their contribution at ISM's 91st Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit held in Minneapolis on May 9, 2006. The Person of the Year Awards program, now in its sixth year, awards excellence in Education/Learning, Innovation/Creativity, Leadership, Marketing/Communications and Volunteerism. The 2005 ISM Person of the Year Award recipients are:

Education/Learning Person of the Year — Kathi M. Jobkar, C.P.M., ISM—Pittsburgh, Inc.
Kathi M. Jobkar, C.P.M., has made significant contributions toward advancing education and training opportunities and is commended for her development and presentation of highly effective programs for ISM—Pittsburgh, Inc. and other ISM affiliates. She has demonstrated her commitment to the association by providing C.P.M. review classes, a superior member benefit to her affiliate and to other U.S. affiliates. Jobkar is the manager of strategic sourcing for Allegheny Technologies Incorporated in Pittsburgh. She received her MBA from Robert Morris University and has taught undergraduate classes and C.P.M. review courses and other courses related to the profession at Penn State University, Duquesne University and Robert Morris University. She served as President of NAPM—Pittsburgh in the 2000-01 year, the year in which the ISM—Pittsburgh, Inc. affiliate was recognized with the first ever Affiliate Excellence Award. Jobkar has been an ISM member since 1988.

Innovation/Creativity Person of the Year — James Gomes, C.P.M., ISM—Dallas, Inc.
Jim Gomes, C.P.M., has been with Nokia in Dallas for eight years, where he has held a variety of management positions in sourcing and procurement. Since being asked to take on the treasury duties for his affiliate, he has successfully aided in the effective communication between budgeted and actual expenditures of the affiliate. He is also proud to have a hand in the financial report that will be provided to the general membership of ISM—Dallas, Inc., a completely new undertaking by the affiliate. Gomes holds an undergraduate degree from Auburn University and received his MBA from Troy University in 1990.

Leadership Person of the Year — Andre Moran, C.P.M., NAPM—Willamette Valley, Inc.
Andre Moran, C.P.M., has displayed a willingness to manage change in work priorities, procedures and organization. By acting as a mentor, Moran has used his experience in the supply management field to help his fellow affiliate members. He also plays a key role in the development of NAPM—Willamette Valley, Inc.'s strategic plan which ultimately ensures the success of the affiliate. He is a proud supporter of the ISM mission, "To lead Supply Management," and works to lead others in its promotion. He is a purchasing manager at the University of Oregon and has been an ISM member for more than 10 years.

Marketing/Communicating Person of the Year — Karen Ansell, ISM—7 Counties, Inc.
Karen Ansell has effectively used marketing and communication tools in her affiliate for the advancement of ISM and the supply management profession. She has proven her willingness to work with her peers and the public through her efforts in having affiliate events published in local print and broadcast mediums. In addition, Karen encourages new ideas from all members and values the experience of professionals in each career stage. Karen served as the Membership Activities Committee Co-chair for NAPM—Seven Counties since 2000 and is employed at E. T. Browne Drug Co., Inc.

Volunteer Person of the Year — Mary Ellen Walker, C.P.M., A.P.P., ISM—Dallas, Inc.
Mary Ellen Walker, C.P.M., A.P.P., exemplifies the ISM spirit and the supply management profession in her contributions. As president of ISM—Dallas, Inc., Walker supports student involvement through the affiliate's student chapter and by advocating professional mentors for college students. She is a source of support for ISM—Dallas, Inc.'s trade shows, satellite seminars, C.P.M. training classes and all other Board of Director-approved activities. She played an essential role in the affiliate's name change and helped each member understand the benefits of the process. Walker holds the position of purchasing agent at Hagemeyer N.A.

As the oldest and largest supply management institute in the world, the mission of the Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is to lead supply management. ISM defines supply management as the identification, acquisition, access, positioning and management of resources the organization needs or potentially needs in the attainment of its strategic objectives. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence, influence building and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® — ISM continues to extend the global impact of supply management. ISM's membership base includes more than 40,000 supply management professionals in 75 countries. Supply management professionals are responsible for trillions of dollars in the purchases of products and services annually. ISM is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).