Boyce Evans

Jolene Combs

The East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA), during its February meeting in Knoxville, announced the three winners of its prestigious annual awards for 2018.

The honorees are: Jolene Combs of Johnson City, Buyer of the Year; Boyce Evans of Knoxville, Manager of the Year; and David Griffin of Knoxville, Volunteer of the Year.

Combs, who has served the Johnson City Purchasing Department for four years, earned Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) status in 2018. She understands the need for quality relationships with suppliers and customers and continues to demonstrate outstanding professionalism. Combs also serves as chair of ETPA’s newsletter committee.

Evans recently was promoted to deputy finance director for the City of Knoxville after serving for years as a purchasing agent. He was honored by ETPA for decades of public service. Evans practices sound procurement principles, encourages teamwork and follows his motto of “the right choice is rarely the easy choice, but our team can always trust we are doing what is fair and honest.”

Griffin, contract and procurement manager for the Public Building Authority (PBA) of Knox County and Knoxville, was honored for significant contributions to ETPA. He has spent hundreds of volunteer hours serving as president, chairing the recognition committee, organizing events and assisting with the annual business trade show event. In 2016, Griffin established the ETPA awards program.

The East Tennessee Purchasing Association seeks to establish relationships among its members for the development of efficient procurement methods and practices in public institutional procurement.