NASPO Pulse

Prepare to expand your understanding of cybersecurity and IT procurement as we welcome Montae Brockett, the Deputy CIO and Chief Information Security Officer at Washington DC's Department of Healthcare Finance. Montae shares his expert insights on the intricate dance of integrating cybersecurity into IT procurement processes. With the evolving threat landscape in mind, we explore the strategies necessary to synchronize procurement, IT, and cybersecurity teams to meet agency needs and retain top talent, especially during Cybersecurity Month.Our conversation shifts gears as we explore the modernization of procurement offices, focusing on technological and business process advancements. Highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI, we delve into its role in streamlining operations and the complexities of contract terms and legislative landscapes. Montae's insights on these topics underscore the importance of aligning technology with organizational missions and visions, offering listeners valuable knowledge on bridging the gap between open source and commercial products.Click here to view the transcript.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Ever wondered how public procurement professionals manage to keep municipal fleets running smoothly despite numerous challenges? Get ready to uncover the answers in our latest NASPO Pulse episode. Join us as we host Tom Zembruski from Waukesha County's Department of Public Works and Brian White from Milwaukee's Fleet Services. These seasoned experts offer a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes about the complexities of fleet procurement, touching on the unique struggles they've faced in recent years.Discover how the ongoing effects of COVID-19 have complicated vehicle acquisition for municipalities, leading to an over-reliance on aging fleets. Brian sheds light on Milwaukee's strategy for dealing with continuous repairs and planning for unpredictable events, such as potential strikes and political shifts. Learn why managing expectations and staying prepared for the unexpected are essential tactics for public fleet managers in today's volatile environment.As we look toward the future, explore the promising yet challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. Hear how Milwaukee navigates legislative mandates for low-emission vehicle procurement, and understand the critical disconnect between current EV offerings and municipal fleet needs. From the practical applications of maintenance vans to the potential of hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty vehicles, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the innovative solutions shaping the future of fleet management. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on public procurement's evolving landscape.Click here to view the transcript of this podcast.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Ready to master the art of state procurement contracts? Join Telice Gillom and our illustrious guest, Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, as we unravel the complexities of negotiating tricky terms and conditions in state contracting. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into consulting internal counsel and safeguarding your state's interests, all with a sprinkle of humor to keep things lively. Learn the critical elements involved in securing robust cyber liability insurance to protect against financial losses from data breaches and cyber attacks, and discover the types of coverage you absolutely need. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge to advance technology and secure public benefits through strategic and innovative procurement practices. So, tune in and get ready to elevate your state contracting game!Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Ever wondered how state governments tackle workforce development and procurement challenges? Tune in as we chat with Dr. Rebecca Holwerda , Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration and the upcoming President of NASCA. Dr. Holwerda enlightens us on the unique trials Chief Administrative Officers face, often unseen by procurement offices. She breaks down Indiana's groundbreaking strategies for workforce transformation, aimed at recruiting and retaining top talent. Plus, get an inside look at her priorities for NASCA, emphasizing resourcefulness, responsiveness, and a much-needed re-energizing of state operations. This is your chance to understand the intricate dance of communication and trust that keeps state government functioning smoothly.In our deep dive into succession planning and workforce development, we uncover a multi-phase approach to tackling employment barriers, starting with the surprising identification of child care access as a key issue. Learn how legislative changes and a comprehensive compensation study led to pay equity and increased job satisfaction. Dr. Hallwerda also shares the successful restructuring of the procurement office, which resulted in clear career progression paths and the resolution of long-standing recruitment challenges. We wrap up with a festive note, sharing some light-hearted holiday humor that adds a touch of joy to the professional world. Don't miss out on these valuable insights and practical solutions that could inspire similar innovations in your own state or organization.Transcript for Episode 7Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Ever wondered what happens to confidentiality clauses after a contract ends? Tune in to our latest NASPO Pulse episode as Telice Gillom and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, break down the complexities of contract terms and conditions. We'll guide you through the significance of survivability and severability clauses, illustrating how they protect crucial elements like intellectual property and indemnification long after the ink has dried. