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Carla Cobb
VP-Director of Supplier Diversity, 5.3rd Bank
Professional Background
Carla Cobb is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the realm of supplier diversity and strategic sourcing, serving as the VP - Director of Supplier Diversity for Fifth Third Bank. In this pivotal role, Carla is responsible for leading and advancing the Supplier Diversity Program, focusing on expanding spend opportunities and making a positive impact within the local community. Her expertise is shaped by a robust career spanning over three decades with the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), where she cultivated deep insights into sourcing and supply chain management.
During her illustrious 33-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, Carla held various key positions, including the Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager, where she played an instrumental role in designing, managing, and executing elements of the Supplier Citizenship Corporate Supplier Diversity program. With a career characterized by leadership and innovation, Carla has been at the forefront of championing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the supplier community. Furthermore, she was committed to enhancing employee engagement through her role as the Employee Event Engagement Leader for the Cincinnati Music Festival. Additionally, she served as a Programs Director for the Ohio Minority Supplier Diversity Council Board, illustrating her dedication to advocating for minority suppliers and fostering diverse business ecosystems.
Education and Achievements
Carla Cobb holds an Associate's degree in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State, which served as a foundational building block for her professional endeavors. In addition, she furthered her education with a Certification in Real Estate from Hondros College of Business, broadening her expertise and perspectives within business operations.
Throughout her impactful career at P&G, Carla excelled as a Strategic Sourcing Buyer & Supplier Diversity Manager, where her strategic acumen in sourcing was exemplified by her oversight of initiatives for the Global Credit Card Program, Travel Expense Accounting Tool, and Professional Services. Her proficiency also extends to sourcing packaging materials and contract manufacturing services for iconic brands such as Downy Unstopables, Cascade Complete Gel, and Febreze Noticeables. This breadth of experience has allowed Carla to develop key skills in strategic sourcing, negotiations, relationship management, and analytics, all of which are essential to her current role.
Achievements
Carla's contributions to supplier diversity and corporate governance have been recognized multiple times throughout her career. As a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, she positions herself among a select group of individuals committed to advancing supplier diversity within corporate structures. Moreover, her leadership in event coordination—specifically for the Cincinnati Music Festival—highlights her ability to engage various stakeholders, foster community relations, and drive organizational objectives. Having formerly held multiple senior purchasing manager positions at Procter & Gamble, including roles focused on external supply solutions and packaging, Carla has demonstrated a continuous commitment to excellence and a strong dedication to fostering an inclusive supply chain.
In summary, Carla Cobb stands out as a seasoned leader in supplier diversity and strategic sourcing, leveraging her comprehensive background to enhance corporate social responsibility through supplier engagement while supporting minority-owned businesses. Her invaluable contributions to Fifth Third Bank and the larger community exemplify her passion for creating equitable opportunities in the marketplace.
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