Desiree Taggard Hired as University's Senior Director of Procurement

Photo Submitted

Desiree Taggard has joined the university's financial affairs team as the U of A's new senior director of procurement. Taggard will guide departments in facilitating procurement operations by overseeing procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier contracting and supplier management. She will provide advice and counsel to the campus community on all aspects related to the procurement process.  

Taggard previously served as the director of procurement services and agency procurement official for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) and the Arkansas School for Math, Science and the Arts, where she managed all university spending. She also negotiated contracts for cost-effective purchasing strategies and administered the university's procurement card and travel card programs.  

Prior to her time at UA Little Rock, she worked as a buyer for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, completing purchasing for the agency's 52 state parks while maintaining relationships with vendors to evaluate their products and services. 

"Desiree will be an excellent resource for our procurement operations, and I look forward to her leadership of the team," said Cale Fessler, associate vice chancellor for financial affairs. "Her drive for process improvement and collaboration will help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our procurement functions across campus. Her many years of experience in procurement within the university system, as well as her familiarity with Arkansas state procurement law, will benefit us immediately." 

Taggard has been recognized with the Excellence in Leadership Award from UA Little Rock, the Young Professional in Procurement Award from the National Association of Educational Procurement and was a seven-time winner of the Outstanding Department of the Year award on behalf of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.  

She earned a bachelor's degree from Henderson State University before receiving her Master of Business Administration degree from UA Little Rock.