Fred Armendariz
Fred Armendariz is the President and CEO of Procure America. In this position he has responsibility for all the day-to-day operations of the company including strategic planning, client support services, financial forecasting and marketing. Prior to joining the company, he has held senior executive positions in both the private and public sector, including the service to one US President and two California Governors.
In 1989 Mr. Armendariz founded a technology company and served as its CEO until its sale to a public concern in 2000. While CEO he and his company earned many awards and distinctions including being named to INC Magazine’s 500 fastest growing companies in America, as well as being a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
In 2001 Mr. Armendariz accepted an appointment by President George W. Bush to the US Small Business Administration (SBA). In this position he oversaw the Federal Government’s small business procurement policy, business development initiatives, training and other programs aimed to assist American businesses grow and flourish.
In addition to his duties at the SBA he also worked with Senior White House staff in crafting the President’s Management Agenda (PMA). This project had a focus of bringing private sector best practices to government in an effort to promote efficiency and transparency. His work on the PMA centered on competitive sourcing and procurement programs and policy.
In 2005 Mr. Armendariz returned to California and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Chairman of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC). He served in this position for over 8 years serving both Governor Schwarzenegger and subsequently Governor Edmund G. Brown, becoming the longest serving Chairman of the ABC in the history of California.
Mr. Armendariz is a graduate of the University of Southern California and is active in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He has sat on several private and public boards and commissions including:The Federal Procurement Council, the Presidents Commissionfor Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, Saddleback College, Business Credit Leasing, the Orange County Lincoln Club, and is a retired reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. He resides in Orange County, California with his wife Amy and their 3 children.