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek into NASPO's Law Institute and why it's vital for anyone involved in procurement.But that's not all! We also dive into the evolving world of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), exploring both the perks and pitfalls of mediation and arbitration. Learn why mediation often proves to be a confidential lifeline and how binding arbitration could trap you into unappealable decisions through hidden click-through agreements. As we dissect the risks associated with click-through agreements and data compliance, you'll gain practical insights into safeguarding public data in the digital age. Don't miss this essential episode that blends legal expertise with actionable procurement strategies.Season 5 Episode 6 TranscriptFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Curious about the building blocks of strong public procurement contracts? Join us as we uncover the core elements that make contracts legally binding with Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education. From the basics of offer and acceptance to the critical importance of clear communication between legal and procurement teams, this episode is designed to demystify complex contract terminology. Learn why understanding these fundamentals is crucial for protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring successful procurement outcomes.Check out Procurement U's newest courses on Risk Management to learn even more!Risk Management: Identifying and Analyzing Risk(Part one of a two-part series)2 contact hoursThis Procurement U online course is designed to provide public procurement professionals with an overview of common considerations when engaging in risk management. The course outlines basic steps in the risk management process and discusses techniques for identifying and analyzing risks.Risk Management: Responding To and Monitoring Risk(Part two of a two-part series)3 contact hoursThis Procurement U online course is designed to provide public procurement professionals with an understanding of common risk-mitigation techniques in procurement. The course discusses options when developing a risk response, including contract terms and conditions, as well as considerations for tracking risk during the life of a project.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Unlock the secrets of integrating cutting-edge AI into state procurement processes with insights from Amy Glasscock, Program Director of Innovation and Emerging Issues at NASCIO and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education. Curious about how AI like natural language processing and facial recognition is already shaping our daily interactions with technology? Amy breaks it down, explaining the importance of differentiating between traditional and generative AI (Gen AI), and why state governments need tailored policies and safeguards. Hear firsthand how these advanced technologies are transforming government functions and why it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve.Click here to view the transcript of this episode: FutureProofingProcurementwithEmergingAITechnologies.pdf (naspo.org)Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Unlock the secrets of government procurement with our esteemed guest, Bob Gleason, Broward County's procurement director, as we navigate the delicate intricacies of state and local government purchasing. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone keen to understand the legislative frameworks and strategic approaches that distinguish procurement at these two governmental levels. Gain exclusive insights as Bob dissects the governance, processes, and stakeholder dynamics that ensure transparency and compliance in public procurement, all while highlighting how these systems can learn from each other to enhance efficiency and service delivery.Link to the transcript of this episode.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Unlock the potential hidden within your workforce as Blair Corcoran de Castillo from Opportunity at Work joins us to discuss the transformative STARS program. Skilled Through Alternative Routes is not just an initiative; it's a revolution in recognizing the value and capability of the over 70 million American workers who lack a bachelor's degree yet are equipped with diverse and robust skill sets.In this episode, we shed light on the challenges that state governments face in recruitment and workforce development, diving into the myriad of talents brought to the table by veterans, self-taught individuals, and those with on-the-job training. We also tackle the outdated barriers to employment, revealing how skills-based hiring can enhance competitiveness and drive economic mobility across our great nation.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Happy 2024! For our first Pulse Podcast of the new year, we interview the 2024 NASPO President, Valerie Bollinger, Chief Procurement Officer for the state of Idaho.  We talk about her presidential initiatives: unifying the procurement profession, innovation, and promoting careers in procurement. She also shares with us her aspirations for the impact her presidential year will have on the world of procurement. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Will Camp, Supplier Relations Manager, discusses His offices process in hiring an Intern,  what the day-to-day looks like for an intern in Michigan, process the intern contributed to, and more.For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Sorraia Tavares, Operations Services Division, discusses Her experience with a NASPO intern, the impact having an intern had on her office, what it takes to be a successful intern.For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

