Meet the Team

After 20 years in city management Ron bought a small company that provided strategic marketing support to companies who do business with local government. Clients included almost 50 of the biggest names in corporate America, including EDS, PeopleSoft, NASA, IBM, American Express and many more. In 1999 he sold that company and launched SGR which he grew into the largest local government executive search firm in the US; the third largest local government interim management services; and the largest private provider of professional development and training for local government in the nation. He also launched the only business line in the nation providing futurist services for local governments. 

In 2021, SGR took over operating responsibilities for the Alliance for Innovation, a non-profit association of about 150 local governments which exists to promote and advance innovation in local government. During the early days of SGR, Ron personally provided consulting services for numerous early to the market technology platforms to facilitate collaborative bidding and even reverse bidding as well as simply automation of bid processes in the late 90’s when the modern era in public procurement was just beginning. In addition, he helped launch a national collaborative bidding group. 

Ron remains very high profile in local government and speaks at one regional, state or national conference about every 10 days all across the nation. His leadership newsletter has over 40,000 local government officials who are opt in subscribers.

In January 2025, he was awarded Distinguished Membership by the Texas City Management Association Board, recognizing his impact on local government. Ron is writing a book, Procuring the Future, which will be published later in 2025. The book explores the evolving role of procurement in shaping resilient, responsive local governments and draws on Ron’s experience driving innovation in public service.

Al Hleileh is a visionary entrepreneur, civic innovator, and the Co-Founder & CEO of Civic Marketplace. A two-time founder with a proven track record of scaling mission-driven ventures, Al blends strategic foresight with relentless execution to drive impact at scale.

Before launching Civic Marketplace, Al played a pivotal role in leading technology and data analytics at Delivery Associates, where his expertise in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making contributed to a landmark case studies. His leadership in leveraging analytics for actionable insights helped governments optimize performance and maximize impact. He also shaped product and analytics strategy at Spring.

Al’s work in data-driven governance has been widely recognized. His work was featured in "City Heroes: Celebrating Data and Analytics Innovators" by the National League of Cities, highlighting how cities like Fort Worth, San José and Knoxville are leveraging data for efficient, and responsive public services. Additionally, his efforts in Youngstown, OH demonstrated how digital tools can enhance public health messaging and vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. His collaboration with Stanford University on leveraging SafeGraph foot traffic data helped Stamford, CT optimize peak-hour monitoring and vaccine penetration analysis, showcasing how cities can harness analytics for better decision-making.

Armed with an MBA from Stanford, Al has cultivated deep expertise in civic tech, procurement, and digital marketplaces. His data-driven approach ensures that Civic Marketplace not only streamlines procurement but also empowers governments and small businesses with actionable insights for smarter decision-making.

Under Al’s leadership, Civic Marketplace is revolutionizing how communities connect, collaborate, and contract, unlocking economic opportunities through technology and analytics. His ability to blend visionary leadership with rigorous execution has attracted industry recognition and investor confidence, positioning Civic Marketplace as a category-defining force in civic technology.

Recognized as the Most Influential CEO in Public Procurement (UK & US) for 2025 by CEO Review: https://www.ceo-review.com/winners/civic-marketplace/

Deeply passionate about service to others and motivating leaders at all levels, Christel focuses on building communities and keeping the human side at the forefront of project implementation. With a strong track record in government, Christel has worked with elected officials, engaged communities, and created meaningful customer experiences. She strives to empower and connect others with the resources they need to be successful. Her strengths lie in strategic planning and execution, innovation, and empowerment, and seeking out solutions and efficiencies.

As the Senior Director of Operations and Support at Civic Marketplace, Melissa focuses on building efficient processes and creating a supportive environment in a fast-paced startup. Her role involves leading executive operations, managing HR, and ensuring our data security practices are solid and scalable. She enjoys working closely with teams to align efforts and find practical solutions that support our growth and collective success.

Previously, she held leadership roles at SGR, including Senior Director of Executive Operations, Director of Client Engagement, and Managing Director of Executive Recruitment and Human Resources. In these positions, Melissa focuses on improving HR strategies, leading executive recruitment, and facilitating leadership development programs. Melissa has had a successful entrepreneurial journey, co-founding several businesses. Through these ventures, she gained valuable experience in strategic planning, operations management, and delivering exceptional client service.

