Associate
Executive Director, Texas Police Chiefs Association
A native of Houston, Texas, Chief Gene Ellis started his law enforcement career in the Houston area where he worked for the second largest city in Southeast Texas, Pasadena. Chief Ellis served as a Police Chief for over 25 years, including a number of years in the State of Iowa before returning to Texas in 2009 when he was appointed Chief of Police in Belton. Chief Ellis is a graduate of the University of Houston and St. Ambrose University. He holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a law enforcement management program. He is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Program through Texas State University. Chief Ellis is a member of the board of officers of the Texas Police Chiefs Association where he serves as a past president and liaison to the Texas Municipal League Board of Directors. Chief Ellis is a Past President of the Iowa Police Chiefs Association. He is a Life Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and still serves on the Firearms Committee.
Gene Ellis also served as Belton’s Assistant City Manager, which is a dual role with his police chief duties. In this role he is responsible for other City departments including: Code Compliance, Public (Communications) Information, Information Technology, Parks & Recreation, and the Library in addition to the Police Department. Gene led the City of Belton’s Excellence in Customer Service initiative and was instrumental in the creation of “Belton 101,” an orientation program for new employees.
He was appointed Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) in 2024 following his retirement as Assistant City Manager / Chief of Police for Belton, Texas. TPCA is the largest state police chiefs association in the nation with 1,600 members.
Gene enjoys traveling, cheering for the Houston Astros and the Green Bay Packers as a shareholder in the team, and spending time with family.