David L. Ellison
City of Killeen, Texas
Spring,Texas
Summary
Extensive customer service and customer/community engagement experience in fast-paced, high profile and culturally diverse environments. Strong experience working for and on behalf of commercial service, general aviation and reliever airport systems. Considerable experience assisting with and leading efforts to enhance the customer experience of the flying public at various airports; as well as, fostering positive relations between city governments and major airline carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs) and airport related vendors and contractors. Highly skilled in conflict resolution, effective communication, active listening. Collaborative, culturally competent, emotionally intelligent and team oriented and adaptable.
Work History
Assistant City Manager
- Second-in-command of Killeen city administration; executive oversight of Killeen Municipal Airport
- Modeled core organizational values/commitment to exceptional customer service
- Assisted leaders in enhancing coaching techniques for positive outcomes. Facilitated relationship building with external and internal stakeholders.
- Facilitated effective negotiation strategies for Stone Tree Golf Club management contract, factoring in key customer/stakeholder concerns and feedback
- Provided strategic insights and assistance to city manager during annual budget process
- Resolved citywide customer and employee relations inquiries and challenges through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
Airport System Project Manager
- Planning, project management for Planning & Development Division of San Antonio Airport System (SAT & General Aviation Airports). Focus on: superior customer service; infrastructure planning; collaboration and communication.
- Airport system liaison to community; military and regional planning efforts of relevance to airport services. Interactions with airline carriers as required.
Assistant City Manager/Interim Director of Planning & Community Development
- Assistant City Manager for 7th largest city proper in the nation after initial request to serve six (6) month contract term as an interim department head. Senior Executive oversight responsibilities for: Development Services Department; Program responsibilities included: neighborhood revitalization; grant administration; code enforcement and development review processes. Policy development and legislative strategy actions with multiple boards, commissions, stakeholder groups and interagency partners. Recognized catalyst for: improved customer service, valuing inclusiveness and effective, respectful community engagement. Active community volunteer.
- Led complex, high profile, creation of most comprehensive boarding homes ordinance in nation
- Collaborated to create data-driven strategies and SMART metrics for better, proactive use of Federal housing dollars; justified increase in code enforcement officers through better accountability systems
Assistant City Manager
- Invited to return for second stint as 2nd-in-command of city administration. Executive oversight of: Scottsdale Corporate Airport & Airpark; Planning & Development; Human Resources; Parks & Recreation; Library Services; Human Services; IT; Transportation; Citizen & Neighborhood resources; Corporate Communications/Public Affairs; Tax Audit; and Purchasing Services.
- Provided stabilizing leadership as acting CEO after the dismissal of two city managers in a two-year period
- Key member of strategy team that closed $65 million general fund deficit with minimal community impacts
- Catalyst for creation of employee transition center that was platform for dignified treatment of over 100 laid-off colleagues. All conceivable transitional services were provided on a regional basis. Within year, more than 97% of displaced team members were re-employed despite one of worst state economies in nation. Only one unfounded employment claim was filed as a result of reduction-in-force
- Negotiated changes to wireless industry fee structure, resulting in fairer rates and increased revenue stream
- Collaborated with various departments to improve overall city services and address customer/community needs
Bureau Chief of Public Health Preparedness
- Leader of public health emergency preparedness for the 4th largest city in nation. Responsible for disaster planning resources, systems, products and services
- Strengthened partnerships, increased level of supplies provided to community and first responders, enhanced service delivery and community engagement efforts
Assistant City Manager
- Sr. Executive responsibility for: Sugar Land Regional Airport; utility customer service; police, fire, emergency management, finance/budget, IT, human resources, purchasing and other vital administrative services; and corporate communications
- Integrated homeland security efforts and improved emergency management operations soon after 9/11
- Partnered with CFO to create and implement a citywide three-year business planning process with emphasis on increased efficiencies and alignment with strategic plan
- Led politically sensitive Mayor's Advisory Council on Police & Community Relations. Results were a complete operational review of police department by credible consultant team, acceptance of findings by department, city manager, city council and community and implementation of recommendations
- Led city portion of multi-sector, community-driven, Fort Bend County Hurricane Katrina Resource Center.
- Directed city-wide initiatives to enhance community engagement and service delivery systems; instrumental in instituting ongoing community-wide citizen and customer survey feedback systems
Assistant City Manager
- Sr. Executive responsibility for Scottsdale Corporate Airport/Airpark; Intergovernmental Relations, Planning & Development, Transportation, Historic/Land Preservation, Corporate Communications, strategic partnerships and intergovernmental relations. Acting city manager/second-in-command.
- Led effort resulting in creation of new department with focused mission of enhancing services and connection to neighborhoods using existing resources.
- Top researcher & advisor for creation of first ever corporate diversity office for an Arizona municipality
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Directed city-wide efforts to enhance community/customer relations
Education
Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education
Skills
Customer & Community Engagement
Customer Solutions
Airport System Functions & Planning
Airlines/FAA/FBO Relations
Team Collaboration
Emergency Management
Timeline
North Texas State University
Bachelor of Science from Secondary Education
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University of North Texas
Master of Public Administration
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