Fear has a way of creeping into even the most seasoned professionals — the fear of falling behind, of not having enough resources, or of navigating change without a clear path. But for Lance Jay, Chief Procurement Officer for General Services at the City and County of Denver, fear has never been a roadblock — it’s been a catalyst for growth. Early in his career, Lance learned that the key to overcoming uncertainty lies not in avoiding it, but in facing it head-on with clarity and accountability. This mindset has shaped his leadership style, where open communication and a team-first culture drive meaningful progress.
Lance’s strength lies in his ability to remain composed under pressure, embracing challenges as opportunities to strengthen both his team and the systems they rely on. He takes ownership of setbacks while ensuring his team is celebrated for their successes. His wife – Amy’s unwavering support and honest feedback have been a guiding force, helping him stay grounded and aligned with his values. Through strategic vision and a deep commitment to continuous improvement, Lance has established himself as a leader who transforms fear into focus and challenges into lasting change.
Driving Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence
Lance’s journey in procurement began in the late 1990s in the fast-paced world of hospitality, where managing the unexpected became second nature. Working for some of the largest names in the industry — including The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott International, and Millennium Hotels globally — Lance developed a sharp ability to anticipate operational needs and deliver exceptional customer service. His transition from the hospitality sector to the government realm with the City and County of Denver allowed him to merge these skills, giving him a unique perspective that balances operational efficiency with strategic procurement. This ability to see challenges from both sides creates win-win opportunities that drive meaningful results.
Lance’s strength as a leader is rooted in three key domains: strategic thinking, execution, and relationship building. His strategic mindset keeps his team focused on future possibilities, constantly analyzing information to make better decisions. His execution strength ensures that ideas become reality — he’s known for working tirelessly to implement solutions and drive progress. Perhaps most importantly, Lance’s relationship-building skills act as the glue that holds his team together, fostering a culture where collaboration and trust lead to outcomes greater than the sum of their parts. Through a combination of vision, action, and connection, Lance has established himself as a leader who turns challenges into opportunities and ideas into results.
Champion of Work-Life Harmony
For Lance, work-life balance isn’t about trade-offs — it’s about harmony. Early in his hospitality career, a mentor gave him advice that continues to guide his approach today: “Work needs to be a part of life, not the meaning of it. You need to be 100% present on both sides — at home and at work.” This philosophy has shaped Lance’s leadership style, where setting clear expectations and creating harmony between work and life has allowed him to thrive both professionally and personally. His approach centers on three core principles: being present through established boundaries, setting clear priorities, and seeking support when needed. Lance knows that making complex decisions early in the day, maintaining healthy habits, and leaning on a strong support network are key to sustaining both performance and happiness.
As the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services at the City and County of Denver, Lance leads a dedicated team managing over $700 million in city goods and services purchases. His team also oversees city-wide surplus property activities and strategic asset inventory management. A key focus under Lance’s leadership is engaging with the SWMBE (Small, Women, and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises) community. In the past 24 months, his team has successfully awarded $242.7 million to MWSBE entities, driving meaningful economic impact and creating new opportunities for underrepresented businesses. Lance’s ability to balance strategic thinking, execution, and relationship building allows him to not only drive operational success but also foster an environment where business and community growth go hand in hand.
Resilient Leader Driving Innovation
Success rarely comes without its share of obstacles — and Lance knows this firsthand. Throughout his career, Lance has faced the challenge of managing burnout while maintaining high productivity, navigating complex problems with limited resources, and striking the delicate balance between personal and professional life. Moments of self-doubt have surfaced, especially when stepping into new roles or facing heightened expectations. Yet, Lance’s persistence, adaptability, and the support of trusted mentors and colleagues have been key to overcoming these hurdles. Staying ahead of rapid technological and industry changes has demanded flexibility and foresight — qualities that have become cornerstones of Lance’s leadership style.
As the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services at the City and County of Denver, Lance has led his team to remarkable achievements. Under his guidance, the division was named the 2023 RMGPA Purchasing Team of the Year and became the first government entity to launch the Workday Strategic Sourcing Module in 2025 — a groundbreaking step in operational efficiency. His leadership has been consistently recognized, including being named RMGPA Manager of the Year in 2019 and receiving the City and County of Denver Department of Safety Meritorious Service Medal in 2021. Lance was also awarded Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff Member of the Year in 2022 and recently featured in CPO Strategy Magazine for his insights on cooperative agreements and working with minority and women-owned businesses. In 2024, CIO LOOK recognized him as one of the “Most Dynamic Chief Procurement Officers Driving Innovation and Growth.”
Lance’s strength as a leader lies not only in strategic thinking and execution but also in his ability to build strong relationships. He fosters a culture of accountability and teamwork, empowering his team to take ownership and thrive. By blending operational excellence with a people-first approach, Lance continues to drive meaningful impact in both the public sector and the community at large.
Focused on Strategic Growth and Thoughtful Leadership
For Lance leadership is rooted in a simple yet powerful mantra: Think big, act small, and be willing to pivot. But at the heart of this philosophy lies an even more critical skill — the ability to listen. Lance believes that while most leaders are trained to speak, read, and write effectively, the true mark of a great leader is the ability to listen — to seek first to understand, then to be understood. This approach has shaped his leadership style, allowing him to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and drive meaningful outcomes with a steady and thoughtful hand.
Lance’s success is not only a product of his strategic mindset and operational expertise but also the unwavering support of his wife Amy. She encourages him to grow and holds him accountable, expecting nothing less than excellence. Her brutal honesty and open communication have been a grounding force, helping Lance stay true to his values and approach leadership with both clarity and integrity.
Lance understands that success in today’s fast-paced world demands more than technical expertise — it requires a commitment to continuous learning and the mastery of soft skills. Lance learned early in his career that adaptability and openness to feedback are essential for both personal and professional growth. He believes that effective communication and leadership are the defining factors that set professionals apart, helping to drive career advancement and long-term success. His approach blends personal ambition with strategic planning, always with an openness to learning and improving.