David O'Neil, Chief Procurement Officer, and Jody Klevin, Chief Learning officer discuss what North Carolina is doing to attract talent to their state, how to keep their NASPO interns engaged, and the tools that state equips the interns with for the future.For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Ian Fox, incoming Junior at North Carolina State University, tells us about his internship with the North Carolina Department of Administration. We discuss Ian's expectations for the internship, and what he sees next for his career. For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

We talk with Liah Kilgore, incoming Junior at Michigan State University. Liah just completed an internship as a student supplier relationship analyst and discusses what is was like to work at the state level.  For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

We talk with Sawyer McDuffie, second year law student at George Washington University. We discuss Sawyer's internship at the DC Office of Contract and Procurement, and what about the internship appealed to him.For Inquiries into NASPO's internship program please email Shaquasia Barksdale at sbarksdale@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Join host Kevin Minor and Debb Atnip, Manager of Education, Capture and Growth, CDW Government, as they discuss building relationships with procurement officials, navigating government attorney engagements, and staying informed about procurement process changes. *All 2023 NASPO Exchange suppliers received an invitation to schedule an interview on a first come, first serve basis for potential inclusion in the series. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

In this special episode, we interview the 2024 NASPO Board of Directors President-Elect Debbie Damore, Director, Office of Purchasing & Contracting in Vermont, and Thor Vue, Chief Purchasing Officer for the state of Alaska. If you have any questions about the NASPO Board of Directors elections, don't hesitate to get in touch with Maya Griffin, membership engagement database coordinator, at mgriffin@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

Join host Kevin Minor and Mark Mayer, Director of Strategic partnerships at In Time Tec, as they explore building relationships with procurement officials, navigating government attorney engagements, and staying informed about procurement process changes. *All 2023 NASPO Exchange suppliers received an invitation to schedule an interview on a first come, first serve basis for potential inclusion in the series. #procurement #state #education #NASPOPulsePodcast #SupplierInterviews #GovernmentProcurementFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Explore the fascinating world of supplier-government collaboration in our exclusive mini-series on the NASPO Pulse Podcast. Join Jennifer King, President of DiscountCell Inc., as we delve into the secrets of successful partnerships. Delve into building relationships with procurement officials, navigating government attorney engagements, and staying informed about procurement process changes. Tune in for insightful discussions and valuable insights. Don't miss this episode of our enlightening mini-series!  *All 2023 NASPO Exchange suppliers received an invitation to schedule an interview on a first come, first serve basis for potential inclusion in the series. #procurement #state #education #NASPOPulsePodcast #SupplierInterviews #GovernmentProcurementFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Experience the fascinating world of supplier-government collaboration in our exclusive mini-series on the NASPO Pulse Podcast. Join host Kevin Minor and Nathan Frey, ISG Public Sector, as they delve into the secrets of successful partnerships. Explore building relationships with procurement officials, navigating government attorney engagements, and staying informed about procurement process changes. Tune in for insightful discussions and valuable insights!   *All 2023 NASPO Exchange suppliers received an invitation to schedule an interview on a first come, first serve basis for potential inclusion in the series.#procurement #state #education #NASPOPulsePodcast #SupplierInterviews #GovernmentProcurementFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Part II of our conversation, Daniel Glad, (Director of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, Department of Justice) offers captivating stories from his career in law, the second part of the Sherman Act, and more!#procurement #state #education #NASPOPulsePodcast #SupplierInterviews #GovernmentProcurementFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Guest Host, Megan Smyth (Director of Legal Education and Sr. Legal Counsel at NASPO) Joins the Pulse to speak with Daniel Glad, Director of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, Department of Justice. Daniel explains the origins and mission of the PCSF, its role in combating collusion in procurement, and the importance of the Sherman Act. Stay tuned for Part II!#procurement #state #education #NASPOPulsePodcast #SupplierInterviews #GovernmentProcurementFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

In part II, Jared discusses his approach to leadership, the emergence of artificial intelligence in contracting, and Michigan's procurement code, and he plays the world-famous Key-Takeaway-Game#procurement #state #educationFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

