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Fostering global workplace connections: Introducing the Second Granicus Culture Ambassador Cohort
Nearly 2 years ago, we asked ourselves a series of questions about the way we connect innovators across Granicus. We wanted to know what would happen if we:
Our exploration and querying provided the foundation for our first Granicus Culture Ambassador Program in 2024, and we are pleased to launch the second cohort of ambassadors this year. The 6-month initiative provides space for engaged leaders to build community while testing, iterating and scaling innovative workplace practices. The impact of this program spans multiple countries and departments. Last year’s cohort produced 15 impactful projects, including improving customer experiences and communications and elevating Agile and program management practices. We even have a new virtual break room where colleagues can work together while listening to focus music.
Building on the theme of collaboration, this year’s ambassador cohort is working on a joint project to cultivate meaningful connections in our global, remote workplace that build trust and advance business objectives. Stay tuned for a midyear update on what they co-created.
Enjoy reading about this dynamic group of ambassadors and advisers and the rich insights and experiences they bring to the program and our global workplace.
Customer Success Manager
Kelly is a Customer Success Manager at Simpleview, now part of Granicus, with 8 years of experience in destination marketing. She began her career in convention sales and services at Visit Syracuse in upstate New York before transitioning to the software side of the industry, working with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across the U.S. and globally for the past 5.5 years. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Kelly now resides in Tucson, Arizona with her rescue pup, Mona. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the bagpipes and is an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Lead Billing and Collection Analyst
Jesmar Cruz Rosario is a Lead Billing and Collections Analyst at Granicus, focusing on Puerto Rico clients. She joined Granicus through the acquisition of Rock Solid Technologies in 2022 and has been with the company for almost 5 years. Jesmar was a key person in the process of the acquisition of Rock Solid, bringing efforts and solutions that would work for everyone, including teams outside her direct organization. Outside of work, Jesmar enjoys going to the beach with her husband and 1-year-old baby girl, watching a good reality T.V. show and discovering new restaurants on her island, Puerto Rico.
Customer Advocate
Jose is a Customer Advocate for Central Region Accounts. He joined Granicus in October 2023 as a Customer Success Consultant before advancing to his current position. Prior to Granicus, he worked as a technical recruiter across various industries. Originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, he earned a B.A. in Social Media Communications and an A.S. in Computer Science. In his spare time, Jose enjoys playing strategy video games, dancing to Latin music on weekends, and watching funny videos. He is a recipient of the Granicus “Powered by Purpose” award.
Manager, Implementation Services
Kristen is a Manager of Implementation Services for Host Compliance at Granicus, bringing over 15 years of experience in the technology implementation space. Throughout her career, Kristen has excelled in partnering with clients to help them achieve their technology goals, from contract negotiation to implementation and client adoption. Kristen leads a highly effective team that encompasses diverse roles related to business processes, support, and training. She is known for her creative problem-solving skills and her ability to exceed stakeholder expectations through her interpersonal skills, cross-functional team leadership, and strategic vision.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee (U.S.), Kristen stays busy with an energetic and noisy household, including her 7-year-old twins (Heidi and Anderson), 4-year-old (Patten), husband (Patrick), and two pups (Charlie and Banks). She loves baking sweet treats, staying active at the local YMCA, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs (lifelong fan, not bandwagon fan), and is always on the hunt for her next favorite audiobook.
Product Marketing Manager
Chandler Bish is a Product Marketing Manager (PMM) at Simpleview, now a part of Granicus, and has been with the company for almost 4 years. Before transitioning to her PMM role in January 2025, Chandler worked as a Business Development Manager at Simpleview. She started her career in destination marketing in 2016 at Visit Macon where she spent 5 years promoting her hometown to visitors around the world.
Chandler lives in Macon, Georgia, with her husband, Brandon, their 1-year-old daughter, Edie, two cats, Binx and Stevie, and miniature dachshund, Gracie. When she’s not working or spending time with family, you can find her thrifting or enjoying a workout on her Peloton (@MrsPeloBish).
Senior Learning and Development Specialist
Antonio is a Senior Learning and Development Specialist, mainly assisting the Customer Experience division. He has more than 10 years of experience working for the public sector as an educator for the Costa Rican Ministry of Education and more than 6 years in the private sector in Learning and Development related positions for companies such as Amazon, Infosys, and Teleperformance. Antonio is passionate about music, playing guitar, and continuous improvement. In his free time, he loves playing gigs, taking dance lessons, and cooking as ways to relax and enjoy life.
