Acquisition Chief
Darnese Wilkerson, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)'s Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO), is a seasoned professional in acquisition and procurement, known for her leadership roles in federal agencies.
Role as NARA’s Chief Acquisition Officer
In her role as CAO, Wilkerson leads agency-wide acquisition policy, planning, and operations for NARA. She oversees the agency’s acquisition strategies and policies, ensuring effective procurement and contracting processes that support NARA’s mission. Wilkerson plays a critical role in managing vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations.
Under her leadership, initiatives are being implemented to improve acquisition operations, promote best practices, and foster transparency and efficiency in government purchasing.
Previous Position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Prior to joining NARA, Wilkerson held a significant acquisition role at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At NIH, she managed complex procurement projects, demonstrating expertise in acquiring research-related goods and services critical to advancing public health. Her work contributed to streamlining acquisition processes and supporting the agency’s scientific and operational objectives.
Qualifications and Expertise
Darnese Wilkerson's qualifications and expertise are extensive. She has a strong background in federal acquisition regulations and government contracting. Wilkerson is experienced in strategic procurement planning, contract management, and acquisition workforce development. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to enhancing government acquisition efficiency, ethics, and innovation.
Wilkerson's educational background is diverse, spanning undergraduate studies in Business Management, graduate studies in MBA and MS in Government Contracting, and a current Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from National-Louis University and dual graduate degrees, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Government Contracting, from the George Washington University. Her educational pursuits extend to a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, which she is currently pursuing.
Over her 30-year career, Wilkerson has gained experience in both the private and public sectors. Her dedication to improving government procurement processes and her wealth of knowledge make her an invaluable asset to NARA and the federal government as a whole.
Wilkerson's expertise in acquisition and procurement extends beyond her role as NARA's CAO, as she previously demonstrated this capability during her tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she managed complex procurement projects in the field of research and public health. Given her background in business management, MBA, MS in Government Contracting, and her current pursuit of a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership, Wilkerson combines her education-and-self-development with business acumen to implement finance-driven initiatives, promoting efficiency and best practices in NARA's business operations.
