Terry McKee, procurement director for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), has been named the recipient of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing’s (NIGP) 2025 Integrity Award.
Terry McKee Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
McKee, who has served KCDC for 20 years and has nearly 40 total years of experience, earned the recognition for his consistent modeling of ethical behavior that has shaped and inspired professionals across the public procurement field, leaving a legacy of trust, transparency and stewardship. He received the award July 30 at the NIGP Forum 2025 in Denver.
This is the fourth time McKee has been recognized by NIGP. He earned the Distinguished Service Award in 2022, Procurement Manager of the Year Award in 2017 and Spirit Award in 2013, which is given to public purchasing professionals who have played a significant role in shaping the organization.
“Terry’s expertise and institutional knowledge are indispensable to our organization,” Ben Bentley, executive director and CEO of KCDC, said. “He continues to receive awards from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing because he has demonstrated impeccable ethics and extensive industry knowledge. We are very fortunate to have Terry leading our procurement team.”
McKee has a history of service to the public procurement profession. He is active in the East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA) and currently serves as co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP). McKee is an NIGP Instructor, member of the NIGP Finance Council and senior consultant with NIGP Consulting.