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John Richards
Entrepreneur - Venture Investor - Mentor - Advisor
Professional Background
John Richards is a distinguished procurement professional who has made significant contributions to the field of public procurement in the State of Utah. With a career spanning several key roles within Utah Valley University, he has honed his expertise and leadership skills, demonstrating a deep commitment to advancing procurement practices in the academic sector. Currently serving as the Director of Purchasing and Travel at Utah Valley University, John is responsible for overseeing the purchasing and travel policies for the institution, ensuring compliance with all regulations while striving for operational efficiency.
Before assuming his current directorial role, John served as the Associate Director of Purchasing Operations at the same university, where he implemented strategic purchasing initiatives that enhanced the procurement process. His journey within Utah Valley University began with the position of Contract Administrator, where he played a crucial role in managing vendor relationships and contracts. John’s strategic vision and operational prowess have been instrumental in shaping the procurement landscape at Utah Valley University.
In addition to his impressive tenure at Utah Valley University, John is also a licensed attorney in the State of Utah, bringing a unique legal perspective to his procurement career. This combination of legal and procurement experience equips him to navigate complex contractual agreements, ensuring that all procurement processes are conducted with the utmost integrity and compliance.
Education and Achievements
John’s educational background is marked by a strong foundation in both law and business. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he developed a robust understanding of legal principles that have shaped his professional practice. During his time at law school, John was actively involved as a student volunteer at the Entrepreneurs' Law Clinic, where he provided legal assistance to startup businesses, thus gaining invaluable experience in entrepreneurship and contract law.
Further enriching his academic credentials, John pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Finance and Entrepreneurship at the prestigious Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. This advanced degree has equipped him with essential insights into financial management and strategic planning, enabling him to integrate his legal expertise with business acumen effectively.
In addition to his legal training, John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Brigham Young University. This interdisciplinary knowledge allows him to leverage technology within procurement processes, fostering innovative solutions that optimize operations and enhance efficiency.
Notable Roles and Contributions
John's professional journey is marked by a variety of roles that highlight his versatility and commitment to service. As a Co-founder at Startup Ignition, he played an integral role in supporting entrepreneurial ventures by providing critical insights into procurement and legal structures necessary for startup success. His experience as a legal consultant for Parlant Technology further illustrates his adaptability, where he provided legal guidance on various technology-related contracts.
John’s earlier professional experience includes a summer internship at Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere, which provided him with a solid grounding in legal practice. He also served as a summer student extern at the Court of First Instance of the High Court, gaining first-hand exposure to the workings of the legal system that informs his current role in procurement.
Demonstrating leadership within the entrepreneurial community, John was the Orem Campus Site Leader at BoomStartup, where he supported startup companies with resources and mentorship. Moreover, he has contributed to academia as a Teacher’s Assistant at Brigham Young University, sharing his knowledge with students and helping to shape the next generation of professionals.
Community Engagement
A strong advocate for community service, John has consistently sought opportunities to give back. His participation as a student volunteer in the Entrepreneurs' Law Clinic speaks to his dedication to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Through various roles, he has not only advanced his career but has also helped foster a culture of collaboration and innovation both in academic and professional circles.
Conclusion
John Richards continues to make an impact in the procurement profession through his extensive legal knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership at Utah Valley University. His commitment to excellence and community engagement has positioned him as a respected figure in public procurement, and as he progresses in his career, there is no doubt he will continue to innovate and inspire within the field.
Achievements
Certified Procurement Professional
Licensed Attorney
Co-founder of Startup Ignition
Directed Procurement at Utah Valley University
Led Purchasing Operations Staff
Location
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