Edward Katona

Consultant, serving technology companies deliver products and services to educational institutions and public safety organizations. Identifying clients’ needs through strong communication skills; by listening and expressing requirements in clear terms; by engaging clients and facilitate a successful implementation. Assisting clients seeking the appropriate technology which meets their specific needs with the most cost effective and best operational solution. Addressing security concerns including access control, video surveillance and security and drone mitigation techniques and systems.

The largest single provider of Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management Systems (CAD/RMS) in the state of New Jersey, serving over 150 of 560 municipal and county police departments. Also providing a collaborative Public Safety Information Sharing system to county and regional cooperatives in New Jersey and other states.

Director of Customer Relations (2014-2016)

Continued responsibilities as Project Manager and managed the day to day and strategic operations of the Customer Relations department. Responsible for the operation of a 7x24 hour helpline, the installation, set up, testing and delivery of new systems and the maintenance and updating of existing systems.

• Improved responsiveness to clients by reducing open trouble tickets from 1800 to less than 500 in six months.
• Closed sales of 3 information sharing systems by developing use case examples for presentations and training. Developed project plans for those and other projects.
• Closed implementations and obtained payment for 3 regional projects that were not completed.

Project Manager (2007-2014)

Hired as analyst/trainer and quickly evolved into the project manager. Worked with clients and technologists to identify requirements, establish timelines, work packages, training and implementation schedules, testing and correction and user acceptance testing to project closure. Led teams that developed new modules, tools and products. Led teams to train hundreds of client employees. Built and led client focused teams for resolving longstanding and open issues.

• Increased clients use of several regional systems by over 200% by conducting training, developing fact based training scenarios and reducing trouble reports by 50%.
• Led multi-disciplinary team design, build and deploy on-line e-learning and recertification system for sworn police officers and government engineers reducing classroom time. Project resulted in $16,000.00 monthly income for the company.
• Moved 4 stalled projects to completion by enabling collaboration between disparate vendors, clients and company engineers.

Progressively Responsible Advancement (1980-2007)

Served within each rank and assignment within the department accepting progressively more responsible positions and accepting assignments outside of the scope of my authority. Extensive experience in investigations and interviewing. A major contributor to the development of Standard Operating Procedures, Rule and Regulations and policy development including selection and retention, training and discipline and internal affairs. Served as first line supervisor, trainer, management and executive leadership. Formed collaborative teams within the department, other municipal departments and with local community organizations. Developed cross domain skills in integrating technology, customer service, human resources, policy training and building collaborative teams.

Chief of Police (2000-2007)

As Chief Executive Officer duties focused on long term strategic activities and policy, policy creation, budgeting, liaison with elected officials and community groups. Responsible for human resources within the department. Creating a collaborative environment within the legislative and executive branch of municipal government which best served the community. Established a problem-solving approach to quality of life issues and the delivering of essential services to the community. Demonstrating leadership within the department, the township government and within the community.

Skills Required

Accuracy and attention to detail; Strong analytical skills using quantitative and qualitative data; Strong written skills; Excellent presentation skills; Strong project management skills; Technical expertise, subject matter expert in wide ranging areas; Collaborative mindset; Strong communication skills; Strong influencing skills; Decisiveness; Commitment to community (customer) service

Captain of Police (1996-2000)

As Executive Officer directed daily and strategic operations and services. Operations included enforcement of laws, investigations of crime, training development, compliance, budgeting, human resources, selection and retention and maintenance of discipline. Established a problem-solving approach to departmental issues. Tasks required the management of managers, developing and providing training and responding to issues in a fast paced rapidly changing environment.

Skills Required

Ability to work independently; Ability to be flexible and adaptable; Ability to control process and adapt to changing circumstances; Excellent organizational and follow-up skills; Critical thinking; Risk management; Accuracy and timeliness in reporting; Effective communications with all levels of organization; Relationship building; Manage multiple and diverse projects

Other Ranks (1980-1996)

The skills and abilities required to successfully progress in terms of more responsible duties and positions require a varied and evolving skillset, therefore the ability to learn, understand and master new concepts and skills is a primary asset. These other ranks included mid-level management, first line supervision and operational performance in the role of patrol officer and criminal investigator. These roles and all roles required excellent communication skills, detailed interaction with the public, victims and witnesses and team members.

Skills Required

Excellent organizational skills; Excellent time management; Creative thinking; Sound analytical and problem solving; Excellent listening and communication; High customer focus; Excellent direction following; Excellent teamwork; Honesty; Integrity; Cooperation; Ability to intelligently question circumstances; Detail oriented