A 2018 Distinguished Presidential Rank Award winner, Soraya Correa was appointed as the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Chief Procurement Officer in January 2015. In her capacity as the Senior Procurement Executive, Ms. Correa is responsible for the management direction of the acquisition system of DHS, including implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the agency. She oversees the work of ten Heads of Contracting Activity that provide operational procurement services to DHS components, directorates, and offices. She has initiated and led several key efforts designed to improve how the 1,400 member DHS procurement workforce focuses as a team on finding the right solutions to enable and support the DHS mission. These efforts include the Acquisition Innovations in Motion (AIiM) framework, including the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL), and the Education, Development, Growth, and Excellence (EDGE) mentoring program. Additionally, Ms. Correa has continued to grow and enhance efforts including the Homeland Security Acquisition Institute, the Acquisition Professional Career Program, the Strategic Sourcing Program Office, and Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

Ms. Correa has been with DHS since its inception serving in key leadership positions including Head of Contracting Activity for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Associate Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Enterprise Services Directorate.

Ms. Correa has also held leadership positions at other federal agencies including the Naval Sea Systems Command, General Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Her accomplishments as a leader are well recognized by the government and industry communities. She has received awards including the Secretary’s Award for Excellence, Management Support Awards, Federal 100 recognition, Public Sector Partner of the Year, Top Women in Tech, and several other accolades that reflect her commitment to the acquisition workforce, procurement innovation, and promoting meaningful communications with industry.