After more than 31 years of service to the state of South Carolina, John R. Stevens is retiring from his position as contracts and bids director for Lexington County School District One as of March 31. Stevens joined Lexington District One in 2019.

Of his service to our district, Chief Operations Officer Jeff Salters says, “John’s extensive knowledge of procurement and contracts has been an invaluable asset to our district. His dedication and commitment to our team will surely be missed, and we wish him well as he begins his well-deserved retirement.”

Stevens began his procurement career in the private sector in 1986, working for Fred Gretsch Enterprises, followed by Grumman Allied Industries, then Fluor Daniel Construction.

In 1990, he transitioned to state government when he accepted a procurement manager position with the Budget and Control Board. Over the next decade, he was promoted twice, eventually earning the role of state procurement officer.

In 2014, he accepted a position as division director of contracts and procurement with the Department of Health and Human Services, an agency responsible for an annual budget of $7 billion. He served DHHS for nearly 5 years before joining the Lexington District One family in 2019.

As contracts and bids director for the school district, Stevens oversaw the solicitation of bids for supplies, services and information technology, and established contracts.

Stevens holds a Bachelor of Arts in humanities and social sciences from the University of South Carolina. He also earned a Certificate of Telecommunications Network Management from Midlands Technical College.

He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials and the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. He holds accreditation as a Certified Public Manager.