In part I, Josh and Kevin talk with Jared about how his team worked to develop their 2022 winning Cronin submission, Competitive Proof of Concept Process. They discuss Michigan's procurement offices being named the #1 in 2019, office culture, theory on leadership, and more! Stay tuned for part II.#procurement #state #educationFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Kevin and Josh talk with friend of the pod, Jaime Schorr, about her new position as Chief Cooperative Procurement Officer. Jaime discusses her new role, how NASPO can be a leader in cooperative procurement and the new initiative to complete a solicitation in 105 days.jschorr@naspo.orgjdescoteaux@naspo.org#procurement #state #educationFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

As we kick off the new year, we're excited to have a friend of the pod, Megan Smyth, join us. Megan is the new Director of Legal Education and Senior Legal Counsel at NASPO. She'll talk to us about her new role, tips for communicating with your attorney general, lawyers embedded in procurement, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.Contact Megan: msmyth@naspo.orgFollow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Josh and Kevin talk with Valerie Bollinger, Chief Procurement Officer, ID, in front of a LIVE audience! They discuss innovative solicitation methods, what innovation means and why it is essential; the biggest hurdles for a procurement office when trying to innovate; creating a culture of innovation, and so much more!Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook

Special Guest co-host and NASPO Senior Instructional Designer Samantha Gerard, talk with Kristi Sligh, Training and Development Director for South Carolina. The gang examines where South Carolina's Certification Program came from, what prompted the need for change, and what the current program looks like. They also discuss what motivates learners and what other states can learn from this process.

In this special episode, we interview the 2023 NASPO Board of Directors President-Elect candidate Valerie Bollinger, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Idaho. If you have any questions about the NASPO Board of Directors elections, contact Maya Griffin, Director of Membership Engagement, at mgriffin@naspo.org.

Josh and Kevin chat about supplier management with Emily Cranfill and Holly Scott, both Procurement Content Managers. We discuss the term supplier management, the knowledge base that NASPO is providing to the procurement office, and the expansion on the terms like supplier diversity, contract management, etc.

Mark attended and presented at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. He shares some of the highlights of his presentation and offers solutions for both professionals in the procurement sphere and as everyday individuals to help combat climate change. NASPO Resources; Marks contact: Office (505) 827-0472; Mark.hayden@state.nm.us

The Pulse talks with Delbert Singleton, Director for the Division of Procurement Services, South Carolina, and the 2022 NASPO Board President. Delbert discusses his Priorities as  Board President, as well as some of the biggest challenges for state procurement this year.

Josh and Kevin look back on 2021, discussing their favorite moments, and look ahead to 2022 as NASPO celebrates its 75th anniversary. 

The Pulse podcast talks with Russell Porter, a senior executive for the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), and Dugan Petty, former NASPO and National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) President. They delve into the relationship between NCSC and NASPO, what's unique about government IT, the risks facing digital government, and how CPOs and their staff can mitigate some of these threats. 

We talk to McCall Ginsberg, Deputy General Counsel for the Georgia Department of Administrative Services. We discuss lawyers' relationship to the procurement office, best practices to follow when working with a new procurement specialist, what the procurement office can do to engage attorneys better, and more! Special guest Megan Smyth, NASPO General Counsel, tells us about NASPO Annual Law Institute.

Alaska's procurement office has been going through a centralization process for the past few years, so we asked Thor Vue, Chief Procurement Officer for the great State of Alaska, to discuss some of the challenges his office has faced thus far during the process. We'll talk to Thor about Alaska's new Centers of Procurement Excellence, and we play a new game called the Key takeaways game, where Josh and Kevin each present A key takeaway from the interview. Hold on to your hats!

We keep the fun going Live from NASPO's 2021 annual conference in Austin, TX! Dan May, Deputy Director of Operations, in the great State of Florida, walks us through rating two vendors: Wise Guys Office Furniture and MODSolution Furnishing. We give you the Q&A  from procurement officials and the infamous takeaway game!

Coming to you Live from NASPO's 2021 annual conference in Austin, TX! We talk with Dan May, Deputy Director of Operations, in the great State of Florida, about their Vendor Performance Tracking (VPT) system. Dan provides us with an overview of the improvements and evolution of vendor evaluation. We discuss how performance data provided by vendor rating systems can increase transparency and accountability throughout the contract life cycle.  Our speakers will share their experience implementing an evaluation process and system. 