Customer Success Consultant
Dino is a Customer Success Consultant (current CRM Analyst with Simpleview) at Granicus, dedicated to optimizing workflows for DMOs and CVBs through insightful data analysis. Originally from Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and now based in Tucson, Arizona, he holds an MBA from Capella University and a business degree with a focus on entrepreneurship from Arizona State University. Dino’s diverse experience includes hosting international study abroad tours and leading operations teams with a commitment to excellence and innovation. He is a devoted husband, father, and NBA enthusiast, passionately supporting the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns. Dino’s professional journey is driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a belief in the power of data to transform organizations.
Customer Success Consultant
Charlene is a Customer Success Consultant at Granicus, serving the West Coast region. With over 10 years of experience in customer-focused roles across technology, insurance, hospitality, and construction, Charlene joined Granicus in 2023 to support digital transformation efforts in the public sector. She holds an ITIL Foundation certification and a certificate in Business Intelligence Analysis.
Outside of work, Charlene is dedicated to giving back to her community. She serves on the board of a nonprofit in Aguirre, Puerto Rico, focused on disaster relief, prevention, and education. Born and raised in Bahrain but of Filipino ethnicity, she now lives in Puerto Rico with her fiancé Jared, their energetic son Santiago, their cat Athena, and two dogs — Luna and Yumi (her angel pup). Charlene is also a proud mom to Quennette Rae, a high school senior.
When she’s not working or volunteering, Charlene enjoys gardening, cooking while tuning into a podcast, and indulging in a good sci-fi show. She’s a fan of live music and loves dancing Salsa, Bachata, and Tango. Right now, she’s learning Bomba and training for her first full marathon in Philadelphia this November!
Senior Customer Success Consultant
Blaine Pinch is a Senior Customer Success Specialist based in Ottawa, Canada. He serves as Canadian Security Officer, member of the Canadian Board, and specializes in Granicus’ Enterprise Grants Management System, while also supporting non-Amanda, Calytera, govService customers. A strong facilitator and collaborator, he works across teams to build strong customer relationships, ensuring their success while identifying opportunities for revenue growth.
With nearly 15 years at Granicus, Blaine is also the events coordinator for the remote Ottawa team, organizing charity events, holiday celebrations, and game nights, helping to keep colleagues connected and engaged.
Outside of work, Blaine is an adventurous traveler and thrill-seeker. He has skydived in Cuba, scuba-dived in Nassau, tackled the world’s longest zip-line (2.9 km) in Dubai, and tried reverse bungee-jumping in Portland. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Blaine is also a twin, born under Gemini.
DevOps Engineer 2
Ullasa Sindhur is a DevOps Engineer currently contributing to the govAccess-Vision product. Originally from India, he joined the company in January 2024. He began his professional journey as a Software Engineer, adeptly handling both development and DevOps responsibilities. Ullasa plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless delivery of software, maintaining robust infrastructure, and implementing stringent security practices. Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic badminton player, engaging in the sport almost daily, and has recently cultivated an interest in table tennis. He has a passion for reading, loves traveling, and exploring new places.
Senior Director, Implementation Services
Shawna Barnes is the Senior Director of Digital Services Implementation (and Chair of the Board for Granicus Canada). Shawna has over 15 years of experience in SaaS technologies, with areas of focus in implementation and deployment, onboarding, digital strategies, market research, and e-learning. In her career, Shawna has been at the helm of teams that have serviced large organizations spanning many verticals (such as Google, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Visit California, General Dynamics Information Technology, to name a few), where her teams have created apps, websites, promotional videos, and conducted change management and corporate training. In addition to working within the Canadian Government early in her career, Shawna has also been immersed into the healthcare/pharmaceutical, education, travel, finance, and technology industries. She is both a certified portfolio and project manager, holding both the Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) designations from the Project Management Institute. As a result, Shawna is one of less than 2,000 individuals worldwide to hold the PfMP, which certifies that she understands the theory behind and has managed portfolios upwards of $1 million dollars over the past decade.
In her spare time, Shawna enjoys listening to music, gaming with her friends and family, walking around a new area in her hometown of Montreal, Canada, or trying a new local restaurant.
Web Developer
Originally from the Four Corners, Jonathan Wells now thrives in Tucson, Arizona, as a Web Developer for Simpleview, now a part of Granicus. With nearly 3 years at the company, he excels in analytics within the CMS Support department. Leveraging a rich background in the education, medical, and oil fields, Jonathan is dedicated to building stronger communities and relationships. In his free time, he enjoys board games, creative writing, music, mountain biking, and disc golf. Embarking on new adventures with his pup, Lyla, he’s always eager to explore and connect.
