Texas governor appoints von Biedenfeld to state council
PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College (SJC) Contract Administrator, Dietrich von Biedenfeld, was recently appointed to the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities (TCPPD) by Governor Rick Perry.
The TCPPD encourages employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities through the State Use Program. Under this program, state agencies and other political subdivisions give purchasing preference to goods and services offered by community rehabilitations facilities that employ persons with disabilities.
“This appointment was somewhat of an accidental blessing,” said von Biedenfeld. “My resume came to the attention of the Governor’s staff, and I worked with the skillful planners and organizers in his office to determine where I could offer my time and talents to the state. My academic and experiential backgrounds are currently most specific to TCPPD. For example, I work with veterans’ organizations, legal organizations, and disability initiatives in my spare time, and all three tie into the mission of the Council.”
In his new role as a council member, von Biedenfeld will work with the TCPPD staff to approve community rehabilitation programs for participation in the program, set fair market prices of products and services offered for sale through the State Use Program, and provide general leadership and direction for these programs, which will enable persons with disabilities to achieve maximum personal independence through suitable employment.
“The chief message of the Council is service,” he said. “All of the members and the Council staff are volunteering to do this work for the public good. We are from different regions, educational and professional backgrounds, and otherwise a diverse group, but we share a belief in working for Texas. All of our citizens can and should contribute to the community, and TCPPD can assist those with disabilities to participate in shared success.”
Ann Kokx-Templet, San Jacinto College Director of Contracts and Purchasing Services, notes that von Biedenfeld will be an asset to the Council as well as a great representative of the College. “We are proud of Dietrich’s recognition by Governor Perry on this appointment and to have him represent San Jacinto College,” said Kokx-Templet. “Dietrich has unique objectivity, energy, and perspective which will help him contribute meaningfully to the TCPPD’s work. The top priority of the College is student success, and this is an opportunity for our students to view the accomplishments of supportive facilitators who possess recognized talents, and are striving to be involved and excel in their careers, while working together for our students’ best educational experience.”
According to von Biedenfeld, part of what makes him a great fit for the Council stems from his legal background and public and private work sector experiences that will enable him to have a unique perspective when approaching projects and program approvals for TCPPD. He also believes his experience as contract administrator at San Jacinto College will also help him provide reliable expertise among his Council peers.
“I think that my international and domestic exposure will allow me to offer a glance at similar initiatives in other countries and states that can benefit the decision-making process,” he added. “While my role with the College is substantially legal, it predominantly revolves around principles, policies, and developments in the field of procurement. This continued professional growth at San Jacinto College will help me to contribute subject matter expertise to TCPPD. It also continues to reinforce my appreciation for collaboration, excellence, accountability, transparency, and community service which are all positive aspects of strong teamwork with my fellow Council members.”
PHOTO CUTLINE: San Jacinto College Contract Administrator, Dietrich von Biedenfeld, has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities. Photo credit: Andrea Vasquez, San Jacinto College marketing department.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, visit www.sanjac.edu, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SanJacintoCollege.