MEET OUR TEAM

Anthony E. Graves is the Principal of GRAVES CIVIC SOLUTIONS (GRAVES), a private consulting practice that delivers public affairs, community and economic development solutions that catalyze real estate projects, business ventures, and civic initiatives.

An economic development and public affairs executive, Graves has more than 20 years of experience creating strategies to help organizations enhance their relationships with critical stakeholders, build a positive community brand, and advance economic growth. An exceptional facilitator recognized across different sectors for his ability to bring diverse audiences together, he helps resolve complicated issues and strategize about emerging trends in the marketplace and the potential of the built environment. He is a conduit between corporations, local, state and federal governments, higher ed institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Graves is the former Managing Director of Partnerships and Innovation for the University of Colorado Denver where he oversaw real estate, innovation and partnership strategy for the university as a Cabinet official. During his tenure, he created a vision and proposal for the development of an open innovation district in downtown Denver that was designed to spark new companies, create public-private partnerships, advance tech-savvy workforce development strategies, and drive social impact. He also brokered partnerships with Apple, Denver International Airport, Outside Interactive, Inc and cultivated nearly $5M in federal funding and private sponsorship - advancing issues like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and entrepreneurial Ecosystems.

Prior to his service as a Cabinet official for the university, Anthony spent seven years as a mayoral appointed executive in the City and County of Denver, covering regional affairs for the mayor and external affairs for the economic development agency. In those roles, he managed high-value economic relationships and brokered agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. He was part of the team that helped to expand Denver International Airport and lay the groundwork for the National Western Center development in Denver and served on the boards of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Metro Mayors Caucus.

Before his leadership roles in city government, Anthony was an accomplished public affairs executive for Denver’s tourism industry where he crafted strategies to grow state tourism funding. He has provided counsel on public engagement strategies for global events like Denver’s bids for the 2026/2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the 2026 World Cup.

Committed to civic engagement and good governance, Graves has more than two decades of board experience serving non-profit boards; and an advisory board for a publicly traded company. He has served on numerous board committees, including Finance and Audit, Nominating and Governance,Compensation, Executive Search, and Executive. Most recently, Anthony was appointed to the Mayoral Transition Committee for Denver International Airport, the largest economic engine in the region; and he joined the national Advisory Board for Huntington Bank in 2023.

Anthony earned an International MBA from the University of Denver, a BA in History from DePauw University and a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OU EDI). He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and previously served on the University Development and Innovation Product Council, and as a visiting consultant for ULI’s Advisory Services program. Early in his career, Anthony was honored as; a Ron Brown Fellow by the U.S. Department of Commerce, a Marshall Memorial Fellow sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and received the Community Service Award and Alumni Wall of Honor bestowed by the Chancellor at the University of Denver.

Anthony, his wife Sakari and their middle-school-aged daughter Kinley enjoy reading together, running 5K’s and participating in family game nights.

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Jack Wylie is a public affairs professional with more than 20 years of experience helping people understand and navigate state and local government agencies, the legislature, and higher education and consulting for both nonprofit and corporate clients.

Jack is the former Government and Community Affairs Officer of the Denver Department of Housing Stability where he supported engagement with the City Council, other agencies, and the public on the department’s work to respond to and address homelessness and promote the expansion of affordable housing.

Brandon T. Gilchrist is a forward-thinking urban planner and designer dedicated to creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. He holds dual master’s degrees in Urban Design and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado Denver, along with a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management. Brandon also holds multiple professional certifications, including LEED Green Associate, Certified Environmentalist, Certified Smart City Professional, and Project Management.

Marsha H. Barancik is an expert in strategic communications with deep experience in global corporate and government affairs. She develops and executes integrated strategies that help organizations navigate complex challenges — from energy transition and climate change to housing, social justice, and defense. Her work spans high-profile initiatives for clients such as the U.S. Air Force, Johnson & Johnson, and she has advised innovation accelerators, NGOs, and Fortune 500 companies on stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Leabre McNeal, is a seasoned logistics and supply chain professional with over a decade of progressive experience in distribution, transportation, and supply chain optimization across leading organizations including FedEx, Staples, Sysco Foods, and PepsiCo. He also has experience as the Director of Distribution for the Salvation Army’s Mountain Division, where he drove operational excellence by streamlining procurement, implementing standardized processes, and optimizing warehouse efficiency. Alongside his corporate career, he has dedicated five years as a CTE business professor and adjunct faculty at Front Range Community College, mentoring and preparing the next generation of supply chain leaders. With expertise spanning strategic planning, transportation management, and team development, Leabre is recognized as a coach and mentor committed to fostering both organizational and individual growth.

Devin Mason is an urban planning professional with nearly a decade of experience in supporting the creation of sustainable, vibrant places. Most recently, Devin was an Associate City Planner for the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), where he co-led the city’s Shared Bike and Scooter Program and led city involvement in events intended to encourage the use of transportation modes other than driving (such as Bike to Work Day). Devin also co-led the city’s redesign of York Street between East 17th Avenue and East 40th Avenue, a project aimed at making the street safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Tiwatayo “Tiwa” Akinboro is a transportation-focused civil engineer with a strong foundation in transportation engineering, roadway design, and multimodal operations, supported by over three years of professional experience across transportation, land development, and infrastructure design. He is currently completing a Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering at the University of Arizona, building on prior degrees in Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture.

Jordan Aguilar is a project and development leader with broad experience delivering complex capital projects across commercial, industrial, data center, and modular manufacturing environments. He has successfully led owner-side and design-build programs involving mission-critical infrastructure, large-scale utility coordination, and fast-track delivery, including multi-phase developments and high-density tenant improvements.

Tyanna N. Fox is a climate science and sustainability professional and recent Summa Cum Laude graduate from Oregon State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on environmental and climate studies.

Sakari is a results-driven professional with extensive expertise in global clinical research project management, encompassing lifecycle oversight, stakeholder coordination, and process optimization. With a proven track record in managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring data integrity, she excels at strategic planning, recruitment, and community outreach while consistently delivering projects within scope, time, and budget.

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OUR Partnerships

At Graves Civic Solutions, we bring together a trusted network of professional partners to provide a full-service experience tailored to our economic development and public affairs offerings. From real estate finance, special districts, and P3s to architecture, urban planning, and general contracting—alongside comprehensive marketing, PR, and government relations support—our integrated approach serves as a powerful force multiplier. We deliver customized solutions that streamline execution, enhance impact, and maximize value for every client.