Richard Ellis
West Palm Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader with over 35 years of experience in Palm Beach County. Expertise in project development and management, with a proven ability to enhance operational readiness. Strong collaboration skills among agencies, leading to successful emergency response and public safety initiatives. Effective communicator and visionary thinker, driving impactful outcomes.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director
Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management
West Palm Beach, FL
01.2025 - Current
- Management and oversight of the Division of Emergency Management Administration/Finance Section goals, objectives, and subordinate staff.
- Maintain, update, and promote the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).
- Maintain and update the Division of Emergency Management Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
- Maintain the overall operational readiness of the EOC.
- Manage and support the EM Team and its meetings.
- Serve as the day-to-day Public Information Officer.
- Management, supervision, oversight, training, and exercising of the Duty Officer Program.
- Budget development, mid-year budget review, ongoing budget monitoring, and maintenance.
- Manage the county-wide FEMA Public Assistance/Project Worksheet reimbursement process following declared disasters.
- Board of County Commission agenda item preparation, and prepare and deliver presentations to the Board.
- Draft grant-related contracts and MOUs.
- During gray skies, oversee the Planning Section and the Finance Section.
- Function as a liaison between the Executive Policy Group and the Operations Room.
- Serve as a backup to the Director in the Executive Policy Group.
Community Quality Program Facilitator
Health Care District Of Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach, FL
02.2020 - 11.2024
- Facilitated collaboration between Health Care District and local Fire Rescue departments.
- Assisted in the planning and operations of medical care at 15 hurricane shelters.
- Assisted with the establishment and coordination of mass vaccination sites managed by the Health Care District.
- Acted as a liaison among the Health Care District, Fire Rescue, and staffing organizations for vaccination sites.
Division Chief
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
West Palm Beach , FL
04.1987 - 10.2019
- Directed all EMS and Mobile Integrated Health functions for PBCFR, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Oversaw policy creation and implementation to enhance EMS/MIH services.
- Collaborated with the CQI Officer to analyze data for continuous patient outcome improvements.
- Served as a liaison between PBCFR and local/state agencies regarding EMS and MIH matters.
- Worked alongside the PBCFR Medical Director to ensure proper protocol adherence by field crews.
- I participated on the PBCFR Incident Management Team from 2004 to 2019, responding to multiple emergencies.
- Managed emergency care at shelters, and coordinated county-wide disaster response protocols during activations.
- Contributed to planning and operations during multiple hurricane responses. Roles on the Incident Management Team included Command, Operations, and Planning.
- Functioned as Incident Commander on multiple fire scenes and other emergency situations.
- Started as a firefighter in 1987, and became a paramedic in 1991.
- Promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, Captain in 2004, Battalion Chief in 2009, District Chief in 2013, and Division Chief in 2015.
- Supervised multiple staff members at various levels of rank.
- Conducted performance reviews, and issued discipline as needed.
Education
Associate of Science -
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL11.2008
Some College (No Degree) - Emergency Management
Barry University
Miami, FLSome College (No Degree) -
National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, MDSkills
- Effective leadership (through team building and communication)
- Communication verbal and written
- Project Development and Management
- Team collaboration (working with partnering agencies to achieve common goal)
- Visionary "outside the box" thinking to look at news ways of accomplishing goals
Accomplishments
- Created and implemented the PBCFR MIH program
- Spoke at national conferences regarding MIH and social work in EMS
- Received grant from State of Florida for work on Chronic Disease Management with Delray Medical Center
- Established a "High Frequency Utilizer" program within PBCFR to reduce 911 calls from vulnerable population
- 2005 PBCFR Employee of the Year and 2019 State of Florida Marilyn Crook EMS Pioneer Award winner
- Member of PBCFR Incident Management Team 2004-2019 with several activations and deployments.
Timeline
Deputy Director
Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management
01.2025 - Current
Community Quality Program Facilitator
Health Care District Of Palm Beach County
02.2020 - 11.2024
Division Chief
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
04.1987 - 10.2019
Associate of Science -
Palm Beach State College
Some College (No Degree) - Emergency Management
Barry University
Some College (No Degree) -
National Fire Academy
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