About Government Sourcing Solutions

David P. Yarkin, President of Government Sourcing Solutions is a recognized expert on strategic sourcing in the public sector. As Deputy Secretary for Procurement for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mr. Yarkin led what has been called “the most sweeping transformation of state procurement in decades.” During his tenure, Pennsylvania saved $140 million (now $180 million) annually through strategic sourcing and established the procurement shared services center. Mr. Yarkin eliminated the majority of Pennsylvania’s state managed central distribution centers, consolidating 17 warehouses down to 4. He also led a fleet right-sizing initiative, eliminating more than 700 vehicles, including 225 SUVs. Mr. Yarkin is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences on the topic of government strategic sourcing, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and writes “Sourcing in the States”, a recurring column in Government Procurement Journal. He graduated cum laude from Harvard University.

Mike Smith, Vice President, brings over 23 years of public sector experience to Government Sourcing Solutions. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for the State of Illinois’ Department of Central Management Services, running the State’s $7 billion supply chain organization, the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement. Mr. Smith played a leading role in transforming the way supplies and services are purchased in the State and in reducing the cost of government by over $200 million through the implementation of innovative and creative solutions and by instituting best practices. He increased the efficiency of Illinois’ fleet of vehicles by eliminating unnecessary vehicles, lowering maintenance costs and increasing the use of flexible fuel and hybrid vehicles. Mr. Smith was also responsible for statewide travel programs for over 15 years helping to protect and save state agency travel budgets. Mr. Smith was elected by the fifty state procurement directors to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and is now an Honorary Member of the Association. He chaired a number of NASPO’s committees and workgroups and has been a frequent presenter at national and regional NASPO conferences. Mr. Smith holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Courtney A. Carlson, Chief Operating Officer of Government Sourcing Solutions is a veteran of state and local politics, most recently serving as Director of Advance and Special Assistant in the office of New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Ms. Carlson has also done production and press work on several large events including the 2003 opening of the National Constitution Center and the 2001 Independence Day Celebration both in Philadelphia, PA; the 2000 Millennium Celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC and the 50th Anniversary NATO Summit. Previously, she served on several congressional and gubernatorial campaigns around the country. She earned a B.A. in History from Kenyon College in Ohio.