About Gradient solutions

Gradient Solutions is a public-sector professional services firm focused on helping municipalities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other public-serving entities reduce risk, strengthen oversight, and improve decision-making. Since our founding in 2003, we have worked alongside clients to address complex finance, internal audit, data, risk, technology, fraud prevention, and operational improvement.

Every organization operates within its own unique responsibilities, constraints, and realities. Our role is bring experienced specialists to provide perspective, insight, practical support, and customized solutions helping leaders identify the clearest path forward for their organization.

Our Expertise

Gradient Solutions brings financial, internal audit, IT, data, risk, fraud, and forensic accounting experience to complex organizational issues. That cross-functional perspective helps leaders understand what is happening, why it matters, and which practical steps can move the organization forward. The team is adept at combining knowledge and expertise with modern technology to create valuable insights and recommendations to leadership and their teams. Our team includes former executives, finance leaders, internal auditors, investigators, technologists, and advisors who have worked across municipal government, education, nonprofit, and other public and private-sector environments.

Our Commitment

We focus on valuable outcomes, not reports that sit on a shelf. Our work is designed to help organizations strengthen controls, improve processes, reduce risk, increase data confidence, and create a clearer path forward.

Our Philosophy

We recognize every organization is unique. Gradient Solutions believes in building long-term relationships with our clients to better understand their requirements and customize our services accordingly. We realize relationships are built on trust, and trust is not easily earned. Our reputation has been built on looking out for our clients’ interests. We won’t sell you something you don’t need. We win when you win. It is why many of our clients have been with us for over ten years.

Our Experience

Founded in 2003, Gradient Solutions has been in business for more than 20 years and has supported more than 100 municipal, non-profit, educational, and private organizations address complex and diverse risk related challenges. Much of our work comes through referrals and long-term client relationships.

Experience that works alongside your organization

Meet the professionals who bring Gradient’s financial, audit, risk, data, technology, and operational experience to each engagement.

Cal Webb III

CEO & President

Cal helps leaders work through complex financial, operational, internal audit, and risk challenges with practical judgment and a clear understanding of public-serving organizations. His background includes executive leadership, external audit, forensic projects, internal audit, consulting, and CFO-level responsibility across complex business environments.

A Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Texas Private Investigator, Cal has supported cities and organizations across finance, municipal court, utility operations, grants, recreation, airports, convention centers, and other operational areas.

He brings a steady, relationship-centered approach to problem solving, helping clients connect facts, risk, data, and leadership priorities. Cal leads Gradient’s future direction and vision to partner with community minded organizations.

Mail: cwebb3@gogradient.com

Michael Taylor

Director of Operations

Michael helps organizations use data, digital evidence, information controls, and technology governance to better understand risk and strengthen oversight.

As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and licensed Texas Private Investigator, Michael's experience spans more than 20 years across public and private-sector leadership, including data analysis, digital forensics, IT governance, security, third-party risk, information systems, policy research, and organizational operations.

At Gradient, Michael supports internal control reviews, utility billing, data analysis engagements, digital evidence work, and risk assessments. He brings a practical understanding of how people, systems, and processes interact, helping clients see patterns that may otherwise remain hidden.

Michael’s work reflects Gradient’s move toward adaptive intelligence: using real data, professional judgment, and collaborative analysis to improve decisions.

Mail: mtaylor@gogradient.com

Michael Taylor, Forensic Technology Lead at Gradient Solutions

Lorie Lankford

Director of Leadership Services

Lorie helps public-sector leaders strengthen financial operations, internal controls, reporting, and team performance with practical guidance shaped by more than 25 years in local government finance. She is a Certified Government Finance Officer, Certified Fraud Examiner, Texas Private Investigator, and graduate of the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy.

Her experience includes accounting, payroll, accounts payable, budgeting, financial reporting, utility billing, economic development agreement compliance, sales tax rebate monitoring, ERP implementation, mentoring, and operational improvement. Before joining Gradient, Lorie served in finance leadership roles with the cities of Georgetown and Round Rock and later supported local government finance departments through consulting work.

At Gradient, Lorie provides executive-level advisory support and contributes to internal audit and forensic projects, bringing clarity, care, and intelligence-informed perspective to complex finance and control challenges.

