Meet our Team
We are a group of entrepreneurs, innovators, and faith leaders who are committed to discovering new models for ministry and community empowerment through sacred entrepreneurship.
Serial entrepreneur
Eric Hillerbrand, Ph.D.
Founder
Eric is a highly skilled executive with a strong background in leveraging advanced technologies. His expertise extends to board-level operations and working with nonprofit organizations and social services. He has doggedly pursued the vision of EmbarkNow by crafting ‘sacred entrepreneurial’ models combined with practical theology and an interest in maintaining the long-term vitality of communities of faith.
Episcopal priest
The Rev. Matthew Babcock
Partner
The Rev. Matt Babcock is an Episcopal priest serving in the Diocese of Atlanta. He received a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Prior to seminary training, Matt was certified as a 6Sigma process engineer, and has vast experience as a commodities merchandiser and finance executive. Matt has also served in various roles as a lay and ordained parish leader in North Carolina, Connecticut, and Illinois, and holds a certificate from the Interim Ministry Network. Matt believes in empowering all God’s people in doing the work of transformation.
Serial Entrepreneur
Mark Flanagan
Partner
Mark Flanagan has spent his career as a senior executive with a wide range of technology companies. He is currently the founder/CEO of Twin Peaks Consulting, a firm that works with startups and early stage companies to create and implement their market and customer development strategies (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-flanagan-407691). His work with EmbarkNow is focused on ensuring that parishes can connect with their local communities in a way that generates lasting social, economic and spiritual benefit.
Social entrepreneur
John Dybdal
Chief Product Officer
John is an experienced professional who has held key positions in developing and implementing data-driven products and programs to enhance consumer engagement, customer loyalty, and advanced intelligence. He recently founded the Intelligence Exchange and has previously worked in senior marketing and partner development roles at Visa, Rewards Network, NextCard, and Oracle. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated expertise in leveraging data to create targeted marketing strategies and programs for various industries, including finance, technology, and hospitality.
Organizational Change
Rob Muller
Chief Change Officer
Rob has held executive-level positions in higher education and non-profit research and evaluation organizations. Formerly Dean of National Louis University’s National College of Education, he is currently distinguished professor of practice. Rob is also co-chair of the Jane Goodall Institute Global board of trustees
Data Scientist
Keenan Hillerbrand
Chief Intelligence Officer
Keenan Hillerbrand is a data scientist and machine learning specialist who is dedicated to using the latest technologies to develop tools that enhance the lives of individuals and communities. He brings a strong background in deploying graph and machine learning techniques to large, disparate data sets that capture human behavior. As a conceptual thinker and product manager, Keenan prioritizes the needs and concerns of users to help create innovative and user-friendly products. With a passion for improving lives through technology, Keenan is a driven and skilled professional committed to making a difference in the world.