Midwest - Public Knowledge

August Gryparis

Management Consultant

Chicago, IL

Since 2025, August has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She supports public sector procurement by optimizing workflows and providing technical and operational support across the project lifecycle. Her work includes translating stakeholder discovery and audited data into strategic recommendations, policy manuals, and desk guides, as well as supporting the design and administration of MWDBE programs and CPF-funded grants. August received her bachelor of science in health administration and public policy, with a specialization in public health, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. When not working, she enjoys rollerblading around Chicago, painting, welding, and volunteering at her local community bike shop.

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Colin Lanier MS

Management Consultant

Denver, CO

Since 2024, Colin has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. He is responsible for data analysis, dashboard creation, and Python script development. Colin received his master of science from the University of Denver. When not working, he enjoys movies, tennis, and collecting vinyl records.

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Alex Van Dyck

Practice Lead

Chicago, IL

Since 2023, Alex has been a practice lead at Public Knowledge®. He leads procurement transformation initiatives, analyzes spend data, identifies cost savings opportunities, and advises public sector clients on strategic sourcing and operational improvements. Alex received his bachelor of science in industrial and systems engineering from Northern Illinois University. When not working, he enjoys golf, hiking, sports, and spending time with his three kids.

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Mike Thornton CPPO

Practice Lead

Gladwin, MI

Since 2022, Mike Thornton has been a practice lead at Public Knowledge® with over 30 years of experience in public procurement as a practitioner, advisor, and educator. He specializes in procurement strategy, contracting, system implementation, and process improvement, with experience across a full range of procurement methods, including utility-related procurement. Mike also supports training and development efforts, including serving as a co-instructor for the NIGP Learning Lab Series. He is certified as a CPPO (UPPCC) and holds a bachelor of science in industrial technology from California State University, Fresno.

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Melissa Anderson CPPB

Management Consultant

Dallas, TX

Since 2022, Melissa has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. She manages complex IT solicitation requests and monitors vendor performance to ensure contractual compliance and mitigate risk. Melissa earned her bachelor of science in merchandising from the University of North Texas. When not working, she enjoys cooking and pilates.

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Renee Devereaux Mbong MS

Management Consultant

Houston, TX

Since 2018, Renee has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®, with expertise in public sector procurement, compliance, and government consulting. She holds a master of science in psychology with a concentration in clinical counseling from Capella University, and brings a people-centered, analytical approach to her work. Renee has trained government agencies, school districts, and private organizations in procurement systems, ensuring compliance with federal procurement guidelines and vendor requirements. She has also partnered with FEMA and TDEM on disaster recovery grant management under the Stafford Act. When not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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Carlos Torres

Management Consultant

Mission, TX

Since 2022, Carlos has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®, with procurement and sourcing consulting experience across higher education, public multinationals, nonprofits, manufacturing, agriculture, and state and local government in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. He has managed and improved procurement and sourcing activities across more than $200 million in spend, spanning construction, manufacturing equipment, professional services, telecommunications, and MRO. Carlos received his master’s in innovation for business from the Tecnológico de Monterrey. When not working, he enjoys ’70s and ’80s music and spending time with his three kids.

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Jacob Charries CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, PIPS BVA A+

Management Consultant

Goldsby, OK

Since 2022, Jacob has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. He provides specialized acquisition support and procurement expertise throughout the solicitation process. As one of only two A+ PIPS BVA-certified professionals in the nation, he specializes in implementing the Best Value Approach to modernize purchasing methodologies. Jacob received his bachelor of arts from the University of Oklahoma. When not working, he enjoys taking piano lessons and creating pixel mosaics.

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Ashish Patel CPPB, NIGP-CPP, PIPS BVA

Management Consultant

Houston, TX

Since 2022, Ashish has been a management consultant at Public Knowledge®. Ashish is responsible for managing various clients and their project work across different municipalities, counties and states. When not working, Ashish enjoys playing and watching sports.

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Our Team: Midwest

August Gryparis

Management Consultant

Colin Lanier MS

Management Consultant

Alex Van Dyck

Practice Lead

Mike Thornton CPPO

Practice Lead

Melissa Anderson CPPB

Management Consultant

Renee Devereaux Mbong MS

Management Consultant

Carlos Torres

Management Consultant

Jacob Charries CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, PIPS BVA A+

Management Consultant

Ashish Patel CPPB, NIGP-CPP, PIPS BVA

Management Consultant