Edward Welch Appointed as New Procurement Officer for Worcester County
Worcester County, MD - The Worcester County Commissioners have selected Edward Welch as the new procurement officer for the Worcester County Government (WCG). Welch is a military veteran who joins the county team with over three decades of experience. His background includes a 32-year career with Perdue.
Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young expressed confidence in the appointment. "Ed will be a tremendous asset to the County," Young said. "This role is central to our responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and Ed brings the professionalism, discipline, and real-world experience needed to ensure the County consistently receives the best value-from routine operational purchases to complex, multi-million-dollar capital projects. His background, leadership, and private-sector mindset will strengthen our procurement practices and support smart, efficient government for our residents."
Welch brings significant financial management experience to the position. Prior to joining Worcester County, he served as Perdue's sourcing manager for capital expenditures for 11 years. In that role, he managed company-wide sourcing for projects totaling roughly $200 million per year.
His responsibilities included spend analysis and relationship management for various bids. These bids covered areas such as construction, paving, fleet equipment, and industrial refrigeration. From 2006 to 2011, he served as the director of purchasing. During that time, he managed $200 million in indirect procurement and capital projects valued at over $31 million annually.
His technical experience includes writing specifications with internal customers and managing RFPs. He is skilled in evaluating bids and collaborating with risk, legal, and finance departments. Welch has lived on the Eastern Shore since his teenage years.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Salisbury University and an MBA from Wilmington University. Additionally, he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1993, where he led logistics units both nationally and internationally.
Welch is eager to begin his service to the local community. "It is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Worcester County," Welch said. "I look forward to using my prior work experience to help bring value to the procurement operations of this great team."
In his new role, Welch will work closely with the County Commissioners and staff. He will also coordinate with local and state purchasing cooperatives to utilize economies of scale. His primary duties will involve sourcing, contract administration, inventory management, and vendor management for the WCG.
