Matthew Holmes
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at the City of Austin, adept in emergency management and fostering operational efficiency. Excelled in enhancing public education on fire safety, utilizing interpersonal communication to bridge teams and administration. Skilled in incident command and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, significantly advancing departmental effectiveness.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Battalion Chief
City of Austin
05.2004 - Current
- Supervised and coordinated standard operating procedures used in resolving emergencies and other situations.
- Determined how to deploy personnel during periods requiring special fire department response and assigned activities.
- Served as an effective liaison between firefighters under my command and upper-level administration to address concerns promptly while still upholding department policies and procedures.
- Championed advancements in technology (drone) usage within the department to improve operational efficiency during both daily activities and emergency situations.
- Spearheaded innovative recruitment efforts that resulted in a more diverse workforce better representing the communities served by the battalion.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the department by encouraging feedback from all personnel and prioritizing ongoing training opportunities.
- Contributed to successful public education initiatives designed to increase community awareness of fire prevention measures and general safety practices.
- Supervised and coordinated initial training of Austin Fire Department Cadets during a 28 week fire and emt academy.
High School Science Teacher and Coach
Austin Independent School District
08.1996 - 04.2004
- Developed and implemented engaging lab experiments, providing hands-on learning experiences for students.
- Integrated real-life examples into lessons, demonstrating the practical applications of scientific concepts.
- Enhanced student understanding by utilizing diverse teaching methods and strategies tailored to individual learning styles.
- Organized field trips to local beach clean-ups and research facilities, exposing students to real-world applications of scientific knowledge.
- Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported development of new teachers entering the district and how best to create safe and innovative classrooms.
- Enhanced team performance by developing and implementing effective coaching strategies.
- Enhanced game-day strategies, by meticulously analyzing opponents' tactics and adjusting team plans accordingly.
Education
No Degree - Texas Teaching Certificate
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX06.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Austin College
Sherman, TX05.1993
Skills
- Incident Command
- Firefighting tactics
- Operational Efficiency
- Fire suppression
- Emergency Management
- Personnel Training
- Effective Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Public Education
Timeline
Battalion Chief
City of Austin
05.2004 - Current
High School Science Teacher and Coach
Austin Independent School District
08.1996 - 04.2004
No Degree - Texas Teaching Certificate
University of Texas At Austin
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Austin College