Legislative work, public speaking

Steven Sodders

State Center, Iowa *****

************@*****.*** 641-***-**** (c) linkedin.com/in/steve-sodders-32b2118

Influential Political Leader

Results oriented leader with extensive experience in managing the responsibilities of public administration, state, and local government. Sophisticated understanding of, and experience in, analyzing, interpreting, creating, and passing governmental policies and laws. Experience merging communication, political, and policy strategies into effective, comprehensive plans to influence desired outcomes, and positively engage internal and external stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communications skills, with the ability to convey complex policy issues in a clear and concise manner. Comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. Highly skilled in working assertively and collaboratively with colleagues at all levels of the organization. Technical proficiency in Windows/Mac OS; Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and some Excel.

Local and State Public Policy

Policy Analysis

Legislation Creation

Strategic Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Developing & Leveraging Key Relationships

Professional Experience

Mayor, City of State Center, Iowa, January 2018 to Present

Provide leadership and guidance, ensuring effective and efficient government use of financial resources to further city goals, while meeting the needs of residents and adhering to budget guidelines. Devise comprehensive short and long-term action plans to address a variety of municipal needs. Manage human resources including city police, utility, transportation, etc. Serve on various committees including emergency communications and the Kauffman Fund (providing financial support for non-taxpayer projects).

Select Achievements:

Expanded local law enforcement presence; secured funding for, and hired, additional personnel within two months of assuming office. Currently identifying opportunities, and securing support, for police department expansion into neighboring small towns, resulting in a unified and comprehensive law enforcement coverage.

Formulated and implemented a 5-year, comprehensive, city-wide water quality improvement project.

Developed a 5-year plan for the repair and improvement of city roadways to coincide with planned water infrastructure projects.

Formulated a multi-pronged strategy to diversify and expand housing options within city-limits, which meet the needs of the community, resulting in a 10% increase in the population by 2023.

Senator, Iowa Senate District 22, January 2009 to December 2016

Elected to serve two terms. Successfully represented and addressed district-wide concerns. Developed and collaborated statewide policies and procedures for the advancement of the State of Iowa. Committee work: Economic Growth (Chair), Judiciary (Chair), Agriculture, Labor and Business Relations, Rules and Administration, State Government, Veterans Affairs, Legislative Council, Economic Development Authority Board, Cannabidiol Implementation Study Committee, Emergency Medical Services Study Committee, Iowa Skilled Worker and Job Creation Fund Study Committee, Pseudoephedrine Advisory Council.

Select Achievements:

Elected as President Pro Tempore and Assistant Majority Leader.

Approval of the largest tax-cut in Iowa history, decreasing business tax while maintaining residential property taxes.

Successful redesign of the Iowa Economic Development Office. Creation of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, a public-private partnership focused on building partnerships and leveraging resources to strengthen the state’s economic and community vitality, incentivizing the formation of innovative, job-creation projects.

Passage of legislation, creating property tax abatements for technology companies who expand state-wide broadband infrastructure, resulting in expanded high speed internet service to underserved, rural communities.

Historic vote to repeal “The Act of 1948”, returning criminal jurisdiction to the Meskwaki Settlement.

Passage of a bill authorizing grant funding to support the educational and economic projects at community colleges.

Successful vote authorizing the use and possession of marijuana oil for specific medical purposes.

Deputy Sheriff, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, 1998 to Present

Serve as a Field Training Officer, D.A.R.E Officer/Instructor, and Detective on the Mid Iowa Drug Task Force, serving Tama, Marshall, Grundy and Hardin Counties.

Received the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Award for instrumental contribution to the disengagement of an active drug cartel operating in Iowa.

Selected to attend the United State Air Force 65th Annual National Security Forum.

Awards

Friend of Community Action Award, Community Action Agencies of Iowa

Gold Star Award (Legislative Leadership), Iowa Deputies and Sheriff Association

Gold Award, York Rite Masonry

Uncommon Public Service Award, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association

International Traders Award, International Traders of Iowa

Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Award, U.S. Attorney’s Office

Members Award, Friends of AFSCME

Officer of the Year, Marshalltown Elks Club

Outstanding Contribution Award, Iowa Valley Community College

Legislator of the Year, Iowa Professional Fire Fighters

Legislator of the Year, Innovative Leadership

Legislative Service Award, The Iowa League of Cities

Community Engagement

Board Memberships:

911 Dispatch

Communications Commission

D.A.R.E. of Iowa

Emergency Management

Governor’s Broadband Committee Cyber Security

Iowa Economic Development Authority (non-voting)

Iowa Founding Member, LULAC

Juvenile Justice Planning

National Masonic Lodge Grand Lodge

Youth and Shelter Services

Volunteer:

American Red Cross, Heart of Iowa

Marshalltown Big Brother / Big Sister

Education

Liberal Arts and Science (in progress)

Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Associate of Science in Educational Leadership

Marshalltown Community College – Marshalltown, Iowa

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