Management Team

As CEO of eCivis, James oversees the company’s strategic direction and is responsible for running all facets of the business. He is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in high-growth companies. Under his leadership, eCivis continues to increase its position as market leader, providing innovative grants solutions to local governments, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to increase their grant funding and support local communities. James holds a bachelors of science in business administration from the University of Massachusetts and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management. James also earned his Six Sigma certification through the Juran Institute.

Dr. Bev brings four decades of grant expertise that includes grant writing, contract bid responses, and organizational development to eCivis clients. She is the author of dozens of grants-related publications, including Grant Writing For Dummies™ and Grant Writing for Educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Spring Arbor College, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan, and an honorary doctorate in business administration from Bridgewater University. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association and has been a frequent presenter at their national conferences.

Sami brings 17 years of technology savvy to the public and private sector. He oversees and manages eCivis’ Product Management, Software Engineering, and Information Technology departments and is the chief architect of eCivis’ grants management software. Outside eCivis, he is an author, blogger, open-source contributor, and a member of the International Association of Software Architects. Sami holds two bachelor of science degrees in business administration–the first with an emphasis on computer information systems and the second with an emphasis on management and human resources, concentrating on organizational behavior.

Jase manages the sales team and is responsible for increasing the company’s presence throughout his region. He has been influential in increasing eCivis’ presence in several states, including Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri and his home state of Arizona. He brings over 10 years of sales and management expertise to eCivis, ensuring that each customer experience is positive and consistent with the service they have come to know and trust. Prior to joining eCivis, Jase worked for several Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Navy.

Jennifer manages the sales team and is responsible for driving growth throughout her region. Leveraging nearly 10 years of sales, operations and service experience, Jennifer connects grants-active organizations with eCivis to increase funding and drive down costs. Jennifer is one of the longest-tenured employees at eCivis and has had the benefit of working in multiple roles in the company, assisting clients at every stage of the grant lifecycle. This experience has provided Jennifer with a unique perspective to understand the needs of prospective and current clients. Prior to joining eCivis, Jennifer attended the University of Wyoming, where she studied accounting and business administration.

Angel brings an accomplished career in local government to eCivis. She developed and managed the City of Raleigh’s grant reporting process and served as a successful federal lobbyist for the city securing millions of dollars in funding. As the Director of Grants Management Consulting, Angel works with local governments and nonprofit agencies to design and optimize grant management processes, while also ensuring that eCivis’ software solutions are designed to meet the needs of clients.  Angel holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Tennessee, and a master’s degree in management information systems from Strayer University. She also completed a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University and a certificate in municipal administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.    

Kirk is the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Fernandez Holdings, Inc. (FHI), and also the Chairman of the Board and majority owner of eCivis. In 2001, Kirk founded Solutionz Conferencing, Inc., now a leading video conferencing and audio visual integration firm. From this success, Kirk expanded into other industries and has consolidated well-run, profitable businesses under the FHI banner. FHI finds and develops new businesses that meet the firm’s investment criteria and works with senior management of its portfolio companies to develop growth strategies, uncover new opportunities, and leverage synergies among FHI companies. Kirk holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Pepperdine University and is an advocate of philanthropic ventures.