Customer Advocate
Mars Campbell joined Granicus in 2023 as a Business Development Representative and has since moved up to Customer Advocate. Since joining Granicus, Mars has taken on a leadership role in the PRIDE employee resource group and within the Customer Success department by assisting with training and development of new hires. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her wife and two dogs. In her free time, Mars coaches High School Volleyball, skis with her dad, spends lots of time with friends, and enjoys a good cross-stitch. She is excited to be a part of the Culture Ambassador Program and looks forward to being a part of something that so closely aligns to her values of inclusivity, compassion, and fostering a positive culture. Mars’ favorite thing about Granicus is the culture and work-life balance it enables.
Product Training Lead
Michael Scanlan is a Product Training Lead in STR Services and has been with Granicus since September 2022. Prior to joining Granicus, Michael was an Assistant Professor of Physics for over 14 years. As a physicist, he was published via collaboration 13 times in association with a Nobel-winning project and also collaborated with CERN, among other projects. Aside from normal professorial duties, he also founded a video studio with the aim of providing high-quality, free science videos for the public. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Michael produced free videos almost daily to provide ongoing science education and experiments that could be done at home for elementary-level students (all of which are still posted today).
An accidental social media influencer on TikTok, Michael used his platform to explain and expand science knowledge and created a community of major science communication influencers on Discord. Michael lives in Louisiana with his two kids and best friend. When not working, he enjoys horror, sci-fi, and fantasy shows, movies, and books. His favorite subject is the history of mathematics (and he knows how nerdy that sounds). He’s an amateur photographer and videographer with a love of macro photography.
Technical Consultant
Courtney Crook is a Technical Consultant/Solutions Engineer focusing on website customizations and special projects. She spends a lot of time cross collaborating with different departments, specifically the design, customer success and CRM teams. Prior to Simpleview, now a part of Granicus, she served as a Sales Engineer, Customer Success Manager and Digital/CRM Coordinator across several different industries.
Courtney was born in Long Beach, California then grew up on the plateau of Washington State and now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Outside of work, she enjoys wine tasting and collecting, as well as watching every sport imaginable, but the Seahawks are always on when it is football season.
Manager, Product Training
Brandon Michael Weninger is a distinguished professional with over two decades of experience in program facilitation, communication management, team coordination, and training development. In his current role as Manager of Product Training at Granicus, Brandon leads a team of trainers and is dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace culture.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Brandon continues to reside there with his wife of nearly 7 years and their 5-year-old son. He has a passion for creating things, from home brewing and building lamps to hosting a podcast for the past 6 years.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Brandon serves as the Vice President of the Parent Advisory Council at his son’s elementary school in Chicago. In this capacity, he collaborates with parents, educators, and community stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes and empower parents to actively engage in their children’s education.
Business Development Representative
Monserrat Mora Acevedo is a Business Development Representative for the SMG Digital Team, with a solid background in digital marketing across international markets. Originally from San José, Costa Rica, Monserrat has always been a curious learner, driven by her passion for history and a commitment to understanding global trends, market dynamics, and the complexities of our interconnected world. Her travels, exchange programs, and studies abroad in Europe and Latin America have further enriched her professional experience. This blend of innovation and community-driven passion brought her to Granicus, where she helps governments discover and leverage digital tools to build stronger, more meaningful connections with their communities. And through it all, she’s never without her loyal dog, Nebraska, who’s been by her side on many of her adventures.
Senior Tech Support Specialist
Bob is a client service and marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience delivering results for tourism boards in their online initiatives and leading teams to provide exceptional customer service. Prior to the acquisition by Granicus, he worked at Simpleview for 4 years, most recently as the Lead of the Integrations Team. He is now a Senior Technical Support Specialist at Granicus and is excited to bring his expertise and passion to this global team.
Bob holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia.
He lives in his hometown of Richmond, BC, where he is a proud father of two preschool-aged daughters, who occasionally allow him time to play his guitar between snacks and puzzles.
Project Manager
Jasmine is a govService project manager and has been with Granicus for just over a year. This is her first role in the public sector, making it a significant learning experience, but she has enjoyed gaining insight into local councils and how Granicus supports them. Before joining, she worked as a project manager in the software industry and spent 5 years as a recruitment consultant. Based in Manchester, she loves exploring the outdoors with her dog, Woody.
