De'Sean Helton
Aviation
Grand Prairie,TX
Summary
Strategic and adaptable professional with a proven ability to support high-impact operations, cross-functional initiatives, and emergency coordination efforts. Known for bringing structure to complex tasks, identifying process improvements, and contributing to team success through initiative and sound judgment. Combines a creative problem-solving approach with strong situational awareness, enabling effective collaboration across diverse environments. Demonstrates leadership in action through ownership of responsibilities, clarity in communication, and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns with organizational goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Emergency Training + Exercise Coordinator
City of Dallas
12.2024 - Current
- Developed, maintained, and updated Aviation Emergency Management Multi-Year Integrated Preparedness Plan.
- Designed exercises with the knowledge with respect to FEMA's Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
- Developed the Aviation Emergency Management Training Plan and associated curricula.
- Delivered and tracked Aviation Emergency Management, Aviation Emergency Preparedness & Response, and AEOC Position-Specific Training.
- Facilitated post-incident hotwashes and assisted with the development of After Action Reports (AAR's), Correction Action Plans, and Improvement Plans.
- Coordinated with Federal, State, and private partners to schedule/host regional NIMS/ICS trainings.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
- Leveraged interpersonal and cross-functional leadership skills to manage internal and external stakeholder engagement for preparedness initiatives.
- Monitored and tracked Emergency Management and other Department of Aviation Emergency Management-specific and Airport Emergency Operations training.
- Coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security, Airlines, and other external stakeholders for training and exercise engagement.
- Assisted with the development and maintenance of the Airport Emergency Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and other Airport Emergency/Preparedness Plans as assigned.
Senior Emergency Management Specialist
City of Dallas
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Designed and facilitated emergency training and tabletop exercises to enhance preparedness, assess response protocols, evaluate readiness, and identify areas for improvement.
- Coordinated disaster response activities, ensuring effective crisis management through strategic planning and seamless communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensured that all response plans align with federal, state, and local regulations; conducting regular reviews to update protocols in line with evolving aviation industry standards.
- Tracked and maintained records of emergency management-specific training, logging continuing education and certification requirements for Department of Aviation personnel.
- Assumed the role of primary point of contact and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manager in the absence of the designated manager.
- Conducted thorough post-event evaluations that informed future planning strategies for improved response capabilities.
- Evaluated emergency management policies, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
- Implemented new technology solutions that streamlined data sharing within the organization further supporting efficient decision-making processes.
- Facilitated emergency management training for staff and conducted emergency drills.
- Kept informed of activities or changes that could affect likelihood of emergencies, factors that could affect response efforts and details of plan implementation.
- Built and strengthened relationships to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.
Airside Operations Coordinator III
City of Charlotte Aviation Department
10.2018 - 04.2023
- Conducted airfield inspections to ensure compliance with Part 139 & TSR 1542 regulations, addressing safety risks.
- Coordinated response efforts across multiple departments to ensure efficient incident management during aircraft emergencies.
- Engaged in airport safety committee as a department lead.
- Prepared detailed records for compliance and training purposes.
- Oversaw airport operations systems, including security and fire systems, to maintain situational awareness and operational efficiency.
- Acted as liaison for emergency coordinating with internal and external stakeholders during incidents to ensure rapid response.
- Ensured consistent communication with airport operations, security, airlines, and emergency responders to support seamless airport functions.
- Documented incidents, operational activities, and equipment usage in accordance with airport policies and procedures.
- Provided real-time information to passengers, airlines, and stakeholders regarding flight statuses, delays, and operational updates.
- Monitored CCTV and alarm systems to identify security issues, unauthorized access, or suspicious activities, initiating immediate response protocols when necessary.
- Received and tracked maintenance requests, coordinating repairs or adjustments to minimize disruption to airport operations.
Airside Operations Agent I
City of Charlotte Aviation Department
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Responded to emergencies, implementing protocols in accordance with established safety guidelines, and documented safety/security incidents.
- Conducted routine inspections of the ramp and apron areas to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations.
- Monitored for foreign object debris (FOD) and promptly remove any hazards from the airfield.
- Assisted in ensuring restricted areas are secure and enforce access control measures.
- Ensure compliance with AOA security protocols, especially around aircraft and airport equipment.
Guest Assistant - Ground Transportation
Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport
03.2017 - 09.2017
- Ensured compliance with ground transportation regulations, assisted with terminal evacuations, and coordinated with emergency response personnel as needed.
- Directed passengers to appropriate transportation areas, including pick-up and drop-off points, while providing clear instructions on navigating the terminal.
- Assisted travelers with special needs, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children, ensuring they have adequate support.
- Managed and coordinate the flow of rideshare and taxi services at designated pick-up zones, ensuring efficient queuing and preventing congestion.
- Monitored wait times for rideshare and taxi services, proactively assisting passengers during peak periods or delays.
- Enforced airport regulations and procedures for rideshare and taxi drivers, ensuring safe and orderly operations in loading zones.
Airport Management Intern
Elizabeth City Regional Airport
11.2014 - 02.2015
- Assisted with daily airport operations, observed ATC communications, and helped manage the airfield to ensure efficient airport operations.
- Performed field inspections under supervision, including monitoring terminal facilities, ground transportation areas, and customer service zones, documenting observations and reporting any issues or improvements needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City12-2015
Skills
- Emergency Response Planning
- Decision-making
- Process improvement
- Policy Review & Development
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Training & Exercise Coordination
- Strategic planning
- Policy Update Implementation
- Project coordination
- Relationship building
- Project Support
Accomplishments
- Led the coordination of a large-scale National Preparedness Month event in partnership with local and county emergency management agencies, successfully engaging the community through celebrity appearances, children’s activities, first responder assets, giveaways, and food, strengthening public awareness and preparedness efforts.
- Coordinated with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to deliver the Sports and Special Event Management emergency management training series, supporting preparedness efforts for FIFA World Cup 2026 through targeted instruction for public safety and event coordination personnel.
Certification
- Certified Member (CM), American Association of Airport Executives
- Professional Development Series, Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Advanced Professional Series, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Affiliations
- American Association Of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Timeline
Emergency Training + Exercise Coordinator
City of Dallas
12.2024 - Current
Senior Emergency Management Specialist
City of Dallas
09.2023 - 12.2024
Airside Operations Coordinator III
City of Charlotte Aviation Department
10.2018 - 04.2023
Airside Operations Agent I
City of Charlotte Aviation Department
04.2018 - 10.2018
Guest Assistant - Ground Transportation
Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport
03.2017 - 09.2017
Airport Management Intern
Elizabeth City Regional Airport
11.2014 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Management
Elizabeth City State University