The award recognizes leaders who champion ethical standards, supply chain diversity and meaningful access to contracting opportunities for Hispanic-owned and other diverse businesses. Ricardo will be formally honored during the Gala Awards & Dinner at CHCC’s 47th Annual Statewide Convention, Powering the Future, on Friday, August 21, in Oakland.
“Ricardo Martinez embodies the spirit of the John Aguilar Procurement Achievement Award through decades of leadership and an unwavering commitment to expanding procurement opportunities for California’s small businesses,” said Julian Cañete, President and CEO of CHCC. “Throughout his distinguished career, Ricardo championed innovative practices that expanded access for diverse enterprises. His legacy of public service and lasting partnership with the CHCC make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.”
Prior to joining California Strategies, Ricardo dedicated 33 years to public service with the State of California, culminating in his service as Chief Procurement Officer for the State of California and Deputy Director of the Procurement Division at the California Department of General Services. During his career, he helped modernize statewide acquisition practices, led negotiations involving state information technology terms and conditions, and launched major initiatives designed to improve and modernize California’s procurement processes.
At California Strategies, Ricardo draws on that extensive experience to help clients navigate complex public-sector procurement, contracting and business development opportunities throughout California.
Named in 2008 in honor of John Aguilar, founder of Vernon Transportation Company and a former CHCC board member, the John Aguilar Procurement Achievement Award celebrates individuals whose leadership has helped create greater opportunity for small and diverse businesses.
Congratulations, Ricardo, on this well-deserved recognition and on your continued commitment to expanding opportunity for businesses throughout California.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2026
CONTACT:
Lauryn Knapp
(916) 444-2221
lauryn@cahcc.com
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Names Ricardo Martinez Recipient of the 2026 John Aguilar Procurement Achievement Award
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has announced Ricardo Martinez as the recipient of the 2026 John Aguilar Procurement Achievement Award. Martinez will be formally honored at the Gala Awards & Dinner on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, during the CHCC’s 47th Annual Statewide Convention in Oakland, California.
Named in 2008 in honor of John Aguilar, founder of Vernon Transportation Company and former CHCC board member, the award recognizes leaders who champion ethical standards, supply chain diversity, and tangible access to contract opportunities for Hispanic-owned and other diverse businesses.
“Ricardo Martinez embodies the spirit of the John Aguilar Procurement Achievement Award through decades of leadership and an unwavering commitment to expanding procurement opportunities for California’s small businesses,” said Julian Cañete, President and CEO of the CHCC. “Throughout his distinguished career, Ricardo championed innovative practices that expanded access for diverse enterprises. His legacy of public service and lasting partnership with the CHCC make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.”
Martinez dedicated 33 years to public service with the State of California, culminating his career as Chief Procurement Officer for the State of California and as Deputy Director of the Procurement Division at the California Department of General Services (DGS). In these roles, he modernized statewide acquisition frameworks, led negotiations on state IT terms and conditions, and launched major initiatives, including the Non-Competitively Bid Portal, IT Procurement Modernization, Purchasing Authority Accreditation, and Environmentally Preferable Purchasing programs.
The award will be presented at CHCC’s 47th Annual Statewide Convention, themed “Powering the Future,” held Aug. 19–21, 2026, in Oakland. The event brings together business executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to foster economic opportunities across California’s small-business ecosystem.
For more information about the convention or registration, contact (916) 444-2221 or visit www.chcc2026.com.
About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce – The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) promotes the economic growth and development of emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses through policy advocacy, executive networking, and resource allocation. Representing a network of more than 130 local chambers and business associations, the CHCC champions the interests of more than 1.8 million Hispanic-owned businesses across California. For more information, visit www.cahcc.com.
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