The Dig Deep team

The founder of Dig Deep, Tia takes the lead in strategically structuring municipal projects and then matching them with capital funding sources. Known as “the master cultivator,” she is tireless both in her thoughtful structuring of each project and in searching for long-term solutions that meet the needs of everyone at the table. A national expert with 20 years experience in capital grant seeking, Tia holds two master’s degrees from the University of Colorado (Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Clinical Psychology). Fueled by a relentless drive, Tia is devoted to social justice, environmental sustainability, and quite a few other things that aren’t even remotely serious. She always finds time to cheer on her kids’ athletic and artistic pursuits.

With 20 years of experience leading database and GIS software development teams for the utilities industry all over South America, Spain and parts of the U.S., this Brazilian software engineer brings his expertise and passion to the Dig Deep research team. Involved in grants data research, collection and analysis, as well as providing IT, admin and sales support, Fernando helps deliver efficient and effective results to Dig Deep clients. In his off-time, Fernando and his family take all their international cultural diversity acquired over the years — from many international adventures — to enjoy amazing cookouts with friends and relatives.

Cheryl knows grants—strategies, funders, stakeholders, grant readiness, application dos and don’ts—her expertise covers it all. Most importantly, this professional speaker, author and grant strategist has put all that know-how to work securing more than $154 million in grants and contracts for clients over the last 20 years. For our clients, she’s a gold mine. When Cheryl takes a break, she’s on a bike in hilly country with plenty of dark chocolate on hand.

After a three-term detour as an office holder in Michigan’s legislature, Rachel is back at Dig Deep to deliver her 25 years of experience in sustainable development and governance across the public, nonprofit, and health care sectors. There is nothing that gives Rachel more satisfaction than supporting smart leaders as they navigate the delivery of extraordinary results for communities. Rachel is a futurist with a track record of winning strategies and tangible results. Kids, food, bikes, boats, art, and gardens complete her list of favorite things, all of which are better enjoyed with friends and/or family.

Peggy Hawker brings more than 35 years of local government experience to the Dig Deep team. Peggy would tell you that she accidentally discovered local government, but was instantly hooked on this most interactive level of government. She especially enjoys communication with citizens, and assisting in solving local problems/issues. She worked in Colorado prior to relocating to Oregon in 2000. She recently returned to Colorado to be closer to her two children and three of her four siblings.

In her spare time, Peggy enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and playing outside in Colorado’s sunshine. And, she has vowed to learn something new every day!

A CPA by trade, Rachel has her balancing act down pat—managing accounts pay-able, keeping tabs on cash flow, auditing financial documents and more. As Dig Deep’s accounting manager, she keeps our day-to-day bookkeeping in order with precise efficiency. Rachel is originally from Texas, so warm weather is her preference. But during Colorado’s winter months, she and her family are enthusiastic powder hounds.

With 22 years of software development, management and real estate sales experience, Brad helps the Dig Deep team evaluate and implement information systems, technology, and tools to streamline and optimize its organizational processes. Brad is the founding architect of the Dig Deep capital grants database, including multiple iterations developed, pilot-tested and refined since the company began in 2010. When he’s not occupied with building and modernizing technology systems, Brad spends his time exploring, creating, producing and sharing music for all to enjoy.