Lidaywa Named Director of Purchasing At Western Illinois University
MACOMB/Moline, IL – Lora Lidaywa, procurement officer supervisor at Western Illinois University, has been named the director of purchasing at WIU, effective Dec. 1.
Lidaywa has served as the procurement officer supervisor since September 2012. In this role, she was responsible for bids and proposals of $100,000 and more; serving as the lead buyer for construction projects; serving as a trainer for purchasing procedures; served as the P-card administrator; and built and maintained vendor relations to ensure BEP compliance. Previously, she was a purchasing officer III for four years. Lidaywa joined the Purchasing Office in April 2000 as a secretary III, and was named purchasing officer I in May 2001 and purchasing officer II in October 2004.
“Lora’s experience working in WIU’s Purchasing Office, and serving as a supervisor for the past nine years, will provide a seamless transition for the office,” said Shannon Sutton, interim vice president for finance and administration. “Her understanding of the state’s procurement process will ensure continued adherence to the state’s procurement code.”
Lidaywa is a member of the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative, earning the 2017 Distinguished Service Award as the lead buyer for Procurement Card Services RFP. She is also a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, the National Association of Educational Procurement and the Central Association of College and University Business Officers. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.
The purchasing director is responsible for directing the central purchasing operations for the institution. The director is responsible for the ongoing review and analysis of University business operations, including current University policies and procedures related to federal, state and local laws and regulations.
