Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Affiliations
Education, Certifications & Professional Development
Community Leadership & Service
Timeline
Generic

James Novak

Fort Worth

Summary

Accomplished public sector leader with 15+ years of experience directing large teams, managing complex operations, and delivering community-focused initiatives. Skilled in overseeing field personnel, coordinating projects, and ensuring efficient allocation of government resources. Proven ability to foster strong relationships across government agencies and community stakeholders while enhancing outcomes through program development, resource optimization, and nonprofit collaboration. Vice President of a professional association representing 1,700+ personnel, contributing to contract negotiations, policy review, and workforce advocacy. Chairman of a nonprofit since 2018, successfully leading major charitable initiatives and securing substantial funding to support families and youth programs. Recognized for strategic problem-solving, effective communication, and a commitment to operational excellence in service to the community.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Chairman, Cops for Kids

Nonprofit Leadership
01.2018 - Current
  • Direct all programming for a 501(c)(3) supporting youth and families.
  • Lead major annual initiatives, secure corporate sponsorships, and manage large-scale volunteer programs.
  • Raised substantial funding to expand charitable impact across Fort Worth.

Vice President

Fort Worth POA
2014 - Current
  • Represent 1,700+ personnel in labor relations, workplace conditions, contract negotiations, and organizational governance.
  • Key contributor to Meet & Confer negotiations with the City of Fort Worth, shaping contract strategy and policy review.
  • Lead internal communications, grievance resolution, and membership programs.
  • Chairman of Cops for Kids, overseeing fundraising, budgeting, and program delivery; raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support families and youth.
  • Built partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, schools, and community stakeholders to expand program capacity.
  • Board Member since 2018

Manager, Community Relations & Safety Programs

Fort Worth Police Department
2008 - Current
  • Lead teams of 8–12 in operations across diverse neighborhoods, focusing on safety, community engagement, and quality-of-life improvements.
  • Direct outreach initiatives, nonprofit collaborations, and long-term neighborhood revitalization projects.
  • Manage personnel, critical incidents, evaluations, and adherence to policy while fostering trust with community stakeholders.

Team Captain

Competitive International Powerlifting Program
01.2015 - 01.2021
  • Organized and promoted wellness initiatives, managed event coordination and travel logistics, mentored members to support performance and professional growth.

Tactical & Specialized Leadership Roles

Fort Worth Police Department
01.2014 - 01.2020
  • Directed tactical and special response teams during high-risk operations, protests, and critical incidents.
  • Developed operational plans, supervised personnel, and ensured safety under high-liability conditions.
  • Served as academy instructor and training coordinator, designing curriculum, mentoring recruits, and shaping workforce development for hundreds of personnel.

Patrol Officer & Zero Tolerance Officer

Fort Worth PD
01.2008 - 01.2014
  • Early career assignments in patrol and enforcement operations.

Assistant Salary Manager

Walmart
01.2002 - 01.2007
  • Oversaw operations, scheduling, staffing, and logistics in a high-volume retail environment.

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Government Operations
  • Project & Program Management
  • Budget Oversight & Resource Allocation
  • Workforce Leadership & Labor Relations
  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Operational Planning & Crisis Management

Affiliations

  • Vice President, Fort Worth Police Officers Association – Representing 1,700+ personnel in labor relations, contract negotiations, and workforce advocacy
  • Chairman, Cops for Kids (FWPOA) – Leading charitable initiatives, fundraising, and youth-focused community programming
  • Member, Public Improvement District Leadership (PID 20) – Collaborating with city officials, nonprofits, and stakeholders on corridor revitalization and resource management
  • Community Partner – Active engagement with schools, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and civic organizations across East Fort Worth

Education, Certifications & Professional Development

  • Master Peace Officer (2020), Mental Health Officer (2021), Advanced Peace Officer (2014), Intermediate Peace Officer (2012), Basic Peace Officer (2008).
  • Completed 24 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in communication, management, and public service.
  • Professional Education: 3,500+ hours of accredited training through the Texas state commission regulating public safety standards.
  • Leadership & Supervisory Development: FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute, Field Training Officer Certification, Active Bystandership, Sexual Harassment for Managers.
  • Management & Organizational Operations: Budget planning, agency operations, HR compliance, administrative reporting, legislative updates.
  • Communication & Community Engagement: Professional communication, cultural diversity, conflict resolution, negotiation, bilingual outreach.
  • Ethics & Accountability: Ethics in public service, anti-bias practices, workplace conduct, professional standards.
  • Emergency & Incident Management (ICS/NIMS Qualified): FEMA ICS/NIMS certifications; crisis response, resource coordination, continuity planning.
  • Instruction & Workforce Development: Certified instructor in curriculum design, training evaluation, and structured onboarding.
  • Employee Wellness & Behavioral Health: Crisis intervention, stress management, fitness, and workplace wellness initiatives.

Community Leadership & Service

  • Cops for Kids, Chairman, 2018, Present, Leading charitable initiatives, fundraising, and youth-focused community programming.
  • Fort Worth Police Officers Association, Vice President, Coordinator – Major youth outreach & community events, Team Captain – Competitive International Powerlifting Program, Active volunteer with multiple nonprofits, schools, and Eastside community partners

Timeline

Chairman, Cops for Kids

Nonprofit Leadership
01.2018 - Current

Team Captain

Competitive International Powerlifting Program
01.2015 - 01.2021

Tactical & Specialized Leadership Roles

Fort Worth Police Department
01.2014 - 01.2020

Patrol Officer & Zero Tolerance Officer

Fort Worth PD
01.2008 - 01.2014

Assistant Salary Manager

Walmart
01.2002 - 01.2007

Vice President

Fort Worth POA
2014 - Current

Manager, Community Relations & Safety Programs

Fort Worth Police Department
2008 - Current
James Novak