Family first
Married to Ann, father of nine. Every innovation I pursue must pass the test: 'Will this make their community better?' Technology should strengthen families, not replace human connection.
Co-Founder & Systems Lead, CivAIgentics LLC
Dr. Steven Sierra Alcabes
Process Engineering Officer for a West Texas city government. Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Military veteran. Enlisted to officer. Two branches. One mission.
I solve operational problems from inside the system I'm trying to improve, sometimes with AI, always with discipline, and never without understanding the people first.
I co-founded CivAIgentics with my wife, Ann Sierra Alcabes, as a family business that pairs process engineering with human-systems strategy.
The journey
I spent nearly 18 years in uniform - Army CBRN, Air Force Public Health - learning that systems either work or people get hurt. There's no room for theater when the stakes are real.
My path to municipal transformation began not in a city hall, but in the demanding environments of military service. Across two branches of service, Army and Air Force, I learned that excellence in operations isn't optional when lives depend on your decisions.
During my Army service as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) officer, I transformed failing programs into benchmarks. My transition to the Air Force brought new challenges in public health leadership, managing medical operations for 281,000 beneficiaries.
In 2024, I made the deliberate choice to bring my expertise to local government. As Process Engineering Officer for a West Texas city, I led the billing audit and revenue recovery effort behind $8.1 million in utility revenue recovered since October 2024, working with the city's billing, utilities, and IT teams. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real transformation came in building the city's first internal Lean Six Sigma program, now fully accredited by the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC).
In the same role I developed the city's AI assistant for residents. In 2026 the assistant was recognized by three award programs: a Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect, an AI 50 Award from the Center for Public Sector AI, and finalist recognition in the IDC Smart Cities North America Awards.
But the work I'm proudest of? Watching people I've trained go on to build great things on their own. Planting seeds that grow into fruitful trees matters more than any single win.
What drives me
Cultural bridge
As someone who carries both Sierra and Alcabes surnames, I understand the importance of honoring diverse traditions. Bilingual, bicultural perspectives aren't nice-to-haves; they're essential for serving modern America.
Service before self
From military oath to public service, the mission always comes first. Every initiative must deliver measurable value. Verified results are what matter.
Technology-agnostic by principle
I don't have a solution looking for problems. I start with your challenge and work backward to whatever actually solves it: custom builds, existing products, third-party tools, or sometimes just better processes. The goal is your success.
The one-person builder part matters because the engineering discipline is visible.
See the technology evidenceMilitary leadership
18 years of service (Army + Air Force). Enlisted-to-officer. Mission-first, systems-driven leadership.
- Service (2006–2024)
- 18 years
- Documented impact
- $1.74M
- People served
- 281K+
- Top-tier ratings
- 100%
Operational command
Large-scale operational command
JBSA-Lackland (2017–2018)
Directed the largest AETC Public Health Flight, supporting 7 wings and 281K beneficiaries while overseeing $78M in public health and safety programs. Delivered $486K annual savings through TB process redesign and reduced unnecessary testing by 75%.
- 281K served
- 7 Wings
- $78M programs
- $486K/yr savings
Strategic readiness
Strategic mission advisory
Whiteman AFB (2022–2024)
Led a 13-member team, managed 40 programs, 140 installation plans, and a $420K budget supporting the 509th Bomb Wing mission; trusted for senior-leader briefs and command coverage.
- 13-member team
- 40 programs
- 140 plans
- $420K budget
Crisis response
Crisis response and emergency authority
Public Health Emergency Officer
Issued command-level public health guidance during evolving operational risk conditions (HPCON/COVID posture changes). Policy under pressure, directly applicable to municipal governance and emergency management.
- Command-level guidance
- HPCON authority
- COVID response
Operational governance
Combat arms governance and deployment
Army CBRN + Deployment
Maintained battalion CBRNE metrics at greater than 90% and created a model TACSOP adopted division-wide. Led a joint battle desk during deployment as Battle Captain for 275 personnel.
- >90% readiness
- 275 personnel
- Division-wide SOP
Career timeline
Whiteman AFB (2022–2024)
509th Bomb Wing strategic nuclear mission. Recommended for Squadron command by Wing Commander.
Goodfellow AFB (2018–2022)
#1 in AETC for COVID tracking. Promoted to Major. Completed DBA and Six Sigma Black Belt.
JBSA-Lackland (2017–2018)
Largest AETC Public Health Flight. $486K annual savings through TB process improvement.
Fort Drum (2016–2017)
Led brigade through USR/Objective T transition. JRTC team applauded as "best in years."
Fort Bliss (2014–2016)
Maintained battalion CBRNE metrics at >90%. TACSOP lauded as model for all battalions. Top 10% of staff officers. Deployed to CENTCOM Forward-Jordan as Battle Captain for 275 personnel.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (2012–2014)
CBRN Officer. Initial active duty assignment after commissioning.
Army National Guard Puerto Rico (2006–2012)
Military Police. Foundational enlisted service before commissioning.
"Systems that work when I'm not there, built under pressure, proven in crisis."
Education and credentials
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Strategic leadership and organizational transformation
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Public health systems and population health management
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
CSSC-accredited program provider - White Belt through Black Belt. Texas's first accredited municipal LSS program.
Want to work together?
Start with the operational challenge your organization needs to address.
Or call 432-315-3734