Two PERSPECTIVES. ONE STRATEGY.
SHAUN SHORT, MPA
Senior Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leader
Shaun Short is a senior law enforcement executive with more than 35 years of public safety experience, including executive leadership of both large, complex public safety organizations and small municipal police departments. He is known for stabilizing agencies, modernizing operations, and building professional, accountable departments in politically sensitive and resource-constrained environments.
Shaun served more than 11 years as Assistant Police Chief with the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety, where he commanded the department’s largest division and managed annual budgets exceeding $11 million. His responsibilities included strategic planning, policy development, talent acquisition, performance management, and coordination with federal partners including TSA, FBI, and DEA. He played a key leadership role in post-9/11 security transformation, rewriting airport security programs to meet new federal requirements and operating regularly in the Emergency Operations Center.
In addition to large-agency leadership, Shaun has twice been selected to serve as Police Chief for small Texas municipalities. As Chief of Police for the Town of Cross Roads, he was tasked with standing up a new 24/7 police department. Within 60 days, he hired staff, established policies, met TCOLE requirements, implemented training programs, and brought the department into full operational service. Previously, as Police Chief for the City of Joshua, he led a department turnaround—overhauling hiring standards, modernizing policies, and improving equipment and facilities. All agencies have achieved Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition/Accreditation.
Selected Leadership Achievements
Executive command of public safety organizations with budgets up to $11 million
Established two municipal police departments as Chief, including one from initial startup
Achieved Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) Accreditation and Recognition at three departments.
Led department-wide policy rewrites and modernization initiatives
Developed sustainable staffing models, hiring standards, and succession plans
Managed complex interagency operations and regional collaboration efforts
Mentored command staff and prepared future law enforcement leaders
Education & Professional Credentials
Master of Public Administration (MPA), University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Tarleton State University
Graduate, FBI National Academy – 226th Session
Focus Areas
Small & Mid-Sized Police Department Leadership
Public Safety Administration & Operations
Organizational & Policy Assessments
Staffing Models & Patrol Operations
Performance Management & Talent Development
Budget Planning & Resource Alignment
Multi-Agency & Intergovernmental Coordination
KRISTI GILBERT, MPA
City Management, Municipal Finance & Strategy Leader
Kristi Gilbert is a seasoned municipal executive with more than 25 years of experience in Texas local government, including 10 years serving as a City Manager or Assistant City Manager. Her career has focused on small and mid-sized communities, where she has built a reputation for fiscal discipline, operational clarity, and collaborative leadership.
Kristi brings extensive expertise in municipal budgeting, long-range financial planning, and organizational design. She has led annual operating budget development, multi-year financial forecasting, debt issuance, and five-year Capital Improvement Programs, consistently aligning financial strategy with council priorities and long-term sustainability. She is known for translating complex financial and operational information into clear, actionable guidance that supports informed decision-making by elected officials.
In addition to financial leadership, Kristi has played a central role in building and modernizing municipal operations, including the startup and restructuring of municipal police departments, municipal courts, and administrative departments. Her experience includes evaluating contracted versus in-house service delivery, developing staffing and governance frameworks, and guiding cities through fiscally responsible transitions. She has also supported regional and interlocal cooperative efforts, helping jurisdictions collaborate on shared services, joint purchasing, and cost-sharing initiatives.
Selected Projects & Achievements
Municipal operating budgets, multi-year financial forecasts, and five-year Capital Improvement Programs (CIP)
Debt issuance and complex financing structures including Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs)
Contributed to a bond rating improvement from AA to AA+
Startup and administration of municipal courts, including transition to Court of Record
Creation and expansion of municipal police departments
Regional and interlocal partnerships for infrastructure and service delivery
Major infrastructure projects including roadway reconstruction and utility extensions
Support of award-winning municipal initiatives and grant-funded projects
Education & Professional Credentials
Master of Public Administration (MPA), University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor’s Degree, Nonprofit Management Concentration – University of North Texas
ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM)
Certified Public Manager (CPM)
Certificate in Public Budgeting & Financial Management, University of Texas at Arlington
Previously certified as a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) for over 20 years
Focus Areas
Municipal Budget Development & Management
Long-Range Financial & Fiscal Planning
Capital Improvement Programming (CIP)
Fund Analysis & Financial Policy Development
Regional & Interlocal Cooperative Services
Contract vs. In-House Service Evaluation
Police Department & Municipal Court Startup
Organizational Design & Department Development
Council Relations & Financial Communication