Business Development Representative
Alejandro joined Granicus in November 2023 as a Business Development Representative. With a background in international relations and business, he thrives on challenges, team collaboration, and fostering cultural connections. Alejandro’s focus is on sales, marketing, and data-driven conversations to drive results and build strong relationships. Outside of work, he is passionate about sports and staying active, whether through workouts or playing various sports. Originally from San Jose, Costa Rica, Alejandro enjoys learning from diverse perspectives and connecting with people worldwide, contributing to Granicus’s vibrant, inclusive culture.
Director, Quality Engineering
Kai Esbensen has been with Granicus for over 5 years now. Not to reveal his age too compellingly here, but Kai brings multiple-multiple decades-upon-decades of experience in the software-quality industry to his role as Director of Quality Engineering at Granicus. A firm believer in and fervent practitioner of the philosophy of servant leadership, Kai spends each and every day convinced that the key to successful management is to hire good people and then stay out of their way. Kai lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, and plays keyboards in a weirdo prog-rock band called Bubblemath (the music of which you probably won’t like, but that’s totally the band’s fault and not yours).
Senior Recruiter
Katherine Grimes is a Senior Recruiter based in Denver, Colorado, and has been with Granicus for 4 years. She began her career as a Recruiting intern in college and has grown within Talent Acquisition ever since. Before joining the SaaS space, she spent 8 years in the food and beverage industry.
Originally from New Jersey, she grew up in Texas and moved to Colorado after earning a Human Resources degree from Texas Tech in 2018. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants, gaming, and going to the mountains.
Business Development Representative
Walter Solano Piedra is a Business Development Representative with over 10 years of experience in sales and marketing, including 6 years in digital sales with international companies across a diverse range of products. In addition to his expertise in sales, Walter has a background as a precision machinist, showcasing his versatility and technical skills.
Originally from Cartago, Costa Rica, Walter is a dedicated single parent who is passionate about continuous learning and personal growth. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and outside of work, he expresses his creativity through cooking. He runs a side business selling and preparing seafood, combining his love for food with his entrepreneurial spirit.
DevOps Engineer
Ashwaq Hussain is a Senior DevOps Engineer at Granicus, passionate about automation, cloud security, and scalable infrastructure. Based in India, he specializes in optimizing AWS and Azure environments, implementing CI/CD best practices, and ensuring high-availability cloud solutions. His ability to drive efficiency through automation and collaboration has contributed to successful technology transformations. A lifelong learner and mentor, he enjoys sharing knowledge and solving complex challenges. Outside of work, he embraces adventure through motorcycle rides, stays active with basketball and fitness, and fuels his curiosity through reading.
Manager, Implementation Services
Sheneka Anthony is an Implementation Services Manager, responsible for ensuring that the implementation processes for Granicus’ Short-Term Rental Solutions projects are successful. She manages a team of Program Managers, Project Managers, and Project Coordinators who are focused on agile and dynamic implementation approach. Sheneka credits her time in the U.S. Army as the source of her passion for helping others. In her spare time, she can be found creating something, cooking, reading, indulging in tea or partaking in a variety of other interests.
Manager of Implementation Services
Nadine de Thomaz is a Manager of Implementation Services for EngagementHQ and SmartGov and has 16 years of experience in the public sector. Before joining Granicus almost 4 years ago, she worked for the Swiss Ministry of Health leading a team responsible for updating policies and engaging with citizens. She has a master’s degree in Swiss law and is passionate about democracy. As a manager, she is deeply committed to valuing personal resources, recognizing that each team member is a precious asset. She strives to create the best possible work environment where everyone feels supported, empowered, and motivated to achieve their full potential. By fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement, she ensures that teams not only meet their goals but also thrive in a positive and nurturing atmosphere. This aligns with the Granicus award “Unified by Generosity” she received. Nadine lives in the beautiful woods of Ontario, Canada, with her wife, Ségolène, and their dog, Naiko.
Director, Learning and Development
Brian D’Angelo is the Director of Learning & Development at Granicus. His 20-year L&D career includes impactful roles in the public sector at both the state of Oregon and the city of Portland, as well as significant contributions in the private sector to giants like Nike, Intel, and Lucent Technologies. He has also held pivotal positions at Emerson Human Capital Consulting and AIRS Human Capital Solutions where his consultancy work allowed him to partner on high-value learning and development initiatives with companies like Deloitte, Vestas American Wind Technology, Equinix Global, Xcel Energy, and BNSF Railway.
