Policy wonk turned
AI founder.
I spent twenty years working in food systems and social safety nets: administering SNAP in Colorado; running a statewide food sovereignty nonprofit; and learning exactly where the system doesn't meet the people it's supposed to serve.
Now I build AI products through Ex Machina Solutions — turning two decades of field experience into software that makes expert-level work accessible. My first product, MissionGrants, is an AI-powered grant writing platform for nonprofits.
I believe the best technology starts with understanding the problem — not the code.
The longer version
Before building with AI, I spent two decades working directly in the systems I now build products for. I administered SNAP programs in Colorado, led food systems policy initiatives, and saw firsthand how operational and political complexity creates barriers for the people these programs are meant to help.
That experience shapes everything I build. When I create a new product, it's informed by thousands of hours of work helping families and organizations navigate these systems — and a deep understanding of where expertise breaks down.
Today I build AI products through Ex Machina Solutions that make expert-level work accessible to the organizations doing the hardest work. I believe technology should serve the people closest to the problem, not just the people furthest from it.
Career highlights
A short version of the last decade. Full history on LinkedIn.
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AI Safety Net Resident — Propel, Inc.Sep 2025 – PresentPublic-private partnerships and AI strategy for safety net programs.
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CARAT Leadership Circle — North American Food Systems NetworkJan 2025 – PresentNational leadership cohort advancing food systems capacity assessment.
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Executive Director — Provecho Collective (formerly Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger)Jul 2022 – Dec 2025Led a statewide food sovereignty initiative with a $5–9M budget; secured legislative wins, grew the team, and pioneered AI-driven approaches to food equity.
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Director of Policy and Communications — Colorado Blueprint to End HungerNov 2019 – Jul 2022Drove successful state legislation, ran statewide policy comms, and managed a $350K Medicaid/SNAP/WIC co-enrollment pilot.
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SNAP Compliance Officer — Colorado Department of Human ServicesNov 2017 – Oct 2019Oversaw SNAP compliance for all 64 Colorado counties and served as federal liaison to USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
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Director of Public Policy — Hunger Free ColoradoSep 2015 – Nov 2017Designed and passed legislation securing $500K for Colorado-grown food in emergency feeding; managed federal relationships and a multi-year CLASP grant on benefits alignment.
Work with me
I build AI products and consult with organizations at the intersection of policy and technology. See my full background on LinkedIn, or reach out directly.
Or email me directly: joel@joelmcclurg.ai