Colleen St. Cyr | Published on 8/6/2026
NIGP Forum 2026
During the meeting a Barbara Colebank, CO-OPP President and Donna Davies, Forum Planning Chair provided a presentation of the upcoming NGP Forum.
They spoke about the work that the various local planning committees have done alongside NIGP to make the Forum a success.
If you are interested interested in volunteering on one or more committees for forum, please reach out to Donna.Davies@das.ohio.gov. As of now,
to volunteer you must be registered to attend Forum. If that changes, Donna will let everyone know.
There is a current need for volunteers to work the welcome table in the registration area of the Forum. Volunteers will work in one-hour shifts.
If interested, please reach out to mlater@frontier.com.
The Voice of Ethics: A Memorable COOPP Presentation
COOPP members had the opportunity to hear an engaging and informative presentation from Susan Willeke of the Ohio Ethics Commission.
With 21 years of experience at the Commission, Susan brought a wealth of knowledge, practical examples, and real-world insight to the discussion.
She also hosts the podcast The Voice of Ethics, where she continues to educate public officials and employees on ethical decision-making.
One of the biggest takeaways from Susan's presentation was simple but powerful: learn from other people's mistakes, don't miss the forest
through the trees, and don't get lost in the legal jargon. Ethics doesn't have to be complicated when we focus on the purpose behind the rules.
Susan reminded us that while it isn't always possible to remain objective in every aspect of life, objectivity is essential in public procurement
and contracting. As procurement and contract professionals, we must avoid bias and understand why impartiality is critical to maintaining public trust.
Throughout the session, Susan covered a wide range of ethics topics, including formal versus informal situations, conflicts of interest (and the
important distinction that simply having a conflict is not, by itself, illegal), gifts and the difference between nominal and substantial value,
one-year "cooling-off" periods after leaving public employment, and attending conferences. She explained that conferences are generally
permissible when they are educational or informational in nature and open to all participants.
Susan also encouraged attendees to ask questions whenever they are uncertain. Questions such as, Who is paying? and Is it an improper source?
can help guide ethical decision-making before issues arise. She emphasized that the Ohio Ethics Commission is always available to provide advice,
education, guidance, financial disclosure assistance, and, when necessary, conduct investigations. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call or email
the Commission.
No matter the topic, Susan consistently brought the conversation back to the core mission of public service: protecting the public's trust and
safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Her presentation served as an important reminder that ethical decision-making isn't just about following
the law—it's about maintaining integrity in every decision we make.
It was so great to hear her expertise and get pointers that will reinforce the importance of ethics in our profession. Stay ethical, everyone,
and we'll see you at the next COOPP meeting!