Xavier Hughes

Xavier Hughes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Prokur, Inc., a procurement technology and services company founded in 2022 to help organizations modernize how they manage procurement operations, supplier engagement, and purchasing workflows. Through Prokur, he works with both public and private sector organizations to improve procurement transparency, strengthen supplier coordination, and reduce operational friction across supply chain and purchasing environments.

Prior to founding Prokur, Xavier served as a Distinguished Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Fellow in the Office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where he led research and implementation initiatives focused on generative AI, digital transformation, and workforce innovation. Previously, Xavier served as the first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer in the history of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). In that role, he led the creation of in-house digital products, developed national frameworks for mobility and digital infrastructure innovation, and supported more than 5,000 local governments and public sector leaders across the United States as they navigated emerging technologies and modern service delivery models.

From 2010 to 2016, Xavier served as the first Chief Innovation Officer in the history of the U.S. Department of Labor, where he led initiatives focused on modernizing government operations, improving performance outcomes, and applying new technologies to simplify how government serves the public. During this time, he also served as Co-Chair of President Barack Obama’s 21st Century Modernization Task Force, helping advance innovation, open data, and digital service delivery across the federal government. Across his career, Xavier has worked at the intersection of public policy, technology, and operational innovation, helping organizations translate emerging technologies into practical systems that improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes. He believes strongly in paying it forward and contributing to the greater good through innovation, mentorship, and public service. Outside of his professional work, Xavier enjoys spending time with his children and his dog, Bear and cat, Milo.

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