Introducing Kimberla Fairley, a Seasoned Professional in Acquisitions Management
Meet the Acquisition Management Specialist at Southwest Fisheries Science Center
In the heart of La Jolla, California, a remarkable individual named [Name] is making a significant impact at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. As an Acquisition Management Specialist, [Name] plays a pivotal role in supporting the center's scientific and operational missions.
The acquisition process involves planning, negotiating, and executing contracts for goods, services, or resources needed by the center. [Name] manages the full lifecycle of these acquisitions, from identifying requirements to finalizing agreements. They work closely with department leads to determine acquisition needs, locate suppliers or vendors, evaluate options, and ensure contracts align with the center’s goals and regulatory requirements.
Beyond the technical aspects, [Name]'s role requires a deep understanding of contract terms, organizational needs, and vendor capabilities. Effective communication is essential for negotiation and coordination, and a solid grasp of procurement regulations, including government acquisition rules, is crucial.
[Name]'s journey to this role was an interesting one. Originally a psychology major at UC Davis, [Name] discovered they were not an abstract thinker and thrived in accounting. Their master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Acquisition Management was earned while they were active duty military with the United States Air Force.
Their passion for marine sciences was sparked by Jacques Cousteau's work. Despite growing up in Fresno, California, and living in the San Joaquin Valley, [Name] had no idea marine sciences was a viable career path. However, their determination and love for the ocean led them to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
[Name] has traveled extensively, living in various parts of the United States and overseas. This global exposure has enriched their perspective and broadened their understanding of the world. In their free time, [Name] enjoys quilting, reading science fiction and fantasy, and riding their Yamaha V-star cruiser.
Recently, [Name] helped the Antarctic Division purchase critical parts for modifying gliders that operate remotely in the Southern Ocean. This project underscores [Name]'s commitment to the center's mission and their ability to navigate complex procurement processes.
In celebration of Black History Month, [Name] won an essay contest about the topic "Should Blacks have Fought in the Civil War?" during their time in the Air Force in the early 1990s. This victory led [Name] to research Buffalo Soldiers, discovering that African Americans fought in the Civil War for the Union.
[Name] encourages today's youth to think about what they like and what speaks to them when considering a federal government career. They suggest looking outside of one's circle and knowing what one is good at to find opportunities in the federal government. This advice comes from personal experience, as [Name] initially did not know anyone in marine sciences and had no hint that it was a real job.
[Name]'s mother, a single parent, instilled the need for a higher education and worked hard through many challenges. This upbringing has shaped [Name]'s values and drive, making them an inspiring figure at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
- In parallel with their work as an Acquisition Management Specialist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, [Name] also demonstrates a keen interest in technology, particularly data-and-cloud-computing, and often participates in self-development activities to sharpen these skills.
- continual learning is vital to [Name]'s personal-growth and career-development, and they embrace skills-training opportunities to enhance their capabilities in procurement management and contract negotiation.
- Apart from their professional life, [Name] is an ardent sports enthusiast and closely follows the advancements of basketball teams such as the WNBA, NBA, and NCAA Basketball.
- As a prominent figure at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, [Name] actively contributes to the organization's education-and-self-development initiatives, aiming to inspire the younger generation to pursue their passions and discover unconventional career paths.
- To their peers and mentees at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, [Name] shares valuable insights drawn from their life experiences, emphasizing the importance of striving for personal-growth, pursuing career-development, and recognizing the immense potential that can be unlocked by understanding and embracing the opportunities that lie outside one's comfort zone, much like their lifelong passion for marine sciences.
