Dave Ems
Executive Leader in Commercial Strategy, Supplier Diversity, and Global Partnerships | Driving Equity and Innovation
- Role
- Director of Procurement & Supply Chain Management at City and County of Denver
- Location
- Denver, CO, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Dave Ems
Proven executive leader with over two decades of success in commercial operations, supplier diversity, and global strategic partnerships across public and private sectors. Known for overseeing multi-billion-dollar procurement portfolios, revenue-driving retail partnerships, and enterprise-wide contracting strategies that deliver measurable economic impact and equity. Career highlights include global merchant and retail agreements with Fortune 500 brands, the transformation of municipal procurement systems, and the consistent delivery of sustainable growth, operational excellence, and inclusive opportunity.Expertise & QualificationsStrategic Commercial Leadership — Aligning growth, efficiency, and long-term brand positioningSupplier Diversity & Equity in Contracting — Doubling inclusion impact across multi-billion-dollar portfoliosGlobal Partnerships & Merchant Networks — Agreements with 6M+ merchants and major retailers (Starbucks, Walmart, Home Depot)Concessions & Retail Revenue Strategy — Translating global retail models into high-performance airport concessionsContract Negotiation & Vendor Performance — Securing optimal terms, mitigating risk, delivering measurable ROIMarket Research & Intelligence — Data-driven insights to maximize non-aeronautical revenueOperational Oversight & Governance — Enterprise-scale procurement, contracting, fleet, and supply chain leadershipTalent Development & Organizational Growth — Building high-performing, mission-aligned teamsCapital Project & Real Estate Alignment — Integrating procurement and commercial strategy with infrastructure initiativesPublic–Private Partnership Leadership — Structuring win–win agreements across sectorsBrand Sponsorships & Naming Rights — Driving mutually beneficial sponsorships for major venues and infrastructureCrisis Management & Business Continuity — Leading emergency procurement and logistics in high-pressure situationsStakeholder Engagement & Strategic Counsel — Advising executive teams on growth, equity, and operational prioritiesSignificant experience leading teams in highly regulated environmentsCertified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) Lifetime Certification from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
Experience
Director of Procurement & Supply Chain Management
Dec 2022 — Present · Denver, CO, US
Education
Regis University
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting and Finance
Western Colorado University
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Business Administration, Management and Operations
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