Spotlight on Volunteers By Stephen "Skip" Kay, C.P.M. Board Director and Communications Chair
This Months Interview DiAnna Cowles, C.P.M.

This month's "Spotlight on Volunteers" features DiAnna Cowles, C.P.M. and member of NAPM-OC Board of Directors. She has been involved in many aspects of our affiliate. DiAnna was born in New York and left for California when she was in grade school. She and husband Bill have five grandchildren. Her hobbies include oil painting, gardening and sewing. She holds interests in most everything and enjoys public television and educational shows on TV.

Spotlight: What company are you employed with, for how long and in what capacity?
DiAnna: I work at the Liebert Corporation, a division of Emerson Network Power Systems. We make UPS (un-interruptible power systems) and power management systems. I am a Supplier Manager and responsible for supplier performance in this manufacturing facility. I have been here for two years.

Spotlight: I know you are a C.P.M. and the certification process isn't easy. What Modules (if any) gave you any problems? Why? And how were you able to overcome?
DiAnna: I really enjoyed purchasing and knew that to get a better job I needed more that just my degree. So I signed up for the Purchasing and Material Management Certificate at Coastline. I took classes there and at Fullerton College to complete the Certificate requirements. I then enrolled in the C.P.M. Certification classes provided by the association. After I took all the classes I took all four modules and passed all four! I think I was as prepared as I could be and it paid off!

Spotlight: Congratulations on your recent re-election to the Board of Directors.
DiAnna: Thank you. I sincerely believe in the mission of the association to provide education and opportunities for members of our profession. I have personally gained and learned skills from exposure to new and smarter ways of doing business that have benefited my employers. I am honored to serve as a Director to ensure this opportunity is available to all our members. I have met some wonderful people and over the years many of these professional acquaintances have become my close friends.

Spotlight: How long have you been a Member of NAPM?
DiAnna: I joined in 1984, what was then known as the Purchasing Managers Association of Orange County. Getting involved was one of the smartest professional things I have done to improve my communication, management and technical skills.

Spotlight: What Committees have you served NAPM-OC as a Volunteer?
DiAnna: I have been active on almost all committees except Marketing, which is a fairly new committee. I have Chaired Professional Development and Programs (which are now part of the Educational Resources Committee), Public Relations (now called Communications), Membership and the June Forum.

Spotlight: What have you learned or gained from by being a part of these committees?
DiAnna: I have learned a lot of technical skills. But, working with people is the most valuable skill I have learned. No matter how smart you may be technically, if you are not skilled in working with people your life and everyone's life around you is more difficult. To manage your surroundings you need to acquire tact, diplomacy, negotiation skills, understanding, and delegation -- skills you learn through practice. The safe environment of a NAPM committee of friends allows you to make a mistake, learn and move forward without repercussions.

Spotlight: You have been the recipient of the Herbert Cannon Award. What does this Award mean to you?
DiAnna: I was honored to receive the Herbert D Cannon award in 1989. It was a very memorable event. I was working a Carl's Restaurants then as a Buyer. The Awards Chairman came to my work and arranged with my boss David Parsley to present the Award at a company meeting. I was THRILLED and will never forget that day. David also used that opportunity to promote continuous education and Certification to the rest his staff.

Spotlight: Who is/was your mentor(s) and how did they help guide you?
DiAnna: I have never had just one special person, but have met many through the Association that I admire and try to emulate. I admire their organizational skills, technical knowledge and managerial skills to name just a few admirable qualities. They are role models for a lot of us.

Spotlight: Do you have a favorite web-site?
DiAnna: Why the NAPM-OC of course! My second choice is Yahoo Maps. That has been a great tool!