Meet Marcus grimes: the New UDSID Operations Manager
New year, New Beginnings
On the first day of 2023, the University District Special Improvement District officially welcomed Marcus Grimes Sr., as the new Operations Manager to lead our safe and clean team. This is an expansion of his role through Block By Block, the contract service company the UDSID utilizes to implement the service plan.
Marcus started in 2021 with Block By Block as the General Manager of the Short North and 5/4 Special Improvement Districts. As the UDSID Operations Manager, he grows his responsibilities through a shared manager model with Short North Alliance.
His knowledge of the area and understanding the needs of the district allowed Marcus to hit the ground running. In the first 3 weeks he has trained our team of Stewards, hired a Team Lead, and implemented an improved deployment plan to improve graffiti removal, Pearl Alley maintenance, and litter control along High Street.
In this role as Operations Manager, Marcus brings resourcefulness and professionalism with 15 years of management experience and 8 years of active service to our country.
He is a graduate of The Citadel Military College of SC, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He then furthered his education by completing a Master’s Degree in Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership from AMU.
Mr. Grimes served 4 years in the U. S. Marines and 4 years in the U. S. Army. He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a 50 Caliber Machine Gunner in which he was awarded 3 Army Commendation Medals for his combat service. Mr. Grimes was also awarded the Presidential Service Badge for his time serving in the White House Liaison Office in Washington, DC in support of former President George W. Bush. Mr. Grimes was a Sergeant on the former President’s Marine-1 Helicopter Security Team.
Before joining Block By Block as the UDSID Operations Manager, Mr. Grimes spent 13 years working as a Department of Defense training instructor for Police, Fire and EMS Dispatch Certifications and the last 2 years, where he continues to serve, as the General Manager of the Short North and 5/4 Special Improvement Districts.
He was born and raised in Charleston, SC and has a blended family. He is married to his wife, Asha Grimes, and they have 5 children.
Contact Information:
SID Hotline: 614-395-1600 // Team Lead: 614-395-2930 // Operations Manager: 614-965-2889