Dawn P. Email and Phone Number

Under the direction of and in concert with the Town Manager, my responsibilities include driving the organization to become the City of the Future, creatively exploring new solutions and supporting organizational teams to continually innovate and excel in service delivery. I am also responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and facilitating the success of 4 major areas of service, to include providing assistance prioritizing and assigning work, performance development, and talent management of direct reports and various teams, as well as coordinating and assisting with the preparation of annual budgets for my assigned departments. I provide oversight of complex programs, initiatives, and high level special projects that are large-scale, multi-year and have a significant impact on the community. I am also responsible for cultivating strong teams and leadership development opportunities across the organization. Part of my role includes researching, analyzing and developing recommendations on Town-wide issues, public policy issues, pending legislation and other administrative issues. My role also includes reviewing the results of major studies and coordinating the preparation of reports and recommendations. Maintaining positive relationships and effectively communicating with elected officials, Town Manager, Executive Team and Gilbert staff is key in my role, as is corresponding with various citizen, professional, business and other groups to answer questions and secure their support in carrying out various programs. As needed, I serve as a proxy for the Town Manager on regional and/or organizational boards and committees, as well as perform lobbying activities for the Town to support and promote the Town’s agenda, which can include making appearances at hearings and meetings, and maintaining contact and influence with local, regional and national agencies and entities.

As Interim City Manager, my responsibilities include performing highly responsible management, administrative, supervisory, and professional duties as the Chief Executive Officer of the City, meeting with and advising the City Council on matters related to City operations and policies, working closely with the City Council and the leadership team to define and accomplish established strategic goals and objectives and execute successful business strategies. I am also responsible for directing the preparation and submittal of an annual budget to the City Council, administering the annual City budget, monitoring expenditures during the fiscal year, planning, coordinating and directing the operation of City divisions and programs; evaluating organizational issues and problems and facilitating strategies to address issues and problems. Additionally, I establish measures to improve methods, use of equipment, changes in operations, working conditions, quality of work, and any necessary expansion to increase the efficiency and services of the City, also reviewing plans, technical reports, budget estimates, and proposed ordinances, resolutions, and regulations in the process. I am responsible for intergovernmental relations with other cities, public and private organizations, and confer with representatives of federal, state, and county government and private agencies on a wide variety of problems and activities. Some of the major projects I oversee include projects such as the Two Port Solution, the Streets Bond, and the PSPRS Revenue Bond process.

As Deputy City Manager, I work with and provide counsel to the City Manager in planning, organizing coordinating and implementing policies and programs as determined by the Mayor and City Council. I lead and manage a group of Department Directors and Managers in the areas of Planning and Community Development, Code, Human Resources, Public Affairs and Marketing, Housing, Library and Leisure Services. I am also responsible for providing support and input on the Budget and for delivering the functions associated with Economic Development including business attraction, retention and expansion with an added focus on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurial job creation. I also act as a liaison with citizens, businesses and other community groups to create partnerships, address questions, negotiate contracts/agreements and secure assistance with the achievement of city objectives. Additionally, I maintain administrative and signature authority of all purchased and matters in the absence of the City Manager in an Acting role as necessary.

As the Family and Youth Services Manager I manage and administer the City’s Family and Youth programs including before and after school, summer, youth and teen recreation programs, Youth Advisory Board to the City Council, adaptive recreation programs, Special Olympics programs, and active adult programs, as well as manage a staff of 200+ professional and hourly staff, including oversight of daily operations. I also oversee the management of a 26.000 square foot community center in the heart of Peoria's downtown area. I am heavily involved in policy-making and establishing short-term and long-range strategic plans and managing large complex projects, which cross departmental lines and require special skills. I also am responsible for a budget of 5.8 million including budget development, administration and monitoring of related expenditures. Additionally, I assist in the design and construction of city facilities, and participate in and sit on boards and committees representing the interests of the City and the department.

As Assistant to the City Manager, I carry out the direction of the City Manager and Deputy City Managers on a wide range of municipal issues. I advise the City Manager on citywide program needs, prepare and present proposals for consideration of City Council, and implement approved programs. I conduct analyses of administrative, operational and fiscal issues, act as a liaison to community organizations and represent the City Manager at community functions. I oversee the Mayor and Council Office operations which includes the support staff for our seven elected officials. I assist in the management and coordination of the Council meeting agenda, oversee the city's Diversity Initiative as well as lead task-forces and special projects as needed.

As Human Resource Manager, I utilized a strategic business partner framework to provide professional human resources advice and strategic direction in the areas of employee relations, recruitment and selection, labor relations, classification and compensation, benefits, training and development and equal employment opportunity law compliance. I oversaw the City’s meet and confer process, acted as the chief labor relations negotiator with the city's 4 recognized labor groups, conducted mediations outside of negotiations. and oversaw programs and trainings to improve employee and management relations. I presented reports, data and findings to the City Council, supervised and monitored the employee grievance procedures and responded to EEO charges and other employment claims. I also conducted employment related investigations and monitored, recommended and reviewed disciplinary and termination actions. I provided oversight of recruitment and selection processes for all City departments, including organizing and conducting executive level recruitments. I instituted policies and practices which ensured integrity and fairness and our hiring practices. I oversaw the creation and implementation of a broad range of classification and compensation policies, practices, and strategies in support of the City’s philosophy, including the determination of appropriate market range, title and structure for positions and appropriate individual placement in salary range. I oversaw the implementation and coordination of employee benefits and wellness programs. Oversaw the development implementation, and coordination of citywide training and development programs. Participated in the development and administration of the annual budget, preparing supplements, recommending expenditures, monitoring expenditures, and making recommendations regarding administration of self insured trusts.