The Hall-Wicker Award

The Hall-Wicker award was established by the North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing (NCAGP) in 1996 to recognize outstanding contributions and service to the cause and advancement of the purchasing profession and to jointly honor the late Warren "Jake" Wicker and the late W.T. "Tom" Hall, Jr.

Tom Hall was a purchasing agent's purchasing agent, a true professional in his work, a leader in purchasing organizations, and a model public servant. As purchasing agent for the Town of Cary, North Carolina, he was a tireless innovator, directing his energy toward new ways to make purchasing more efficient and effective. He was a leader within the state in areas such as paperless purchasing, cooperative purchasing, use of procurement cards, and privatization of vehicle maintenance supplies. He also developed numerous proposals for legislative changes to improve the laws governing public purchasing and worked hard to win their passage.

In addition to his service to his unit, Tom devoted immeasurable efforts to increasing opportunities for professional development for purchasing agents. He served in most of the offices of the Carolinas Association of Government Purchasing and was its president in 1986. He was instrumental in establishing the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer program in 1985 and served as chairman of the professional development and certification committees for many years. Tom obtained his CLGPO and C.P.M. certifications and encouraged both his employees and his colleagues to pursue their education and certification.

At the regional level, Tom served as chairman of the Professional Development committee of the Triangle Chapter of NAPM-CV, Inc. and worked with the Institute of Government to establish a series of purchasing programs for both private and public purchasing agents, reflecting his view that public purchasing agents could benefit from knowledge of practices and innovations available in the private sector. At the national level, Tom served on the Professional Development committee of NAPM, District V, and had been designated to serve as chair before he succumbed to heart failure in late 1995.

Tom's efforts to promote the highest standards for education, technical proficiency, and professionalism in public purchasing made a lasting impact on the profession and are perhaps his greatest legacy. Both his warmth and dedication are remembered by all who knew him.

Jake Wicker retired from the Institute of Government at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 after serving on the faculty for over 40 years. Jake was instrumental in the founding of NCAGP and in the development of a substantial curriculum in purchasing at the Institute of Government for North Carolina public officials.

During his tenure at the Institute, Jake was the primary resource and authority on purchasing law and practice, answering numerous telephone inquiries on a daily basis, and giving accurate information and practical guidance.

Jake's unique gift, to those who were fortunate enough to know and work with him, was his dedication to excellence. He was known for both his sense of humor and high integrity, combined with his personal commitment to and compassion for his students and colleagues. There is no question that hundreds of purchasing officials hold Jake Wicker responsible for the their personal and professional success and count on him as a mentor, friend, and colleague. Both private and public purchasing officials who have had the opportunity to know and learn from Jake Wicker, have expressed the highest respect for his work and contribution to the purchasing profession.

The Hall-Wicker Award consists of a plaque and a $200 monetary award given annually at the NCAGP Spring Conference.

Nominations must be submitted by Decmber 31st in electronic format to Crista Cuccaro, UNC School of Government at cuccaro@sog.unc.edu.

PRIOR RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:

    2023             Sonjia Cross, CLGPO, Purchasing Manager, City of Burlington

   2022              Noelle Woods, CLGPO, Purchasing Manager, Wayne County

Sustained Professional Purchasing Award

The Hall-Wicker Award

Frayda Bluestein Scholarship Award

Billy D. Ray Purchaser of the Year Award

Steven C. Graham Achievement Award