🏆 Each year, the OPBA Annual Conference provides an opportunity to celebrate members who are leading the way in public procurement through innovation, leadership, and service. At this year’s conference, held September 17–19 at the Nottawasaga Resort, we proudly recognized several outstanding individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen our profession and community.
Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award
Recipient: Costa Tsangarakis, City of Hamilton
The Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award honours the legacy of Judy Wilson — a long-time friend of OPBA, partner with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and a trailblazer in the Canadian procurement and infrastructure space. Judy was widely regarded for her mentorship, commitment to public service, and advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
This year’s recipient, Costa Tsangarakis, has made an extraordinary impact in a short time. Since beginning his procurement career in early 2023, Costa has brought a fresh, strategic perspective to his role as Surplus Coordinator with the City of Hamilton. He streamlined procedures, enhanced documentation, and embedded sustainability into every aspect of asset disposal—from batteries and laptops to vehicles and furniture.
Costa’s efforts led to a record-breaking $1.8 million in revenue for the City—$400,000 more than any previous year—and he partnered with IT to implement a corporation-wide process for safe, efficient technology asset disposal.
Beyond his professional achievements, Costa serves as Director of Events for the City of Hamilton’s Inclusive Professional Group, organizing educational sessions and community clean-ups that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. His leadership has significantly increased engagement across the organization.
Costa also shared his innovative approach to sustainable asset disposal in a recent Caveat Emptor article, offering valuable insights to public sector agencies across Canada. He leads with professionalism, creativity, and compassion—and stands out as a true ambassador for environmental stewardship and inclusive leadership.
Dick Brimmel Award for Best Article & Honourable Mention
Named after Dick Brimmel, founding editor of the Caveat Emptor newsletter, this award celebrates excellence in writing that informs, educates, and inspires procurement professionals across Canada.
🥇 Best Article:
Joseph Adekale, Toronto Transit Commission
“Understanding Project Delivery Models in Construction: A Guide to Procurement and Management”
(May 2025 issue)
Joseph’s article offers a clear, practical overview of key construction delivery models, their benefits, challenges, and best-use scenarios—a must-read for those involved in construction procurement.
🏅 Honourable Mention:
Victoria Mirlocca, City of Mississauga
“Navigating Political Pressure in Public Procurement”
(November 2024 issue)
Victoria’s article explores how procurement professionals can uphold ethical standards while navigating political pressures, emphasizing transparency, relationship-building, and accountability.
Principles Certificate Award of Distinction
Recipient: Michelle Rasiulis
Education is one of OPBA’s foundational pillars, and this year we proudly recognized Michelle Rasiulis, Chair of the Principles Working Group, with the Principles Certificate Award of Distinction.
Michelle’s exceptional leadership and dedication drove the modernization of the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program and its transition to the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL). From reimagining course design and updating the textbook to expanding delivery into Western Canada, Michelle’s work has transformed OPBA’s learning experience and set a new national standard for procurement education.
🌟 Congratulations to All Our Award Recipients!
Your leadership, innovation, and service continue to elevate the profession and inspire your peers.