MARTIN L. FLASK
Macedonia,Ohio
Summary
Senior public-safety executive and law-enforcement leader with more than fifty years of experience spanning municipal government, policing, aviation security, emergency management, homeland security, and organizational leadership. Directed agencies of more than 3,000 personnel and managed budgets exceeding $300 million. Recognized for leading major reforms, strengthening accountability systems, modernizing public-safety operations, and building durable intergovernmental partnerships. A trusted advisor to mayors, chiefs, and senior executives with a career defined by ethical leadership, operational excellence, and community engagement.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
Private-Sector Leadership
Aegis Investigative Services • JAFTAK Realty • BILMAR Realty • BILMAR Investigations • 6 East Glendale, LLC
- Provided investigative services, security assessments, and organizational risk reviews while co-owning and operating mobile-home communities and hospitality properties across Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- Responsibilities included operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and resident-relations management.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City of Cleveland
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Served as senior advisor to the Mayor on public safety strategy, emergency management, and intergovernmental operations.
- Directed major initiatives including the transfer of jail operations and police headquarters to county control.
- Conducted internal investigations, supported the development of COVID-19 workplace policies, and coordinated multi-agency emergency-response planning across city departments.
Director of Public Safety
City of Cleveland
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Oversaw more than 3,000 employees and a budget exceeding $300 million across Police, Fire, EMS, Corrections, Animal Control, Emergency Management, IT, and civilian oversight bodies.
- Led modernization efforts including a $31.8 million interoperable communications system, expansion of the Police Review Board, civilianization of the Office of Professional Standards, district realignment, and implementation of body-worn cameras and surveillance upgrades.
- Ensured due-process compliance through pre-disciplinary hearings and executive-level accountability.
Security Manager / Airport Security Coordinator
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Directed airport security during the post-9/11 federal transition, ensuring compliance with TSA, FAA, and DHS mandates.
- Oversaw Airport Fire-Rescue and security personnel, conducted threat and vulnerability assessments, and implemented the revised Airport Security Plan in coordination with federal partners.
Chief of Police
Cleveland Division of Police
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led a department of 1,946 sworn officers, implemented community-policing reforms, strengthened operational strategies, and achieved the lowest homicide rate in forty years.
Deputy Chief, Commander, and Earlier Leadership Roles
Cleveland Division of Police
01.1973 - 01.1999
- Held progressively responsible leadership roles across patrol, investigations, homicide, narcotics, community policing, and executive operations.
- Directed citywide operations involving 1,300 officers, commanded specialized units, managed major investigations, and served as Public Information Officer and Executive Assistant to the Chief.
Education
Cuyahoga Community College and Capital University
Skills
- Expertise includes public safety leadership, crisis and emergency management, strategic planning, law-enforcement operations, homeland and aviation security, organizational development, intergovernmental coordination, and public communications
- Problem-solving
Affiliations
Long-standing trustee of the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland. Additional leadership roles include Past President and Trustee of the Cleveland Police Historical Society and Vice-Chair of the Cleveland Veterans Committee. Professional memberships include the FBI National Executive Institute Associates, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, ASIS International, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Bedford Lions Club.
Certification
Certified Instructor through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council; Certified Airport Security Coordinator through TSA–DHS; Certified Ohio Notary Public.
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Navy (E-5), 1967–1971, with assignments at North Island NAS, Midway Island, the USS Ticonderoga, and Military Sealift Command. Honorably discharged.
Timeline
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City of Cleveland
01.2014 - 01.2022
Director of Public Safety
City of Cleveland
01.2006 - 01.2014
Security Manager / Airport Security Coordinator
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
01.2001 - 01.2006
Chief of Police
Cleveland Division of Police
01.1999 - 01.2001
Deputy Chief, Commander, and Earlier Leadership Roles
Cleveland Division of Police
01.1973 - 01.1999
Private-Sector Leadership
Aegis Investigative Services • JAFTAK Realty • BILMAR Realty • BILMAR Investigations • 6 East Glendale, LLC
Cuyahoga Community College and Capital University