David Reiss
Pierre,SD
Summary
Accomplished government policy professional recognized for promoting organizational priorities while employing strong team leadership and relationship-building skills. Highly organized, detail-oriented leader skilled in tribal, local and state government capacity building, organizational leadership, policy and law analysis and implementation, multi-jurisdictional analysis, program audit and review, and extensive natural resource topical advocacy. Success implementing initiatives across multiple operations with superior organizational and communication skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
South Dakota Municipal League
Fort Pierre, SD
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Advocated for policy and law changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization's goals and objectives.
- Presented regularly at conferences and events showcasing the ongoing works and accomplishments of the organization.
- Collaborated with external and subsidiary organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct organizational focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Built and maintained strong organizational teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
- Advocated for organization mission to raise awareness and support.
- Represented organization at conferences and events.
Executive Director
Central South Dakota Enhancement District
Pierre, South Dakota
12.2018 - 10.2022
- Aligned organizational vision, goals and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently successful outcomes.
- Utilized strong relationships with state and federal contacts to bring new resources and financial assistance to organizational members.
- Grew organizational membership and expanded membership opportunities and service delivery to tribal governments.
- Worked with state, federal, tribal, and local government leaders to develop and administer time-sensitive disaster recovery resources.
- Facilitated organizational meetings, member trainings, and represented the organization in numerous public meetings.
- Served as an advocate for organizational members with state, federal, and tribal authorities.
- Provided supervisory oversight for numerous local infrastructure projects including fiscal administration.
- Supplied numerous members with issue and legislative analysis.
- Assisted member governments to adopt thorough and legally sound ordinances and regulations.
- Conducted organizational analysis that facilitated significant efficiency development and membership service improvement.
- Achieved regulatory compliance with no adverse audit findings for facilities, documentation compliance or safety.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Supervised writing of all grant and public financing applications and checked information for accuracy prior to submission.
- Grew organizational capacity and improved service delivery by sourcing well-qualified employees using new recruitment strategy.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.
Director of Intergovernmental Programs/Policy Advisor
South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations
Pierre, South Dakota
07.2013 - 12.2018
- Position duties included researching complex policy issues in varying topic areas with emphasis on jurisdiction, public safety, land use, economic development, fish and wildlife management, agriculture, and housing. Additional position duties include assessing state and federal programs and policies, evaluation of federal bills and legislative positions, developing reasonable response suggestions and draft policy instruments to represent interests of state and tribal government government programs.
- Position responsibilities included planning and presenting before group meetings of state agencies and tribal governments, engaging in lobbying activities at the State legislature on behalf of tribe and tribal member interests, participating on 5 state and regional boards, drafting bills and administrative rules, extensive networking with tribal, state, and federal government contacts, demonstrating negotiation skills and utilized relationships to create opportunities for tribal governments to effectively interact with state, federal, and local government agencies.
- Notable works included presenting to state legislative committees and tribal councils on various policy issues, planning and presenting various legislative and policy development trainings, collaborating in development of IRS Opportunity Zone designations, establishment of 5 memorandums of understanding for cooperative wildlife management and depredation assistance between state and tribal governments, assisting tribal governments to secure federal grant funds to expand water resource availability, implementation of 3 cross-jurisdictional law enforcement agreements between tribal and state governments, participation in state emergency management pre-disaster mitigation grant application review and policy development to assist 4 tribes to construct tornado shelters, obtaining grant funding to support special events and tribal projects, etc.
- In addition to regular duties the position requires assisting in direction of agency staff and fiscal administration.
Education
Master of Science - Administration
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD12.2018
Graduate Certificate - State Government Leadership Excellence Program
University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD12.2016
Bachelor of Arts - History and Politics
Drake University
Des Moines, IA12.2009
Skills
- Government to Government Relations
- Strong Presentation and Writing Skills
- Strong verbal communications
- Team Oversight
- Grant Writing and Administration
- Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Government Administrative Knowledge
- Legislative Advocacy
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Relations
- Budgeting and Finance
- Report Writing
- Research and Policy Assessment
- Policy Planning and Implementation
- Proficient in MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Publisher
- Negotiation
- Operations Management
Additional Information
Enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Timeline
Executive Director
South Dakota Municipal League
11.2022 - 02.2024
Executive Director
Central South Dakota Enhancement District
12.2018 - 10.2022
Director of Intergovernmental Programs/Policy Advisor
South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations
07.2013 - 12.2018
Master of Science - Administration
University of South Dakota
Graduate Certificate - State Government Leadership Excellence Program
University Of South Dakota
Bachelor of Arts - History and Politics
Drake University