Classroom
The PPIM Classroom delivers hands-on, in-person training opportunities to help public agencies across Michigan strengthen their procurement practices. Whether you’re new to public purchasing or a seasoned professional, these courses offer practical instruction, peer connection, and real-world scenarios tailored to Michigan’s legal and operational landscape
Timely Topics Designed for Procurement Professionals
Public Procurement Essentials
Learn the fundamentals of public purchasing, including procurement planning, bid development, evaluation methods, and contract administration. Ideal for beginners or as a refresher course.
Navigating Procurement Law
Understand the key statutes, local policies, and ethical standards that govern procurement in Michigan. Learn how to apply them confidently in daily decision-making
Cooperative Purchasing 101
Explore how cooperative contracts can save time and money while maintaining compliance. This session will explain how to evaluate, access, and justify the use of shared agreements.
Why Choose Us
Michigan Specific Content
All sessions are designed with Michigan public sector needs in mind—local laws, regional vendors, and cooperative strategies.
Interactive Learning
Classroom settings encourage active participation, scenario-based discussions, and peer networking.
Expert Instructors
Courses are led by experienced procurement leaders, legal advisors, and cooperative contracting professionals.
Certification Credits
Many sessions count toward national CPPO/CPPB continuing education requirements.
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind the Public Procurement Institute of Michigan—driven by a shared passion for empowering ethical, strategic, and sustainable public procurement.
Jim Colangelo
Jim Colangelo is the former Chief Procurement Officer (2017-2021) for the State of Michigan and former Procurement Director for Wayne County. He has also worked in Procurement Consulting and served as the Director for the Procurement Center of Excellence for Walgreens corporation prior to joining PPIM.
Shawn Vaughn
Shawn Vaughn is the Executive Director of CoPro+, a cooperative purchasing program serving public agencies across Michigan. With extensive experience in public procurement, including her role as MiDEAL Program Manager and Outreach Program Manager for the State of Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget, she has consistently championed ethical, strategic, and sustainable procurement practices. Shawn's leadership at CoPro+ reflects her commitment to empowering local governments and educational institutions through collaborative purchasing solutions that drive efficiency and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Austin Brown
Austin Brown, PharmD, MBA, brings a multifaceted background in operations, innovation, and public procurement. As a former Vice President of Operations for a network of community pharmacies in Michigan, he has led initiatives in value-based care, technology integration, and pandemic response, including the delivery of over 30,000 COVID-19 vaccinations across multiple counties . His work at CoPro+ reflects his commitment to strategic, ethical, and sustainable procurement solutions that strengthen public agencies.