Understanding who SIPA is and what SIPA does may seem overwhelming. But it is really quite simple. This session will lead the audience through a quick introduction of SIPA, providing insight into the SIPA statute, the contracting process, introduce the audience to the portfolio of SIPA's products and services, and the numerous benefits of working with SIPA.
Duane Tucker joined the SIPA team in May of 2022, where he serves as the Customer Success Director. Duane’s responsibilities include managing the relationships with SIPA’s customers, managing supplier relationships, and expanding adoption of current and future SIPA technology solutions. Duane brings many years of experience working in the public sector to his role at SIPA, most recently as the Director of Strategic Procurement at the University of Colorado where he focused on customer success, supplier relationship management, and executing enterprise-wide strategic contracts for IT and other solutions. Duane has a BA and an MBA from the University of Colorado.
Kara Finch joined SIPA in August of 2019. As the Contract Manager and Legislative Liaison, she represents SIPA in legislative matters, tracks legislation that impacts the mission of SIPA and the customers it serves, and negotiates and manages software and services contracts. An Indiana native, Kara received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University, majoring in Spanish before eventually pursuing a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After being sworn into the Indiana State Bar Association, Kara practiced law for a short period of time before beginning a career in procurement. Prior to joining SIPA, she worked in public and higher education procurement with experience in the areas of purchasing, strategic procurement, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, travel and expense management, and procurement software.