Gideon Charles
Summary
Proficient in curricula design and instruction; managed $900 Million operational budget; extensive history of organizational and leadership capacity building; accomplished public and social policy professional with broad knowledge and experience across multifarious industries and disciplines; experience in academic and governmental operational settings; demonstrated success in working strategically with elected and appointed government officials, executive leadership, senior management, and other stakeholders; exceptional analytical skills; successful negotiator and conciliator
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Director, Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC)
Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County
08.2022 - 12.2025
- Ensured necessary reports/documentation were submitted to MacArthur Foundation
- Facilitated steering and policy committee meetings
- Provided leadership, planning and coordination of Cook County’s implementation of the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC)
- Facilitated multi-disciplinary meetings focused on problem solving, planning, launch and implementation of SJC initiatives
- Worked with law enforcement, probation officers, case managers and other government agencies and community groups; addressed the disproportionality of arrest and incarceration of people of color with stakeholders
- Prepared SJC related proposals and monitor grant related records and budget
- Supervised SJC related staff including project coordinator
- Met quarterly with Cook County elected officials to keep them apprised of efforts and progress of the SJC
EEO/Contract Compliance Rep. I
Illinois Department of Transportation
10.2017 - 07.2022
- Provided skill development opportunities for minorities and women such as an apprenticeship or on the job training with the goal of assisting them in moving up to higher paying job classifications
- Analyzed DBE goal credit, labor and EEO reviews and DBE monitoring
- Supervised the review of contractor operations, payroll, wage compliance, perform periodic project on-site inspections as well as review and approve contract documentation as needed
- Participated in compliance reviews with state and federal compliance officers, complaint investigation
- Attended pre-construction and pre-bid conferences, and conducted project pre-bid meetings to inform contractors of EEO and Labor Compliance
- Monitored and evaluated contracts, subcontracts, invoices, purchase requisitions, and other documentation for compliance with the District's DBE, MBE and WBE policies
- Routinely visit jobsites, sometimes unannounced, to observe and determine if work environments, facilities, tools, and privileges are being administered fairly
Deputy, Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
01.2014 - 08.2017
- As the Prime Minister’s most senior representative, engaged with key senior stakeholders on behalf of the PM.
- Provided ad-hoc support on projects small to large (e.g. research, modelling, internal initiatives, expansion efforts, partnerships, etc.)
- Managed staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) policies and Code of Ethic and Standards
- Implemented key and critical city operational administrative activities with elected government officials, and maintained effective working relationships with the staff
- Managed significant and strategic transformation programs from development through to successful execution in partnership with Members of Cabinet
- Developed and implemented communication plans to ensure Prime Minister’s Office is aligned around mission, strategy, and goals
- Assisted the Prime Minister establish and deliver the government’s overall strategy and policy priorities, and communicate the government’s policies to Parliament, the public and international audiences
- Prioritized and liaised with contacts from the various Prime Minister’s throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) office to CEOs and journalists
- Provided high level policy, strategic, budgetary and delivery advice to the Prime Minister as required
- Attended and contributed at leadership and board meetings whilst aiding with structure, documentation, and communication
Adjunct Professor
Chicago State University
08.2003 - 12.2013
- Lecture courses in Human Relations, Chicago Politics, International Law, Development of Political Thought, Introduction to American Government, Political Theory, Crime and Society, and Blacks in the Political Process and Public, Social and Foreign Policy; International Relations; Urban Planning
- Speak at various educational institution on International and Caribbean politics and Legislative Affairs.
- Developed courses in line with the curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students
Planner IV/Project Manager
Cook County, Bureau of Economic and Community Dev.
02.2011 - 09.2012
- Assisted with negotiation and the management of professional service contracts, property sales or acquisition, and economic development-oriented negotiations, as assigned
- Prepared grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents as may be required for necessary community services
- Responsible for developing and managing CDBG, CDBG-R and ESP grant funded community development projects
- Processed/reviewed incentive requests through administrative and legislative procedures
- Identified innovative approaches to solving regional economic development issues
- Developed complex construction and non-construction Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Professional Services Bulletins (PSB)
- Responsible for strict compliance with federal and state regulations in grant preparation and submission, vendor procurement and timely financial management
Director of Corporate Communication
Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
01.1997 - 07.2003
- Lead team members of the Corporate Communications Department to execute all communication, Public Housing, and production activities of the Parliament
- Determine communications strategy and execute programs to deliver communications objectives throughout the organization
- Identify, own, and execute strategic initiatives in various areas including revenue improvements, cost reductions, system improvements and business development projects
- Help with writing, editing and dissemination of press releases, articles, blogs, videos, and other materials.
- Maintained strong working relationships with the general public, area businesses, clients, the media, and others
- Proactively cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders’ organization that will promote the work and reputation of the Corporation
- Developed and executed a DEI Strategy which supported the delivery of priorities, help meet representation targets, foster an inclusive culture, and enabled a sense of belonging for all employees
Education
PHD, Doctor of Philosophy - Public Policy
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL01.1997
MA - Geography (Urban Planning and Development)
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL01.1996
MA - History
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL01.1994
BA - Political Science
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL01.1991
Skills
- Equal Opportunity Officer monitor
- Critical thinking, and analytical skills
- Training, Development, and Implementation
- Professional and Organizational Development
- Public and Social Policy Analysis
- Comprehensive Strategic Planning
- Exemplary manager and administrator
- Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, SAS (SPSS)
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
Certification
- CERTIFICATE: Diversity, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
- CERTIFICATE: Motivational Interviewing, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Project Director, Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC)
Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County
08.2022 - 12.2025
EEO/Contract Compliance Rep. I
Illinois Department of Transportation
10.2017 - 07.2022
Deputy, Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
01.2014 - 08.2017
Planner IV/Project Manager
Cook County, Bureau of Economic and Community Dev.
02.2011 - 09.2012
Adjunct Professor
Chicago State University
08.2003 - 12.2013
Director of Corporate Communication
Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
01.1997 - 07.2003
MA - Geography (Urban Planning and Development)
Chicago State University
MA - History
Chicago State University
BA - Political Science
Chicago State University
PHD, Doctor of Philosophy - Public Policy
University of Illinois at Chicago