Brent Dirden
Houston,TX
Summary
Policy-driven executive with 15+ years of experience advancing equitable workforce systems, second-chance employment, municipal collaboration, and community-centered operational strategy. Led a workforce model employing over 100 returning citizens, with 20+ advancing into leadership roles. Brings a hybrid background of executive management, policy alignment, regulatory navigation, and lived experience—aligned with missions centered on racial equity and economic mobility.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial Business Developer
The Urban Foresters
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Interpreted codes and environmental policies for municipal, HOA, and commercial compliance.
- Worked with city staff, inspectors, risk managers, and engineers on regulated land-management projects.
Founder & CEO
Trash N Dash, LLC
01.2010 - 11.2024
- Built a second-chance hiring ecosystem—70% returning-citizen workforce, 100+ hires, 20+ promoted.
- Partnered with probation offices, reentry programs, shelters, churches, and community leaders.
- Created equitable hiring, training, mobility, and support systems addressing structural barriers.
- Navigated municipal permits, environmental regulations, OSHA, and multi-sector compliance.
- Advocated informally with public agencies regarding economic mobility and regulatory burdens.
Education
No Degree - HBCU Coursework
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TXBachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
New England College of Business And Finance
Boston, MA12-2014
Skills
- Policy Interpretation
- Economic Mobility
- Workforce Development
- Government Relations
- DEI Leadership
- Regulatory Navigation
- Strategic Planning
- Public Affairs
- Community Engagement
- Program Implementation
Websites
Certification
- Certified Scrum Master
- Executive Leadership Workshops
- Policy Research Training
Timeline
Commercial Business Developer
The Urban Foresters
11.2024 - 12.2025
Founder & CEO
Trash N Dash, LLC
01.2010 - 11.2024
No Degree - HBCU Coursework
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
New England College of Business And Finance