Experience

Dan Ellison: An Experienced Leader

Portrait of Dan EllisonI am running for the City Commission to ensure public safety remains a high priority for Helena, to further our quality of life, facilitate a positive business climate, and to apply my experience toward making local government as efficient and effective as possible.

My background includes leadership and managerial positions in state and federal government, the military, the private sector, and as a community volunteer. In addition to knowing how city government works, I will use my experience to get results that benefit our community. With the transition to two new commissioners and a new city manager it is important for the Commission to be knowledgeable on the issues, work closely with staff to meet the needs of citizens, and to be fully engaged in policy-making functions. I will listen, treat people with respect, and always come well prepared for the policy discussions and decisions that affect our city.

30+ Years of Administrative, Managerial, and Volunteer Experiences

Dan Ellison in front of the Helena Civic Center

  • Chief of Administration and Finance Division at a state agency
  • Division Administrator for Information Technology at a state agency
  • Chair of the Montana State Government Information Technology Managers Council
  • Business and Administrative manager for the Bridger-Teton National Forest
  • Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • Department Head for Operations, Maintenance, and Administration in various Navy units

My background includes working in the public policy sector at the federal, state, and local levels. I have served on boards and commissions where a manager or executive directed the staff and the commission made policy and provided fiduciary oversight. Not only will I be ready from day one to be engaged and effective, I will bring dedication and objectivity to the processes of local government. Helena has been well served by its commissions in the past and I will work hard to continue that trend.

Engaged and Active in the Helena Community

hauser_smallServed as a board member:

  • Montana Trout Unlimited Board of Directors including holding the offices of Secretary and Treasurer
  • Helena Regional Airport Authority Commission including 2 years as board chair
  • Helena Independent Record Editorial Board Citizen Representative
  • Montana Business Assistance Connection (Formerly Gateway Economic Development) Loan Committee
  • Helena Chapter of the Navy League
  • Board Member and Vice Chair of the Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Active in fundraising and/or supporting:

  • Trout Unlimited – Life Member
  • The Friendship Center
  • Helena Food Share
  • Lewis & Clark Humane Society
  • Hometown Helena
  • Montana Business Assistance Connection
  • Helena Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Distinguished Flying Cross Society – Life Member