Project Manager Community Engagement

Duane T. Ashley

Project Manager

**********@*******.***

412-***-**** • Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Detail-oriented and highly resourceful professional with career marked by impactful contributions to urban development and community enhancement. Instrumental in managing complex projects from initial planning to successful execution within defined timeline, scope, and budget. Skilled in identifying and resolving operational challenges, generating process documentation, and proposing best solutions to boost productivity. Well-versed in executing first-of-their-kind city projects and navigating complex financial landscapes in accordance with client requirements. Bring to the table a proven track record of exceptional communication skills, with a flair for out-of-the-box strategies to achieve desired results.

Areas of Expertise

● Project Cycle Management

● Strategic Planning & Execution

● Cross-Departmental Coordination

● Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Advocacy

● Stakeholder / Community Engagement

● Continual Process Improvement

● Team Leadership & Training

● Complex Issues Resolution

● Regulatory Compliance

Professional Experience

Retired in 2014, spent some quality time traveling and with family and friends from 2015 to 2024

City of Pittsburgh

Director of Operations, Office of Mayor, 2010 – 2014

Director, Department of Parks & Recreation, 1996 – 2009

1996 – 2014

Coordinated core service functions of five City Departments and Offices, encompassing Department of Public Works, Department of Personnel and Civil Service, City Information Systems, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Equal Opportunity Review Commission (EORC).

Served as Mayor’s representative/liaison for three city-related authorities, including Housing Authority, Pittsburgh Parking Authority, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

Strategically developed and executed land use policies for parks and greenways.

Initiated sustainable environmental programs and fostered community partnerships.

Led major renovations and recreational developments across city neighborhoods.

Initiated and completed major capital projects, such as the Washington Boulevard Bike Track, Mellon Park Indoors Tennis Center, Riverview Park Soccer Field, and Schenley Park Track and Field Complex.

Transformed community and senior centers through major renovations, enhancing recreational facilities across the city.

Established city's first neighborhood spray parks to promote health and wellness in urban neighborhoods.

Additional Experience

Director of Special Events and Annual Giving, Urban League of Pittsburgh (Formulate and establish the primary yearly charity event, the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Banquet for the Urban League.)

Assistant Director, Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Pittsburgh

Program Supervisor, City of Pittsburgh Office of Citywide Special Events

Weekend Houseparent, Verland Foundation

PT Youth Counselor, Holy Family Institute and the Alternative Program Associates

Education

Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN

Other Involvements

Trustee, Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation.

Board member, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Allegheny County Parks Commission, New Hazlett Theater for the Performing Arts, WQED Community Advisory Board, Executive Board for Schenley Parks Golf Course (now Bob O'Connor Golf Course), Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM).

Volunteer, St. Benedict the Moor School. Active participant in various ministries at St. Benedict the Moor Church.

Member, National Recreation and Park Association Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society Urban Parks Alliance Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Honors & Awards

Living Legends Honors Award, City of Pittsburgh, April 2013.

Recognized with "Duane Ashley Week" by Pittsburgh City Council, December 1-7, 2013

Community Empowerment Association, Community Service Award, 2012

Awarded various neighborhood-based citations throughout tenure

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