Heather Bailey

Accomplished leader with a background in project management, strategic planning, budgeting, research and coalition building. More five years of experience in procurement, market research, and strategic procurement planning. Sound understanding of Arkansas state government, including the Arkansas Legislature and its processes. Skilled in collaborating with various stakeholders, including government, corporate, healthcare and non-profit. Stays updated on ever-changing industry trends by reviewing procurement articles and engaging with the procurement peer network. Monitor procurement activity in the Arkansas Legislature to stay informed of changes in procurement laws.

Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC)                                                                                           2023 – 2025

Chief Procurement Officer

Collaborated with all areas in the Department of Corrections, including the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, and Board of Corrections. Supervised procurement staff for compliance with Arkansas Procurement Law. Created and managed RFPs and RFQs from inception to contract award. Provided procurement guidance to the cabinet team and attended committee meetings, testifying when needed. As a Certified Procurement Agent, authorized emergency procurements to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. 

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT)                                                                  2022 - 2023

Agency Procurement Administrator

Managed procurement for the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, overseeing 52 State Parks, six Arkansas Heritage locations, 14 Tourist Welcome Centers and all central office divisions. Increased procurement efficiency by ensuring compliance with Arkansas Procurement Law and ADPHT policies among the team of buyers in procuring commodities and services for each division. Monitored and maintained schedules and deadlines to ensure timely and accurate procurement and delivery of materials and supplies (can you say that because of this delivery of materials/supplies increased X%). Created and maintained instruction manuals on procurement procedures and policies for staff and cabinet personnel. Improved efficiency through updated templates. \ Trained team members and evaluated their performance. Collaborated with cabinet personnel on best procurement methods. Reviewed contract terms and assisted in big specifications. Participated in Arkansas Legislative Council Review meetings of the Arkansas Legislature. Participated in in-house legislative discussions on procurement.

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of State Procurement                                    2018 - 2022

Statewide Procurement and Project Specialist

Served Arkansas state agencies seeking commodities, technical services and professional services, including without limitation insurance, health benefits, banking services, legal services, youth services, consultant services, process server services and inmate transport services. Served as a member of the Special Projects team creating content for the new Procurement Certification program and assisting with statewide communications. Negotiated over $X in savings on contract awards. Supported legislative projects for the Office of State Procurement Director. Conducted research on assigned commodities and services. Trained new team members. Managed Professional Services, Technical General and Commodity contracts. Updated Arkansas Procurement Law on the OSP website. Proficient in AASIS. Served on the Core team for the ARBuy e-procurement system.

The Communications Group, Little Rock, AR                                                                                                2009 – 2018

Account Planner and Media Buyer/Planner 

Account planner, project manager and media buyer for the agency’s Outreach and Education clients, including the Arkansas Department of Human Services programs: ARKids First and Better Beginnings. Project manager of the pro bono law enforcement media campaign, Arkansas Behind the Badge. Placed media and managed the $3.5 million Arkansas Scholarship Lottery campaign. Conducted strategic planning sessions and tracked legislation that affected agency clients. Developed, planned and purchased media (print, digital, broadcast and out of home) for Outreach and Education clients, including negotiating rates and added value, maximizing clients’ marketing budgets. Tracked, analyzed and interpreted results of media expenditures to achieve clients’ goals. Created talking points and made oral presentations for new business opportunities. Developed monthly contractor and media reports for state agency reporting guidelines. Coordinated client television shoots. Developed and taught classes on the legislative process to agency staff. Served as the agency’s government and legislative liaison. Participated in government grant Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) bidding opportunities. Developed and maintained the agency’s Emergency Management plan. 

Methodist Family Health, Little Rock, AR                                                                                                           2007 – 2009 

Director of Marketing

Established the first “in-house” marketing division for Methodist Family Health, a behavioral health non-profit organization. Developed a statewide strategic marketing plan for the continuum of care and developed individual marketing plans for each department, representing 28 locations. Expanded brand awareness that increased inpatient and outpatient client base and provider referrals. Guided the rebranding efforts to update designs of informational materials, conference displays and brochures with marketable language and visual appeal. Created a “mental health tips for parents” advertising campaign. Networked with the Methodist Family Health Foundation to include highlights and success stories from treatment facilities for the biannual magazine. Planned anniversary events, open houses and other celebrations for patients, clients, staff and the public.

Paschall Strategic Communications, Little Rock, AR                                                                                 2000 – 2007 

CFO, Media Buyer, Human Resource Manager, Account Executive                                                           1993 – 1997 

Managed an annual budget of more than $5,000,000, which included 25 high profile national and state clients. Designed and executed the agency’s media research, planning and placement. Oversaw and implemented the agency’s human resource policies and procedures. Conducted strategic planning sessions and managed special projects for legislative advocacy to broaden constituency understanding of issues. Participated in focus groups for advocacy campaigns, public policy, regulatory and legislative campaigns. Campaigns ranged from underage alcohol and tobacco use to crimes against children and elderly, healthcare and nursing home reform. Researched opposing opinions and statistics for advocacy group messaging. Researched demographic and voter information for candidates and advocacy groups. Planned and participated in radio remotes to increase participation in specific campaigns. Planned events and supervised the agency’s intern program. 

Arkansas State Senate, Little Rock, AR                                                                                                         1997 – 2000

Assistant to Secretary of Senate/Fiscal Officer

Processed accounts payable and payroll for 65-member biennial staff, including division of costs into Senate appropriations, Prepared quarterly Employment Security division reports. Prepared payroll tax and insurance reports for staff and session employees. Created and published “Parliamentary Procedure in the Arkansas Senate,” “How a Bill Becomes a Law” and “How to become an Effective Committee Chairman.” Created the Catastrophic Leave Manual for Senate staff and the Millennium Cookbook for staff and session employees. Provided legislative awareness, support and follow-up to individual public requests.

BS, Public Administration, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR

Procurement 101, Chemeteka College, Salem, OR