Melissa has a proven track record of adapting to new environments and contributing meaningfully to team success. She is committed to driving continuous improvement, and working collaboratively to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

Kip is currently Deputy City Manager for the City of San José guiding the execution of the City’s enterprise priorities of Emergency Management and Preparedness, and Smart Sustainable and Reliable City: 21st Century Infrastructure:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND PREPAREDNESS

No issue is more important than the lives and safety of our residents. As the City shifts from an extended response to the COVD-19 pandemic to community and economic recovery, we must continue to prioritize the work of ensuring San José is well-prepared for earthquakes and other disasters, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. As a City, we will do more to be prepared for emergencies and commit to this priority with relentless attention and support.

SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND RELIABLE CITY: 21ST CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE

Competing in the global economy and addressing climate imperatives requires updating our energy, water, waste, transportation, and internet connectivity infrastructure, as well as translating traditional infrastructure such as roads and streetlights into 21st century infrastructure. From the launch of a Clean Energy program, long-term investments in the Regional Wastewater Facility and San José International Airport, and new strategies for Broadband and Digital Inclusion, as well as Automated/Electric Vehicles, we must focus on developing smart, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure to shape America’s next great city.

Kip has an appointment as the City Innovator with the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard (TECH) where he is collaborating on the development of an innovation framework for cities across the globe. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and International Affairs, and a Master’s in Urban Planning. He has studied seven languages and worked and traveled across the globe.

Brian Funderburk, CPA, ICMA-CM, is a former City Manager, CFO, and Interim, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He was recognized as a Credentialed Manager in 2017 by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). With a distinguished career in public administration and finance, Brian has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to excellence in city management.

With a passion for innovative design and a keen eye for detail, Marco Flammini leads our design team in crafting exceptional visual experiences. Bringing years of experience in user interface and graphic design, Marco excels at transforming complex ideas into intuitive and engaging solutions. His leadership fosters a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, driving projects to new heights of excellence. Under Marco's guidance, the team consistently pushes the boundaries to deliver outstanding results for Civic Marketplace.

Project portfolio includes digital products for the BEEK Centre - Georgetown University, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Delivery Associates.

Gianluca is the go-to problem solver who turns strategy into action at Civic Marketplace. With a background in startups and investment management, he integrates AI and refines workflows to drive measurable results in modernizing procurement. His creative approach to complex challenges fuels operational excellence, ensuring that government and private-sector partners benefit from efficient, user-centered solutions that deliver real impact

Mel is a mission-driven technology leader with over 18 years of experience advancing IT and governance across Minnesota’s municipalities and counties. Formerly CIO for multiple cities and twice appointed to the Governor’s Technology Advisory Council, she contributed to the state’s first cybersecurity plan and numerous strategic initiatives. At Civic Marketplace, Mel works closely with agencies and co-ops to understand their challenges, build partnerships, and advance modern, transparent procurement practices.

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Pam Antil brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience in local government, having served as City Manager of Encinitas and Assistant City Manager/COO in Santa Barbara, San Jose, Palo Alto, Ann Arbor, and Rancho Palos Verdes. Her expertise spans organizational strategy, operations, and community engagement. At Civic Marketplace, Pam advises on government relations and strategic initiatives, leveraging her deep public sector insight to strengthen agency partnerships, drive operational excellence, and advance transparent, efficient procurement that benefits communities.

Tim is a seasoned gov-tech leader and mayor of Sherwood, Oregon, with a passion for broadband access and local government innovation. Serving on the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, and the National League of Cities’ AI Advisory Committee, he shapes policy for next-generation services. At Civic Marketplace, Tim leads strategic initiatives that modernize procurement, bridging public-sector innovation with practical solutions that foster trust, transparency, and lasting impact for communities nationwide.

Joe is a seasoned public sector leader with decades of experience optimizing operations, driving organizational redesign, and improving efficiency at all levels of local government. Recently retired as an Assistant County Manager in Johnson County, KS, he has delivered measurable impact through process improvement, budget stewardship, and strategic partnerships. At Civic Marketplace, Joe advises on operational strategy and government engagement, helping agencies realize the impact purchasing has on local communities and the value of cooperative purchasing.

