Blake Ellis
Houston
Summary
Dynamic executive leader with proven expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational change, and performance management. Adept at overseeing complex projects, building partner relationships, and improving organizational performance to achieve impactful outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Chief of Staff
Harris County Precinct 4
Houston
01.2026 - Current
- Oversee all executive functions in the following areas: Administration, Talent, Compliance, and Communications.
- In collaboration with Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Chief of Staff, manage all chief-level leaders (Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operations Officer, etc.).
- Represent Commissioner Briones and the precinct at community events, cross-collaboration with other court offices, and with the 70+ departments that report up to Commissioners Court.
- Reviews operating results of Precinct 4, compares them to established objectives, and ensures appropriate measures are taken to correct unsatisfactory results.
Chief Communications Officer
Harris County Precinct 4
Houston
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversee all external communications for the precinct, including media relations, digital content, strategic/crisis communications, mail programs, graphic design, and talking points.
- Manage precinct communications leaders, like the Sr. Director of Communications, Director of Strategic Communications, and Director of Media Relations.
- Advise Commissioner Briones on messaging strategy for internal and external communications.
Chief Talent Officer
Harris County Precinct 4
Houston
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Direct the organization’s hiring of new team members, including the identification and recruitment of top talent.
- Oversee all HR executive functions, including the performance management of 500+ employees.
- Oversee emergency management and safety for the precinct.
Chief Engagement Officer
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Houston
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Manage all student learning programs, chapter engagement, and regional operations; serve on the Executive Cabinet.
- Supervise staff in the areas of student engagement, honors programs, and STEM/workforce.
- Provide direction and support for 29 volunteer Regional Coordinators, including strategic planning, achievement of annual goals, and assessment.
- Additional roles: Vice President of Student Engagement, Associate Vice President of Outreach and Engagement.
Professor of History
Lone Star College-CyFair
Cypress
01.2012 - 12.2017
- Taught courses to over 300 community college students each year.
- Developed college-wide curriculum and clear student learning outcomes through the History Curriculum Team.
- Provided leadership and vision as chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council, Learning Communities Committee, and Student Transitions Committee.
- Additional roles: Associate Professor of History, Faculty Lead.
Education
Ph.D. - American History
Rice University
Houston, TX01-2011
Master of Arts - Southern History
Rice University
Houston, TX01-2009
Master of Science - American History
Baylor University
Waco, TX01-2006
Bachelor of Arts - History/English
Louisiana Christian University
Pineville01-2004
Skills
- Executive leadership
- Strategic communications
- Change management
- Performance management
- Public speaking
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
Accomplishments
Paragon Award
Custom Section 1
- Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum
- Co-founder, New Leaders Council-Houston
- Past board member, Houston LGBTQ+ Caucus
- Past treasurer, Equality Texas
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Staff
Harris County Precinct 4
01.2026 - Current
Chief Communications Officer
Harris County Precinct 4
01.2025 - 01.2026
Chief Talent Officer
Harris County Precinct 4
01.2023 - 01.2026
Chief Engagement Officer
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
01.2018 - 12.2022
Professor of History
Lone Star College-CyFair
01.2012 - 12.2017
Ph.D. - American History
Rice University
Master of Arts - Southern History
Rice University
Master of Science - American History
Baylor University
Bachelor of Arts - History/English
Louisiana Christian University