Meet the Team

Tim Cummins is President of World Commerce & Contracting. He has also lectured in Law at the University of Leeds. For 25 years, Tim has led research and the development of standards for the Commercial and Contract Management discipline, an achievement that was recognised by the Financial Times ‘Market Shaper of the Year’ award in 2019.

Over that time, Tim has been instrumental in developing the world’s only not-for-profit association dedicated to Commercial and Contract Management and continues to work with its 80,000 members in both public and private sector to improve the quality and integrity of trading relationships.

Tim’s inspiration came from a career in Finance and Commercial Management, spanning multiple industries and countries and providing insight to the critical role that commercial innovation plays in delivering business and social value.

Nikki is the Chief Development Officer for the WorldCC Foundation and the CCM Institute, where she is committed to advancing research that underpins responsible change. She is passionate about leveraging insights to influence policy and practice for the professional community.

With over two decades of global experience, Nikki has lived in seven countries, helping organizations develop strategies and curate shared learning experiences through research, events and multimedia campaigns. Her work spans diverse industries in both public and private sector, including Financial Services, Energy, Transportation, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare.

Nikki thrives on building relationships and bringing people together to collaborate and innovate. Currently based in the UK, she balances her professional endeavors with family life alongside her two daughters and a very supportive husband.

Dr. Daniel J. Finkenstadt is the proprietor of Wolf Stake Consulting LLC, an advisory firm specializing in market intelligence, acquisition innovation design, and strategic management. With extensive expertise in public procurement, generative AI applications, and executive strategy, Dr. Finkenstadt provides actionable insights to organizations navigating dynamic operational environments. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, offering tailored solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.

In addition to his commercial endeavors, Dr. Finkenstadt served as an Assistant Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he educated MBA students in enterprise sourcing and led groundbreaking advancements in defense management education. He established the Simulation and Ideation Lab for Applied Science (SILAS), which received the National Contract Management Association’s Innovation in Contracting Award in 2023. His academic achievements include a PhD in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with research focusing on the intersections of marketing theory and government contracting. Dr. Finkenstadt’s thought leadership is reflected in his extensive publications, including works in the Harvard Business Review and California Management Review.

Dr. Finkenstadt’s distinguished military career spans over two decades in the United States Air Force, where he also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Currently serving as a Staff Officer to the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Contracting) at the Pentagon, he leads initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning education, as well as business acumen development for the Air Force. His efforts aim to modernize contracting and procurement processes across the Department of Defense (DoD).

Dr. Finkenstadt began his Air Force career in 2001 as a hydraulics apprentice on KC-10 aircraft. Transitioning into the contracting field in 2003, he has held numerous pivotal roles, including Deputy Chief of Contracting in Afghanistan and Chief of Special Payloads Contracts at the National Reconnaissance Office. These roles highlight his expertise in managing high-stakes procurement operations and negotiating contracts critical to national security.

Dr. Finkenstadt’s exemplary service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the NRO Silver Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of solutions that address both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic challenges.

As a leader, scholar, and practitioner, Dr. Finkenstadt continues to shape the future of defense acquisition, AI integration, and public procurement, leaving a lasting impact on the fields he serves.