- Gardening
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- Woodworking
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Community Cleanup
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Video Gaming
James Harris
Thompsonville,IL
Summary
Dynamic Mayor with proven expertise in organizational leadership, economic development, and public safety oversight. Successfully enhanced community initiatives through strategic partnerships and effective resource management.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mayor
Village of Thompsonville
Thompsonville, IL
05.2008 - Current
- Formulated strategic initiatives to enhance village infrastructure and public services.
- Oversaw budget allocation ensuring optimal resource utilization for village projects.
- Facilitated collaboration among local organizations to enhance community development efforts.
- Implemented policies promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the village.
- Oversaw operations planning and administration for city departments.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community organizations to enhance public safety.
- Oversaw city budget management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
- Directed prioritization and oversight of critical development projects to enhance city infrastructure.
- Ensured high-quality municipal services by investing in staff training, technology upgrades, and process improvements.
- Signed contracts, ordinances and other official documentation to execute orders of office.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with neighboring municipalities to enhance regional collaboration.
- Attended public forums, events and informal meetings.
- Spearheaded economic development initiatives to attract new businesses and retain existing ones.
- Appointed qualified candidates to positions such as chief of police.
- Streamlined permit processes for residents and business owners while maintaining compliance with regulations.
- Spearheaded community engagement initiatives by establishing monthly town hall meetings to foster direct communication between residents and local government.
- Negotiated with state officials to secure additional resources and support for critical infrastructure projects.
- Facilitated development of new parks and enriching quality of life for residents.
Vocational Services Coordinator
Centerstone Of Illinois
West Frankfort, IL
11.1989 - Current
- Facilitated program activities to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and client requirements.
- Ensured staff training on operational procedures and compliance standards remains current.
- Orchestrated interdepartmental communication to foster collaboration and optimize project workflows.
- Collaborated with funding sources, departments, and clients to identify opportunities for service coordination and improvement.
- Facilitated team meetings to evaluate progress, address challenges, and devise strategic solutions for operational efficiency.
- Oversaw resource and personnel scheduling to enhance service delivery across programs.
- Train new hires on organizational policies, ensuring adherence to best practices in client care delivery.
- Enhanced team productivity through consistent communication and progress updates.
- Enhanced workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Managed appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for clients and personnel.
- Maintained exceptional performance evaluation averages through consistent dedication and effort.
Field Representative
Laborers' Local 773
Marion, IL
05.2006 - 07.2016
- Facilitated effective communication between laborers and management to ensure project alignment.
- Executed site visits to assess work conditions and ensure compliance with contract terms.
- Collaborate with my local union to address member concerns and enhance workplace conditions.
- Mentored new representatives on effective negotiation strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Completed paperwork in full, on time, and with high accuracy.
- Cultivated robust relationships with members and employers.
- Facilitated effective communication between laborers and management to uphold contract compliance.
- Streamlined route planning to enhance travel efficiency and optimize client visit frequency.
- Maintained detailed records of member/employer interactions, ensuring accurate data collection for future reference and reporting purposes.
- Traveled hundreds of miles per day to visit customer locations.
- Built lasting professional partnerships with key decision-makers within partners the local union had contracts with.
- Facilitated negotiations of contract terms with multiple multi-million dollar companies and their legal representatives.
- Facilitated meetings with union members to address concerns and clarify contract language.
- Served as a board member for local union and Illinois Local Union District Council, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Frankfort Community High School
West Frankfort05-1982
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Business operations management
- Ethics and integrity
- Emergency management
- Team development
- Administrative leadership
- Media relations
- Program oversight
- Ordinance processes
- Economic development
- Public safety oversight
- Meeting rules
- Problem-solving
Certification
ACRE Certified
Windmill Trainer certified
Several IDD certifacations
Interests
Timeline
Mayor
Village of Thompsonville
05.2008 - Current
Field Representative
Laborers' Local 773
05.2006 - 07.2016
Vocational Services Coordinator
Centerstone Of Illinois
11.1989 - Current
High School Diploma -
West Frankfort Community High School