Hello, My name is Talia Butler and my passion is public service, helping others, and saving lives through innovative programming. I am currently the Executive Director of Animal Services, Regional Programs, Code Enforcement, ESF-11 Emergency Response and Legislative Initiatives for Salt Lake County; serving over a million residents and over a third of Utah‘s total population in one of the largest counties in the nation.. My role includes administering and cultivating service contracts with over a dozen jurisdictions, directing millions of dollars in budget initiatives annually in a billion+ annual budget, care and maintenance of a large fleet, and over-site of several facilities. I also govern partnerships with a multitude of state and federal organizations, lead over 100+ team members and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and guide services and programs that reach millions of people annually.
I excel in creating impactful programs that maximize resources and improve lives. I have over 20 years of experience working within government; managing programs, partnerships, and personnel. I am an expert in navigating legal, statutory, and bureaucratic processes. ! have relationships nationwide with elected representatives, partner agencies, and influential entities to help guide change. My unparalleled networking skills create long- term, sustainable success. I thrive on creating innovative initiatives and driving them to completion. My division has won Best of State 14 times because of my innovative methods. As evidence to quantify this skill, one of my departments was also awarded as the top volunteer program in the nation in 2022 by the National Association of Counties. I have also facilitated fundraising, service, and donor relationships that garner millions in revenue and contributions. These are just a handful of my achievements that are extremely unusual in a traditional municipal setting and are possible because of my unique ability to levy support, engage investment, and usher in progressive change.
I specialize in resolving issues, fiscal accountability, and strategic organizational transformation. I am a strong communicator with impeccable attention to detail. I have presented at numerous national conferences and authored several scholarly publications. I graduated, With Distinction, from Southern Utah University with a Master's degree in Public Administration. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education degree, focusing on Organizational Leadership, from Southeastern University.
My greatest skill is my ability to hire and retain talented team members. I pride myself in creating an environment where team members are invested in a mission, care about each other, demonstrate their best talents, and strive for universal success.
Within this portfolio are examples of my core competencies in public administration. Sections are dedicated to my leadership, ethics code, program initiatives, governance standards, career and educational goals, highlighted achievements, and experience.
Click the links to see examples of how my education, work, and experience have expanded my effectiveness in these core competencies.