Mail: llankford@gogradient.com

Dale Dean

Director of Data Solutions

Dale helps organizations align strategy, technology, operations, and people so leaders can move from ideas to measurable execution. He brings more than 28 years of information technology experience and more than 25 years in executive leadership across private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

His background includes roles such as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Vice President of IT, and Vice President of Operations, with experience leading global IT operations and enterprise-scale initiatives across multiple countries. Dale holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of people and organizational change.

A Certified OKR Practitioner and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Dale supports clients through strategy, innovation, operational improvement, and intelligence-informed planning that helps organizations improve performance and evolve with purpose.

Mail: ddean@gogradient.com

Dale Dean, Managing Partner of Data Solutions

Anita Cothran

Senior Consultant

Anita helps public-serving organizations strengthen financial leadership, long-range planning, reporting, and fiscal stewardship with the perspective of a seasoned municipal finance executive. She brings nearly four decades of experience in public financial management, including service as Finance Director for the City of Richardson and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Frisco.

Her background includes accounting, municipal finance, financial reporting, purchasing, utility customer service, tax, rate modeling, capital improvement financing, financial policy, and organizational development. Anita is a Certified Government Finance Officer and Certified College Business Manager, with a Master of Accountancy from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Texas at Dallas.

At Gradient, Anita brings practical judgment, mentorship, and financial insight to help clients plan clearly and lead with confidence.

Mail: acothran@gogradient.com

Jenny Hundt

Senior Consultant

Jenny helps municipal leaders navigate finance, budget, capital project, tax rate, treasury, utility billing, and internal control challenges with practical experience from fast-growing public-sector environments.

She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Finance Officer, and Texas Private Investigator. Before joining Gradient, Jenny spent more than 21 years with the City of Frisco, where she served in several leadership roles, including Budget Director and Interim CFO. She also worked with the City of San Antonio as a Senior Internal Auditor and Management Assistant.

At Gradient, Jenny supports municipal clients through internal audit, finance, accounting, budget, treasury, and process-related projects. Her work brings together financial leadership, audit discipline, and data-informed thinking to help organizations improve clarity, accountability, and decision-making.

Mail: jhundt@gogradient.com

Jenny Hundt, Senior Consultant at Gradient Solutions

Lisa Haines

Senior Consultant

Lisa helps public-serving organizations strengthen financial management, planning, reporting, and operational decision-making with the perspective of an experienced government finance professional. She brings over twenty years of practical, leadership-focused approach in municipal finance and service to organizations navigating complex fiscal, and operational priorities.

Lisa holds an MBA and is a Certified Government Finance Officer, bringing both technical knowledge and executive-level perspective to her work with clients. At Gradient, Lisa supports organizations that need steady guidance, clear analysis, and hands on help.

Her work reflects Gradient’s people-first approach to professional services helping leaders manage complex financial information.

Mail: lhaines@gogradient.com

Ryan Lofton

Senior Consultant

Ryan helps organizations connect financial discipline, operational leadership, strategy, and communication into practical decisions that move work forward. His background spans executive finance, marketing leadership, nonprofit operations, and innovation-focused technology environments, including service as CEO of Root & Roam Marketing, CFO of STCH Ministries, and Vice President of Finance for Viziv Technologies.

Ryan is a Certified Internal Audit Practitioner through The Institute of Internal Auditors, bringing added perspective to his work in internal audit, data analytics, purchasing analytics, and advisory support. At Gradient, he supports clients and service line leaders through practical analysis, growth strategy, and clear communication.

His approach reflects Gradient’s people-first future: combining financial insight, intelligent analysis, forward thinking and trusted partnership to move with purpose.

Mail: rlofton@gogradient.com

Ryan Lofton, Senior Consultant at Gradient Solutions

Jair Rea

Data Engineer

Jair supports Gradient’s data analytics work with a strong foundation in data science, computer science, and practical problem-solving. A recent data science master’s graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington, Jair joined Gradient in April 2026 and works alongside Dale on analytics projects that help turn complex data into clearer insight and stronger results. His background brings together analytical thinking, technical skill, and a growing understanding of how data can support better decisions for organizations. Jair’s work reflects Gradient’s continued investment in advanced analytics, adaptive intelligence, and practical technology-enabled solutions. Outside of his project work, Jair enjoys learning new technologies and expanding his skills in the rapidly evolving field of data science.

