Transformational leader with over 20 years of global experience across every indirect procurement category. Currently serving as a Director at Gilead Sciences, Marla leads enterprise-wide IT procurement initiatives, supplier rationalization, and managed service provider transitions that deliver multimillion-dollar savings and operational efficiencies. Actively delivering on multiple enterprise teams, including contributions to AI governance and sourcing strategies.
Her career spans leadership roles at Kite Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, ChainIQ, Avis Budget Group, and Verizon where she consistently built high-performing teams, and elevated procurement’s role as a trusted business partner. Marla is known for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, drive collaboration, and deliver Impactful results.
A mentor and advocate for colleagues in STEM and procurement, Marla serves on the Women@Gilead SoCal Leadership Team and contributes to the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and Society of Women Engineers. She holds an MBA from the University of Richmond and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech.
March 10, 2026
9:30 AM Keynote Panel: Preparing For The AI Shift: How Will Emerging Technology Reshape Procurement
AI is actively transforming how procurement, and the entire company, operates. In this forward-looking keynote panel, procurement leaders will explore how AI is revolutionizing procurement and what’s coming next. Discover how to leverage AI for faster decisions, smarter operations, and stronger business value
Key takeaways:
- Looking at current AI capabilities and how they’re already enhancing procurement workflows
- Reviewing upcoming AI advancements that could redefine sourcing, contracts, and risk
- Assessing potential challenges and risks related to AI
- Managing stakeholder expectations within legal, risk and compliance constraints
- Predicting the impact AI applications will have on our future
March 11, 2025
8:50 AM Keynote Debate: Is The Procurement Function Ready To Be Completely Automated?
AI is a true game changer in procurement but how far should it go? Through this exciting keynote debate, leading experts will face off on one of the industry’s biggest questions: is procurement ready to be fully automated or is a human touch still necessary?
Key takeaways:
- Imagining what a fully automated procurement function would look like
- Making the case for embracing AI to boost speed, scale, and strategic value
- Exploring what can be lost if AI becomes too big of a role within procurement
- Looking to the future on where procurement is heading
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Marla.
Download The Latest Agenda