Public Knowledge names new CEO and COO

Public Knowledge, a Federal Way, Washington–based government sector consultancy, has appointed Stacey Obrecht as chief executive officer and Kristin Sparks as chief operating officer.

The new executive appointments occur one month after the firm’s acquisition by GLI Group, a New Jersey-based company specializing in assurance, testing, inspections, and certifications for businesses in gaming, IT security, and government consultation.

"Stacey has a history of highly effective leadership at Public Knowledge and before, and a keen interest in the business development and growth of the firm,” said James R. Maida, president and CEO of the GLI Group. "Kristin has been with Public Knowledge for close to 20 years, and there is no better person to run the day to day operations effectively and with her depth of knowledge in the industry."

As CEO, Obrecht will focus on integrating Public Knowledge with GLI’s government solutions business, while continuing to build strong relationships with clients and partners and innovating services.

Obrecht has been with Public Knowledge for the last seven years, and previously served as professional practice officer and marketing director. A licensed attorney, Obrecht was previously the deputy director of the Office of the State Public Defender and acting administrator and CFO of the Wyoming Guardians Ad Litem Program. Before that, she was adjunct professor of law at the University of Wyoming and assistant attorney general in the Wyoming Attorney Generals Office.

Obrecht holds a JD from the University of Wyoming and a BA from the University of Northern Colorado. She is also a certified project management professional (PMP).

"Along with Kristin, I am excited to lead our firm and support the talented consultants that work for us," said Obrecht. "It is truly the most brilliant and dedicated group of people I've had the chance to work with. I look forward to preserving our exceptional employee experience, crafting a workplace environment for the future, and most importantly continuing to provide the highest service to our clients."

As COO, Sparks will work with the firm’s leaders, project managers and staff to drive profitability through scope, resource, and expense management. She has been with Public Knowledge for nearly 20 years, providing consulting to public sector clients involved with healthcare and financial programs and payment systems. Sparks has deep expertise in independent verification and validation, quality assurance, process improvement, and project management.

She holds an MBA from Boise State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the same institution. She is also a certified project management professional.

Founded in 1988, Public Knowledge provides planning, procurement, and implementation services to primarily health and human services agencies.