Dr. Ed Simmons
Orangeburg,South Carolina
Summary
A dedicated public servant with deep expertise in planning and executing projects, analyzing policies, conducting research, and improving processes. Skilled in crafting policies and strategies, managing budgets and grants, and enhancing organizational efficiency.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community/Economic Development Planner
Central Midlands Council of Governments
08.2022 - Current
- Collaboratively and cooperatively works with City Managers, department directors, and other senior managers to analyze organization and community/economic needs and acts in response to those needs
- Proactively monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of Planning and Zoning policies, processes, and form-based code regulations while identifying opportunities for improvement
- Fosters external partnerships with local and regional organizations to further the long-term planning goals within adopted master plans
- Directs the development and administration of the department's budgets, policies, projects, and programs to deliver high-quality services effectively and efficiently to local municipalities
- Ensures department operations conform to the local, state, and federal government regulations, and other applicable rules and policies
- Ensures timely commitment of funding, including seeking additional grants, organizing pre-bid conferences, and coordinating applications
- Oversees the day-to-day operations of grants, ensuring that all projects and activities are timely conducted
- Presents at County Council/Board meetings on topics relevant to department projects or council initiatives
- Responds to requests for information from local governments, non-profit organizations, and community partners regarding funding opportunities and project development
- Maintains a comprehensive and current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards: maintains an awareness of funding methods and trends and changes in federal legislation; reads professional literature; and attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate
- Monitors local, state and Federal legislation and regulations relating to community and economic development, and reports on findings, trends and recommendations.
Special Projects Coordinator
SC Department of Juvenile Justice
04.2019 - 07.2022
- Managed and directed the initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout phases of assigned project lifecycles
- Coordinated and managed projects using project management methodologies from inception through completion and helped define and prioritize project requirements
- Assisted with developing project plan(s); to ensure project deliverables, milestones, and required tasks were completed as planned
- Prepared necessary documentation to support project initiative; developed and maintained documentation throughout the project lifecycle
- Facilitated and/or prepared status reports and updates for Executive management and other managers as required
- Oversaw the development and execution of a communication plan, which included communicating with organizational leaders, elected officials, and/or the general Public about the project's impact or status
- Identified, reviewed, and applied policies and procedures throughout project lifecycle
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets
- Adhered to budget requirements with excellent planning and consistent expense monitoring.
Civil Clerk
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
03.2017 - 03.2019
- Provided guidance, memos, and directions to staff at all levels of the Court system and distributed all valuable information within the judicial branch of South Carolina
- Maintained court records, administered oaths to witnesses and jurors, and authenticated copies of court orders and judgments with the court's seal
- Answered inquiries from the general Public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, and trial dates
- Examined legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws and court procedures
- Processed payments for fines and fees, maintained accurate drawers, issued receipts, and updated account balances
- Maintained court dockets and updated the disposition of cases after court hearings and trials.
Education
Ph.D. - Public Policy & Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01.2024
Master's of Philosophy - Public Policy & Public Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2021
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN11.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC05.2016
Skills
- Project Management
- Project planning and development
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Qualitative Research
- Policy Implementation
- Policy analysis
- Grant writing and management
- Community Development Initiatives
- Community Engagement
- Human Resources Management
- Economic Development
Certification
- 05/2024, Human Resource Management Certificate, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
- 11/2023, Economic Development Certificate, SC Economic Development Institute, Columbia, SC
- 09/2022, Grant Writing Certificate, Grant Writing USA, Columbia, SC
- 04/2021, Project Management Certificate, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Affiliations
- International City/County Management Association
- Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc
- National Society of Leadership and Success
Timeline
Community/Economic Development Planner
Central Midlands Council of Governments
08.2022 - Current
Special Projects Coordinator
SC Department of Juvenile Justice
04.2019 - 07.2022
Civil Clerk
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
03.2017 - 03.2019
Ph.D. - Public Policy & Administration
Walden University
Master's of Philosophy - Public Policy & Public Administration
Walden University
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
Walden University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
South Carolina State University
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