Head of Strategic Purchasing Operations
Darnese Wilkerson, an accomplished professional with over three decades of experience in contracts and management, has taken on a new role as the Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in January 2025.
Wilkerson, who holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from National-Louis University, has a impressive track record in the federal government, having held several high-level acquisition and procurement leadership roles. She is known for her expertise in acquisition, procurement, and supply chain management, particularly within the U.S. federal government.
In her new role at NARA, Wilkerson will oversee the agency's acquisition and contracting activities. Her responsibility includes ensuring that NARA procures goods and services efficiently and effectively to support its mission of preserving and providing access to federal records and archives.
One of Wilkerson's notable achievements at her previous role at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was managing a portfolio of nearly $1 Billion annually. She was also instrumental in collaborating with customers at NIH to create economies of scale for mission-critical support.
Wilkerson's career highlights also include her role in the completion of nearly 10,000 actions at NIH. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California, in Organizational Change and Leadership, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Wilkerson's leadership in strategic sourcing and contract management has been widely recognized. She has driven improvements in strategic sourcing initiatives that generate cost savings and increase transparency and accountability in government spending.
Moreover, Wilkerson has emphasized the importance of recruiting, training, and developing acquisition workforce talent. This commitment to workforce development has contributed to stronger procurement capabilities and sustainable government acquisition practices.
Wilkerson is widely respected for her ability to lead complex acquisition programs, foster collaboration across agencies, and implement best practices that align procurement strategies with organizational objectives. Her role as NARA’s Chief Acquisition Officer underscores her pivotal contribution to advancing the effectiveness and integrity of federal acquisitions.
Wilkerson's impressive track record in the federal government, stretching over three decades, primarily revolves around acquisition, procurement, and supply chain management, often within the context of business and finance. Her commitment to education and self-development is evident as she pursues a Doctor of Education, focusing on Organizational Change and Leadership.