Mail: jrea@gogradient.com

Jennifer Hanna

Senior Consultant

Jennifer helps education and public-sector leaders strengthen financial stewardship, business operations, long-range planning, and fiscal accountability. She brings more than 20 years of Texas public school finance experience, including more than eight years as a Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Gradient after retiring from Georgetown ISD, Jennifer served as CFO for Georgetown ISD, Del Valle ISD, and Liberty Hill ISD.

Her background includes oversight of district business and finance functions, growth planning, bond sales, debt management, budgeting, financial reporting, and operational support. Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Texas School Business Official, with additional experience as an Assistant and Regional Controller, Financial Accountant, and Senior Auditor in corporate settings.

At Gradient, Jennifer brings practical school finance expertise, executive judgment, and data-informed insight to help organizations plan clearly, manage resources responsibly, and support sustainable growth.

Mail: jhanna@gogradient.com

Jennifer Hanna, Senior Consultant at Gradient Solutions

Jennifer Shelton

Operations Support Manager

Jennifer joined Gradient Solutions in 2024, where she oversees a wide range of internal operations, including executive support, human resources, contract management, customer relations, and administrative functions that contribute to the organization's success.

She earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Linfield University in Oregon and spent 10 years working as a registered nurse. Drawing on a unique blend of healthcare experience and operational leadership, Jennifer is committed to fostering efficient systems, supporting collaborative teams, and delivering exceptional service across the organization.

Outside of work, Jennifer has been married for 17 years and is the proud mother of two children. She is actively involved in her church, where she enjoys serving the community and supporting ministry efforts. Guided by faith, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, she strives to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Mail: jshelton@gogradient.com

Board of Directors

Cal Webb III

Cal helps guide Gradient’s vision, direction, and continued growth as a people-first professional services firm. A Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Texas Private Investigator, Cal brings more than 20 years of executive leadership, audit, forensic, financial, and advisory experience to his board role. As a board member, Cal provides strategic perspective on Gradient’s service model, client stewardship, professional standards, and future direction. He brings a steady, relationship-centered leadership approach focused on integrity, accountability, practical judgment, and helping Gradient remain trusted, relevant, and prepared for the evolving needs of the organizations it serves.

Ben Kohnle

Ben brings deep assurance, governance, and public-sector financial reporting experience to Gradient’s Board of Directors. A Certified Public Accountant, Ben has more than 35 years of assurance experience and has served as an audit partner focused on government, not-for-profit, higher education, and public-sector organizations. He has provided audit and consulting services to organizations across the country and has been a frequent speaker for GFOA, AICPA, TSCPA, NACUBO, SACUBO, and other industry groups. Ben has also served on the AICPA State and Local Government Expert Panel, GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement Special Review Committee, and GASB taskforces related to pension reporting. He brings a steady governance perspective, technical depth, and a strong commitment to financial stewardship, accountability, and service to mission-driven organizations.

Rhonda Webb

Rhonda Webb helped Calvin E. Webb II create and found Gradient in June 2003. During her time at Gradient, Rhonda has assisted with outflow data analysis, general accounting and office management, and corporate records organization. Prior to re-joining the workforce with Gradient in 2003, Rhonda was the stay-at-home mother of two for 21 years participating and leading several non-profit activities including the President of the local PTA, President of a local basketball booster club, and many other activities. Rhonda graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in fashion merchandising and began her career in 1978 in the banking industry. Rhonda serves as the Corporate Secretary for Gradient's Board.

Wayne Usury

Wayne brings Gradient’s board deep executive experience across local government, higher education, technology consulting, and organizational transformation. He has served in senior public-sector finance roles, including founding CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University of North Texas at Dallas, and previously held executive roles with three city governments as a CFO and deputy city manager. Wayne also brings significant consulting leadership experience, including service as a partner with Arthur Andersen and regional vice president with Oracle Corporation, where he led major technology and applications consulting practices. His perspective helps Gradient connect financial leadership, technology, public-sector operations, and long-term organizational strategy.