Jaroslav brings over ten years of experience scaling growth-focused products for global brands including Yelp, DAZN, and Mimo. With expertise spanning acquisition, retention, and monetization, he has led teams building digital experiences used by millions. At Civic Marketplace, he applies his data-driven, hypothesis-led approach to optimize engagement and conversion across the platform—ensuring product decisions accelerate the mission to modernize public procurement.

Rachel is a battle-tested strategic communications and public affairs leader with 12 years of experience guiding high-stakes messaging for leaders and organizations across crisis communications, media relations, and policy. She has led communications for mission-driven organizations, hospitals, and public agencies, including guiding crisis responses at Denver Health and holding key roles in the offices of the Governor of Virginia and Mayor Michael B. Hancock. At Civic Marketplace, Rachel connects mission, message, and momentum to amplify the organization's national presence.

Mariann is a global HR executive and compliance expert known for developing values-driven cultures while scaling organizations responsibly. She previously served as VP of People and Culture at Topia, overseeing the full employee experience, from talent acquisition to global payroll. Mariann specializes in organizational transformation, navigating turbulent markets, and managing crisis communications to mitigate risk and ensure compliance across varied regulations. She brings steady, people-first leadership and deep expertise in employee relations to Civic Marketplace.

Joanna is a versatile full-stack engineer and designer with 6+ years of experience building mission-driven digital products across startups, NGOs, and global brands. Proficient in React, Next.js, Webflow, and modern web tooling, she merges technical fluency with design sensibility to craft fast, functional, and beautiful digital experiences. At Civic Marketplace, Joanna plays a lead full stack engineering role, shaping the platform’s architecture and interfaces to deliver seamless, high-impact solutions that foster trust, accessibility, and value for agencies, suppliers, and partners.

Ali is a seasoned technology and AI leader motivated by mission-driven products that create real societal impact. With extensive experience driving innovation in data, engineering, and AI across marketplaces, financial platforms, startups, corporations, and government institutions, he specializes in full-stack development and AI-driven workflows to build scalable, intelligent solutions. At Civic Marketplace, Ali leads the AI Pod, shaping technical strategy, optimizing platform performance, and mentoring teams to deliver smarter, faster, and highly impactful AI-enabled procurement solutions.

Henry is a commercially focused operations leader and former Chief of Staff with over a decade of experience in B2B Tech. He's led operational transformations at companies like Deel and Unai, expertly connecting strategy to execution. A "master generalist," Henry streamlines complex processes to deliver measurable business growth and bottom-line improvements in fast-paced environments. As Revenue Operations Lead at Civic Marketplace, he strengthens systems, data, and revenue functions to amplify the mission.

With over seven years of experience in AI engineering, Usman designs and delivers intelligent systems that scale. His expertise spans NLP, generative AI, and model optimization, with a portfolio that includes chatbots, predictive analytics platforms, and enterprise-grade automation. At Civic Marketplace, he drives the development of AI-powered tools that simplify procurement and elevate decision-making—turning complex technology into meaningful, accessible solutions for agencies and suppliers.

Saad is a full-stack and cloud engineer with over four years of experience building scalable, data-driven systems across startups and enterprise environments. With a background spanning React, Python, and AWS technologies, he has designed and deployed cloud-native solutions leveraging services like Glue, Athena, Lambda, and S3. At Civic Marketplace, Saad contributes to the AI Pod, developing intelligent frameworks and data pipelines that power the next generation of AI-driven procurement tools.

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Aleksandr is a seasoned product designer with over 12 years of experience crafting intuitive, user-centered digital experiences. From redesigning core platforms like RoboForm and GoodSync to shaping government dashboards at Delivery Associates, he brings a deep command of UI/UX, prototyping, and design systems. At Civic Marketplace, Aleksandr applies his precision and empathy for users to create seamless, impactful interfaces that make procurement more accessible, transparent, and empowering for public agencies and suppliers.

Kuda shapes high-impact design solutions at Civic Marketplace, leveraging expertise in communications design, advertising, data visualization, UX, and no-code development. With contributions to TBWA, Delivery Associates, and multiple startups, he blends creativity and user-centered thinking to modernize procurement workflows. By optimizing both front-end design and backend operations, he ensures partners benefit from intuitive, results-driven experiences that help agencies and organizations deliver better services to their communities.