Open To Work
Keith Eakins
Director Supplier Diversity
Lawrenceville,GA
Summary
Strategic leader in Supplier Diversity with a strong track record of developing and managing impactful programs across various industries. Expertise expanding supplier base and enhancing stakeholder engagement to drive business success. Proficient in aligning diversity initiatives with organizational objectives for measurable outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
Smurfit WestRock
Atlanta, GA
08.2021 - Current
- Scope: Global purchasing groups, Direct and Indirect Procurement
- Developed strategies to expand supplier base of diverse-owned suppliers and established Tier Two spend program, enhancing supplier diversity engagement.
- Tracked and monitored data; presented metrics to internal stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Partnered with procurement, DE&I, sales, and mill purchasing teams to integrate supplier diversity initiatives across departments.
- Corporate members of: GMSDC, HMSDC, CVMSDC, WBENC.
SR. MANAGER, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
CVS Health
Cumberland, RI
12.2019 - 08.2021
- Scope: Retail business services, merchandising and construction
- Led strategy development, overseeing team of three to expand product base from diverse-owned suppliers in retail and indirect sectors while implementing tier two spend program.
- Engaged in WBENC (National) and NGLCC (National) efforts to promote supplier diversity.
- Acted as a corporate member of NMSDC, contributing to networking and advocacy initiatives.
- ), GNEMSDC’s Chair of Retail Industry Group
- Education – Partnered with Roger Williams University School of Business in their Minority Business Development program for entrepreneurs
DIRECTOR AUTOMOTIVE DEVELOPMENT
MCL Jasco
Cincinnati, OH
10.2016 - 12.2019
- Developed strategies for managing onsite relationships, growing business with OEMs, negotiating contracts, and guiding MCL Jasco site managers
- Managed operations across four OEM plants to ensure alignment with corporate objectives
- Partnered with Sales and Procurement teams to enhance collaboration and support strategic initiatives
PRESIDENT & CEO
Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council
Columbus, OH
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Scope: 4 office locations across the state (Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati)
- Developed strategic plan to lead organization, managed organizational budget, provided operational oversight of staff, and deployed community engagement opportunities, achieving 10% growth in Corporate Membership.
- Partnered with corporate partners and NGOs to enhance educational initiatives and expand outreach.
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
Nissan North America
Nashville, TN
04.2013 - 04.2015
- Strategy development – introduced 2nd tier program to internal stakeholders
- Engaged in corporate membership activities with NMSDC to foster strategic partnerships.
- =Personally Serving as Board Member of Regional Council, WBENC (National/Regional)
- Sourcing – ran sourcing events for direct materials & professional contracts
- Data analytics – tracked & monitored data; presented metrics to internal stakeholders
- Outlined procurement and sourcing group objectives to align with organizational goals.
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
Volkswagen
Nashville, TN
11.2008 - 03.2013
- Developed and managed Company’s first supplier diversity program – with a cross departmental focus on Sourcing (ingredients, raw goods), Merchandising (items on shelf) and Procurement (indirect services, facilities, construction, service contracts).
- Conducted site visits to assess and select potential suppliers, focusing on underserved categories to drive inclusion.
- Collaborated with internal teams to raise awareness and understanding of supplier diversity program significance.
- Engaged with corporate members of NMSDC and WBENC at national and regional levels.
- Defined direct and indirect procurement responsibilities to enhance clarity and accountability.
- Data analytics – tracked & monitored data; presented scorecard to shareholders
- Served as a board member for the regional organization.
Education
BS - Business Logistics & Procurement
Alabama A&M University
Huntsville, AL01-1994
Skills
- Supplier partnership development
- Vendor communication
- Program adoption strategies
- Project planning
- Budget management
- Business systems management
- Office Suite skills
- Resource management
- Team leadership
- Technical document composition
- Program management
- Team building
- Staff management
- Stakeholder engagement
Current Residence
Atlanta, GA
Professional References
- Matt Greene, Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, Toyota, matt.greene@toyota.com, (859) 835-0503
- John Munson, President, Strategic Alliances, Computech Corporation, john.munson@computechcorp.com, (513) 608-3784
- Steve Wilson, Safety Director, Graycor, steve_wilson@graycor.com, (334) 224-0658
Timeline
DIRECTOR, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
Smurfit WestRock
08.2021 - Current
SR. MANAGER, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
CVS Health
12.2019 - 08.2021
DIRECTOR AUTOMOTIVE DEVELOPMENT
MCL Jasco
10.2016 - 12.2019
PRESIDENT & CEO
Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council
06.2015 - 08.2016
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
Nissan North America
04.2013 - 04.2015
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER
Volkswagen
11.2008 - 03.2013
BS - Business Logistics & Procurement
Alabama A&M University