Hope Downs
911 Director
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Qualified Public Safety Leader with 19 years of emergency communications experience. Enthusiastic about contributing to successful training programs. Knowledgeable about coordinating schedules and program implementation.
Overview
4
4
Certifications
5
5
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
911 Director
New Hanover County
Wilmington, NC
07.2019 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership, including county management and public safety board, to strategically affect direction of operations.
- Created annual budget and developed comprehensive plan to accomplish organizational objectives while staying within budget.
- Collaborated with management, technical crew members and supervisors over operations, training, and quality assurance to organize efficient operations and achieve demanding schedule targets.
- Focused teams on developing innovative and cutting-edge approaches at all levels with effective resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Led the center's migration to ESInet and other NG911 technologies
911 Director
Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center
Jerome, ID
05.2017 - 06.2019
- Administered technical teams through implementing a multi-county radio system to include interoperable availability for any range of spectrum and inclusive to digital, analog, data, and cellular. System was used to restore failed communications for the California National Guard during 2018 wildland fires.
- Negotiated contracts with cellular and data companies renting space on public safety radio towers for approximately 200% revenue increase.
- Oversaw build of a data center within the organization to allow dispatch and agencies served to utilize a new public safety system at reduced costs.
911 Director
Baker County Consolidated Dispatch
Baker City, OR
02.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed the center operations to include public safety communications and records management.
- Reviewed analyses of activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine the center's progress towards goals and objectives.
- Brought the center up to national standards with the training program becoming APCO P33 certified.
Quality Assurance Officer
Augusta-Richmond County
Augusta, GA
07.2013 - 02.2016
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive quality control program to include both call-taking and dispatch.
- Provided a framework of guidance and direction for the continuous improvement of the overall operation of the center.
- Conducted evaluations to identify problematic issues while providing instruction by promoting corrective methods.
- Recorded, analyzed and distributed statistical information.
Lead Dispatcher
Troy Police Department (Pike County PSAP)
Troy, AL
11.2006 - 07.2013
- Served as Shift Leader, Training Coordinator, and a Certified Training Officer (CTO)
- Assisted with establishing strategic planning initiatives and the development of programs in conjunction with the overall goals and objectives of the agency.
- Researched and developed policies and procedures for the communications division.
- Created, implemented, and maintained the training program for communications staff.
Dispatcher
Monroeville Police Department
Monroeville, AL
06.2002 - 12.2005
- Operated radio, telephone, and/or computer equipment to receive reports of fire or law enforcement emergencies and relayed information to proper responders.
- Kept detailed track of all available field personnel and all in-progress and completed calls.
- Prepared and maintained time sheets for all law enforcement officers.
- Activated the public alert system when needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services & Communication With The Deaf
Troy University
Troy, AL 08.2006 - 12.2009
Associate of Science - General Studies With A Concentration in Business
Alabama Southern Community College
Monroeville, AL 08.2002 - 05.2004
Skills
Leadership
Program implementation
Feedback collection
Training program development
Public speaking
Schedule Management
Collaboration
Employee Coaching
Emergency Communications
Course Instruction
Certification
Certified Public-Safety Executive, APCO International, Inaugural Class
Timeline
Registered Public Safety Leader, Project Completion June 2021
06-2021
CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation Manager
08-2020
911 Director
New Hanover County
07.2019 - Current
Instructor Development, Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training
01-2018
911 Director
Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center
05.2017 - 06.2019
Certified Public-Safety Executive, APCO International, Inaugural Class
01-2017
911 Director
Baker County Consolidated Dispatch
02.2016 - 05.2017
Quality Assurance Officer
Augusta-Richmond County
07.2013 - 02.2016
Lead Dispatcher
Troy Police Department (Pike County PSAP)
11.2006 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Human Services & Communication With The Deaf
Troy University
08.2006 - 12.2009
Associate of Science - General Studies With A Concentration in Business
Alabama Southern Community College
08.2002 - 05.2004
Dispatcher
Monroeville Police Department
06.2002 - 12.2005