David Coatney has over 37 years of experience in public safety and currently serves as the Agency Director/CEO of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Coatney’s fire service career began with the San Antoino Fire Department, where he served for over 25 years, retiring as an assistant fire chief.
Coatney continued his career in the fire service by serving as the fire chief for the Round Rock Fire Department, then accepted the position as the fire chief for the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department.
His experience includes serving as a firefighter, paramedic, fire company officer, department safety officer, special operations chief, operations chief, and emergency management coordinator.
He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management, is a Certified Emergency Manager, Chief Fire Officer, Executive Fire Officer, and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leaders Program in Homeland Security.
In addition to his full-time role, Coatney also serves as the Chair of the Texas Governor’s First Responder Advisory Council, a member of the FEMA Region 6 Regional Advisory Council, and as a committee member on the Texas Division of Emergency Management Advisory Committee.