Kristen M. Hickey
Wex Inc.
Reno,NV
25
years of professional experience
Strategic program development leader with over 20 years in Corporate Supply Chain Responsibility Programs that enhance value for corporations and diverse suppliers. Expertise in developing partnerships to achieve goals, driving brand recognition, and fostering supplier recruitment and training initiatives. Skilled in engaging cross-functional teams and employee resource groups to promote inclusive purchasing practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Work History
Supplier Inclusion Manager
2 Years 11 Months- Architected and launched a comprehensive Supplier Diversity program from the ground up, driving program maturity and successfully doubling total diverse vendor spend.
- Spearheaded organization-wide inclusion initiatives by delivering 11 specialized training sessions for procurement teams and launching awareness campaigns that reached over 5,500 employees, significantly driving internal adoption and program engagement.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to inform strategic decision-making and optimize operations.
- Cultivated strategic external partnerships with national advocacy organizations (NMSDC, WBENC, NGLCC) and regional chambers of commerce to elevate corporate brand presence, broaden vendor sourcing channels, and benchmark industry-standard best practices.
Global Supplier Inclusion & Diversity, Manager
3 Years- Launched Supplier Inclusion and Diversity program, developing and implementing strategic road map, spend reporting, and supplier inclusion policies and processes.
- Program Development - Established and began to execute a program roadmap to create a Global Supplier Inclusion and Diversity Program. In addition to establishing traditional Supplier Inclusion policies, processes and reporting, work included tracking diversity programs of our suppliers, and increasing the diversity of the supplier teams that support Twitter projects. Supplier Diversity expense grew by 300% in 3 years.
- Developed supplier spend reporting in collaboration with analytics and finance teams, and aligned annual team goals with strategy and operations leads, measuring and reporting monthly progress.
- Established and managed processes and controls to ensure accuracy and completeness of supplier diversity reporting, including supplier validation, scope of spend, and second-tier reporting.
Supply Chain Responsibility Consultant, Expert
5 Years 6 Months- Managed supply chain responsibility efforts for internal client groups, focusing on supplier diversity, sustainability, and code of conduct compliance.
- Manage supply chain responsibility efforts for internal client groups. Activities included Supplier Diversity, Supplier Sustainability, and Supplier Code of Conduct.
- Partnered with supply chain sustainability to enhance environmental practices in business operations and product delivery, ensuring compliance with PG&E’s supplier code of conduct and completion of annual supplier sustainability survey.
- Launched pilot program enabling suppliers to provide direct 3rd tier reporting to meet stringent audit requirements of California Public Utilities Commission; developed strategy for PG&E targeted matchmaking events connecting purchasers, prime suppliers, and diverse suppliers.
National Supplier Diversity Manager
12 Years 1 Month- Developed Aetna’s National Supplier Diversity Program from inception to strategic business initiative, leading a team of three.
- Strategic Planning/Execution: Established and executed strategic plan to create a world class Supplier Diversity Program. Operating plans developed annually that supported strategic plan and leveraged limited resources. Supplier Diversity expense grew by 60% in 3 years.
- Advanced program from part-time compliance focus to strategic initiative with Board-evaluated reporting requirements, collaborating across organization to expand categories to include small businesses and LGBT suppliers. Established advisory committee, reporting, scholarship, training, and communications components.
- Leadership: Served as subject matter expert on several external panels, chairperson of nonprofit board of directors, and held leadership positions on many internal and external project teams. These activities resulted in Aetna’s nomination as Corporation of the Year three times within 4 years.
- Developed and implemented training programs for internal and external audiences using in-person, web-based, and computer-based training tools, enhancing policy compliance and inclusion with year-over-year improvements.
Education
BA - Communications Minor: Public Relations/Promotions
NY Certificate - Diversity & Inclusion for the HR Professional
Skills
Strategic planning
Project management
Policy implementation
CRM expertise
Report writing
Decision-making
Reporting and documentation
Team leadership
Training and development
Cross-functional teamwork
Goal setting
Relationship building
Communication skills
Affiliations
National
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Board of Directors 2020 - Present
- Disabilities:IN 2018-present
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Washington DC 2006 — Present
- National Minority Supplier Development Council, New York, NY
- The Conference Board, New York, NY Council on Supplier Diversity 2004 – 2006
- Women's Business Enterprise National Council, Washington, DC 2000 - Present
Regional
- San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Leadership San Francisco class of 2017
- Golden Gate Business Association, San Francisco 2013-Present
- Silicon Valley Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, San Jose 2015 – Present
- Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento 2015 - Present
- Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC), Hamden, CT 2003 - 2012
Timeline
Supplier Inclusion Manager
Wex Inc.
08.2022 - 07.2025Read More
Global Supplier Inclusion & Diversity, Manager
Twitter Inc.
04.2019 - 04.2022Read More
Supply Chain Responsibility Consultant, Expert
Pacific Gas & Electric
10.2013 - 04.2019Read More
National Supplier Diversity Manager
Aetna, Inc.
10.2000 - 11.2012Read More
Cornell University
NY Certificate from Diversity & Inclusion for the HR Professional
Read More
Central Connecticut State University
BA from Communications Minor: Public Relations/Promotions
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AWARDS
2016 PG&E Corporation of the Year, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 2012 Minority Business Champion of the Year, US Small Business Administration, 2010 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 2009 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year, Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council