East - Public Knowledge

Melissa Wilson MPA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Practice Lead

Dayton, OH

Since 2023, Melissa has been a practice lead at Public Knowledge®. She is responsible for the embedded services practice, including nonprofit organization relationships, negotiation, budgeting, analytics, specialty grants, and coaching for both projects and people. Her work includes management consulting, strategic planning, training, and project management. Melissa received her master of public administration from Purdue University (Kaplan) and has over 24 years of public procurement experience. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, crafting, and reading. She also serves on the Eaton High School Athletic Boosters Board and volunteers in her community.

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Wanda Pugh-Trice MA, CPPB

Management Consultant

Wilmington, NC

Since 2023, Wanda has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She leads client engagements, optimizes business processes, and delivers strategic solutions that improve operational efficiency and organizational growth. Wanda received her master of supply chain management from American Graduate University and her bachelor of science from Gardner-Webb University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering in her community, traveling, reading, and cooking. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Theresa Webb MA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM

Management Consultant

Palm Coast, FL

Since 2021, Theresa has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She supports the assessment and transformation of procurement and warehouse operations and delivers specialized training to improve efficiency and quality. Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on management from American Public University. When not working, she enjoys spending time at the beach and running.

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Alafia Johnson CIA

Management Consultant

Gate City, VA

Since 2022, Alafia has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. He manages consulting engagements, leads transformation projects, conducts data and spend analysis, and develops policies, procedures, and operational improvements for public sector clients. He has led more than 50 engagements and supports complex, high-visibility initiatives across state and local governments. Alafia received his bachelor of science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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Laura Jones CLGPO, NCCM

Management Consultant

Emerald Isle, NC

Since 2025, Laura has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge® with over 25 years of public sector experience. She is responsible for preparing statewide term contracts, processing contractual amendments, and managing complex information technology projects, as well as overseeing the day-to-day procurement process and warehouse operations. When not working, she enjoys running, boating, and spending time with her dog, Buster.

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John Stevens CPM

Management Consultant

Lexington, SC

Since 2022, John has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. He manages turnkey solicitation processing, from requirements development through facilitation of meetings during and after solicitations, ensuring clear communication between clients and vendors. When not working, he enjoys hiking in the mountains and listening to music from days gone by.

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Aaliyah James MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Management Consultant

Ocala, FL

Since 2024, Aaliyah has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She advises clients on procurement strategy, develops solicitations, facilitates evaluations, and supports each phase of the procurement lifecycle. Aaliyah received her master’s degree from Columbia Southern University. When not working, she enjoys traveling to tropical destinations, spending time at the beach, and getting lost in a good book.

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Roxana Siaca-Jones CPPB

Management Consultant

Fern Park, FL

Since 2025, Roxana has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She provides expert support to clients under the embedded services practice. Roxana received her associate in arts from Seminole State College and earned her Certified Professional Public Buyer certification from UPPCC in 2018. When not working, she enjoys traveling in her RV and spending time with her family, always on the lookout for the next great destination and a good coffee or chocolate stop.

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Sophie Kaye JD

Management Consultant

Barre, VT

Since 2025, Sophie has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®, focusing on projects supporting child welfare initiatives. She brings over 10 years of experience working with state agencies, family courts, and communities on child welfare practice models, the Family First Prevention Services Act, evidence-based practice, Continuous Quality Improvement, and restorative justice. Her background also includes policy development, direct service with children and families, and implementation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic grants, Medicaid state plan amendments, and waivers.

Sophie is passionate about engaging people with lived experience and collaborating with service providers and tribal communities. She holds a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and is pursuing a Master of Social Work from Boston University. When not working, Sophie enjoys time with her partner, friends, and pets, being near the water, listening to music, dancing, and traveling.

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Our Team: East

Melissa Wilson MPA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Practice Lead

Wanda Pugh-Trice MA, CPPB

Management Consultant

Theresa Webb MA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM

Management Consultant

Alafia Johnson CIA

Management Consultant

Laura Jones CLGPO, NCCM

Management Consultant

John Stevens CPM

Management Consultant

Aaliyah James MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

Management Consultant

Roxana Siaca-Jones CPPB

Management Consultant

Sophie Kaye JD

Management Consultant