Nancy H. Deskins is the Director of Category Management & Supplier Diversity for Lockheed Martin Corporation. The uniqueness of her title reflects the fact that her scope of responsibilities are extensive as she oversees an operation awarding over $2.1 billion in annual contracts. Deskins has earned numerous awards for her ability to successfully integrate supplier diversity initiatives in varied purchasing categories, including telecommunications, IT, technical, professional and business services, logistics and travel. As she worked her way up through positions with increasingly responsible duties in internal audit, electronic systems, ethics and compliance, a strategic vision of what true supplier diversity principles and actions should include was formed. That vision is shared throughout the organization to convey a clear message that supplier diversity drives innovation, competitiveness and success.

Her success in implementing supplier diversity in a highly technical firm is reflected in the numerous prestigious awards gvien to her, including Advocate of the Year by the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency, and Best of the Decade by Minority Business News USA Magazine. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies, she is a passionate advocate of Lockheed Martin’s supplier diversity program within the organization and the community. Her advice to experienced suppliers is to form strategic partnerships with emerging suppliers because they bring creativity and a breadth of experience and knowledge about new markets. Deskins firmly believes that Lockheed Martin benefits every time she is able to expand the base of diversity suppliers.

Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”- Mahatma Gandhi