We Welcome Josh Descoteaux, Procurement Content Manager for NASPO, and the pulses new cohost!Josh and Kevin interview Brandi Ann Willard, NASPO Academic Affairs Manager, about why it's important to offer procurement/supply chain management courses at the collegiate level and how states can take advantage of NASPO's academic affairs program and get involved. 

In this special episode, we interview the 2022 NASPO Board of Directors President-Elect Jaime Schorr, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Maine, and Mark Hayden, Director, Chief Purchasing Officer, and state purchasing agent for state purchasing agent the state of New Mexico. If you have any questions about the NASPO Board of Directors elections, don't hesitate to get in touch with Maya Griffin, membership engagement database coordinator, at mgriffin@naspo.org

We discuss ways of implementing change in an organization. Whether it's be training needs, providing staff support, or retention issues, the concept of change management draws on many different theories from psychology, behavioral science, etc.  Victoria Steeger, Chief Learning Officer of Maryland, and David Gragan, Chief Learning Officer, for DC's Office of Contracting and Procurement explain the responsibilities of a CLO, and how they work to introduce and manage change in their offices.

 Kelly and Andrew take us on their journey over the last few years of acquiring an eProcurement system. We'll talk about the unique Kaizen events they held with state agencies, why Kelly calls this an agency-driven solution, the concept of “competitive dialog,” and so much more!

Today we're talking cybersecurity with Meredith Ward, Director of Policy & Research at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). We examine NASCIO and NASPO's new joint publication, “Buyer Be Aware…Integrating Cybersecurity into the Acquisition Process," which addresses steps state governments should take to ensure cybersecurity is an integral part of the acquisition process. Meredith, Amanda, and I briefly examine NASCIO and NASPOs relationship, the relationship of the CIO and CPO, and why cybersecurity is important to the state procurement office.

We talk with Rachel Dougherty, Enterprise Contracts Counsel, who manages the Professional/Technical Contracts team for the Minnesota Office of State Procurement.  Rachel and her team partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to come up with an innovative RFP.  Based on NASPS's new case study, "Minnesota Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Challenge" (link below), we discuss early interagency collaboration between MDOT and MN OSP and look at some of the challenges the team initially faced and how they overcame them. NASPO's new case study.Minnesota Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Challenge: A CASE STUDY

Dr. Robert Handfield of North Carolina State University and Dr. Zhaohui Wu or Oregon State University walk us through their work on NASPO's Research report Assessing State PPE Procurement During COVID-19. We discuss PPE shortages that occurred throughout the United States in 2020 and examine the structural influence of state procurement offices on the ability to respond in an agile and effective manner.Download the report here!

We talk with Leah Mcgrath, the Executive Director of StateRAMP. Leah explains what StateRAMP is, the role StateRAMP plays in educating state officials about cybersecurity, and how states can participate in this project. Important Links:Stateramp.orgEvents: stateramp.org/eventsDocumentation: stateramp.org/documentsLeadership: stateramp.org/leadership

We're talking with Matt Oyer, the acting Chief Learning Officer for NASPO.  We discuss his roles and responsibilities at NASPO. He shares his thoughts on the importance of professional development in an association, Procurement U's recent IACET accreditation, the new Pro U Gives Back program, and future projects that we can look forward to.

We discuss Roz’s responsibilities in Florida, her vision for her 2021 leadership role, and what she’s most looking forward to this year within NASPO and the public procurement profession. Roz describes the challenges and successes CPOs have seen over the past year and what Roz sees on the horizon.

In this special edition episode for our upcoming 2021 NASPO virtual Exchange, April 13th–15th, we talk to Bart Lemon. Bart is NASPO ValuePoint's Director of Supplier Development and Global Initiatives. We examine ValuePoint's Emerging Markets Initiative and how the initiative aims to benefit state procurement officials. Bart also gives helpful advice to potential Exchange attendees.

The NASPO Pulse Podcast is back for a second season! Introducing Amanda Valdivieso, our new co-host!