2nd Annual - Leading Without a Badge Summit 2026

General Robert B. Neller served as the 37th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from September 2015 to July 2019.

He retired from active duty in 2019. A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Neller graduated from the University of Virginia in 1975 with a degree in history and speech communication. He later earned a master’s degree from Pepperdine University in human resources management. After graduating from Virginia, Neller went directly into the Marine Corps via the Platoon Leader Class.

A career Infantry Officer, Neller has commanded from Platoon through Service Component HQs. He has been assigned as a General Officer in each of the three USMC active infantry Divisions and commanded the 3rd Marine Division. He is a joint qualified officer having served in Europe at SHAPE as a NATO staff officer and as the J3/COO of the Joint Staff. Operationally, Neller participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In OIF 05-07 during 2006, he served as the Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Force West in Iraq’s Anbar Province.

Upon retirement, Neller moved to the Austin, Texas area where he is involved in consulting, teaching, motivational speaking and serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. One of his primary consulting activities has been in the training of law enforcement personnel in their response to an active shooter situation and other challenging scenarios facing today’s law enforcement personnel. To improve police performance, he has become an advocate of virtual reality simulation to enhance and reinforce police training and policies, especially the de-escalation of a situation resulting in a non-kinetic outcome.

Dr. Ajasha Long is a licensed psychologist specializing in high-stress roles and life transitions, with deep expertise in both law enforcement and perinatal mental health. She currently serves as the police psychologist for the Mesa Police Department, where she provides clinical support, crisis intervention, and advises on policies that promote psychological resilience across the organization.

Dr. Long is also the founder and owner of Set Apart Psychological Resource and Consultation, a practice dedicated to helping high-achieving individuals navigate a wide range of life transitions. Her services support those facing the psychological demands of leadership, career change, parenting, trauma recovery, and performance pressure—with particular focus on law enforcement and perinatal mental health.

With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and EMDR, Dr. Long helps her clients process trauma, develop stabilization skills, and build emotional resilience. She brings a grounded, practical, and empowering approach to every interaction—tailored to meet the unique needs of those who carry significant personal and professional responsibility.

In addition to her clinical work, she designs and facilitates workshops on workplace anxiety, imposter mindset, and resilience. Her programming resonates in high-stakes environments, where internal pressure and perfectionism can quietly erode well-being.

Dr. Long is passionate about creating psychologically safe spaces where growth is possible, especially for those used to being the one others rely on. She is licensed to practice psychology in Arizona, Ohio, and Florida, and welcomes opportunities to collaborate on an individual or organizational level.

Albert Stokes serves as the Deputy Chief of Administrative Services for the Richmond, Virginia Police Department (RPD). From 2005 – 2013 he served as Grants Manager and Special Projects Coordinator for RPD. Transitioning to state government in 2013, Deputy Chief Stokes worked in various capacities for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). In his latter position as Grants Manager, he was responsible for the oversight of approximately $300 million in state and federal funding disbursed throughout the Commonwealth. In June 2022, he returned to RPD as Deputy Chief. Under this title he has direct leadership responsibility for the following divisions: Business Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, Clinical Services, Records and Technology and Office of Legal Affairs. In addition, the Recruitment and Personnel, Training Academy, Fleet Management, Property and Evidence, Disciplinary Review, Crime Analysis and Planning and Accreditation units are also included under his administrative portfolio. Deputy Chief Stokes is a 2011 Leadership Metro Richmond graduate. He has also received numerous awards including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Webber Seavey Award for violence reduction efforts. 

Allyson Clark-Henson serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform for the Chicago Police Department.  This office leads the Department's efforts to ensure policing policies and practices are lawful, ethical, and aligned with constitutional principles.  Allyson oversees policy development, wellness programs, data collection and analytics, training strategy, and organizational reform initiatives designed to strengthen public trust and enhance accountability.

With extensive experience is law enforcement administration, public sector leadership, and organizational change, Allyson works collaboratively with sworn and professional staff, legal counsel, community stakeholders, and external oversight bodies to translate constitutional standards into practical, effective policing practices.  This work focuses on data-informed decision-making, continuous training, and transparent performance management establishing the Chicago Police Department as a self-assessing, self-correcting learning organization.

Allyson is recognized for continued advances in reform and compliance with the City of Chicago Consent Decree.  Under her direction, the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform serves as the central resource for innovation, evaluation, and continuous improvement across the Chicago Police Department.

Allyson holds a Master of Business Administration degree from St. Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science, Education degree from DePaul University.

A seasoned government leader with experience in multiple New York City agencies, Amy Bishop currently serves as the Executive Director of the Project Management Office within the New York City Police Department. Amy joined the NYPD In 2017 as a Senior Project Manager, working with Department stakeholders to drive initiatives to increase efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement. Over the next seven years, she rose through the ranks of Deputy Director, Director, and most recently to Executive Director in June 2024. In this role, Amy leads a team of both civilian and uniformed staff managing projects that advance the Department’s mission. Among her accomplishments in these roles are the development of the NYPD Strategic Plans, the Department’s first health & wellness strategy, a Department-wide civilianization assessment, and the implementation of various police reform mandates.

Director Amy Lay has worked in law enforcement and intelligence analysis for 25 years at the local and state level, employed with the Virginia State Police for the last 22 years. She currently serves in a dual capacity as the Director for the Northern Virginia Regional Intelligence Center (NVRIC), a major urban area recognized fusion center in the National Network of Fusion Centers, as well as the National Capital Region Program Manager for the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC). She has been assigned to the VFC since its inception in 2005, helping stand up the center by developing analytical capabilities and policies and procedures for the VFC. She has served as NVRIC Director since September 2021. Director Lay manages fusion center resources and intelligence production, analytical case support, and special event support for the Northern Virginia region. She serves as an executive officer on the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA) Executive Board as the Secretary and as the representative for the DHS State and Local Intelligence Council. She also serves as a Vice Chair for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Police Intelligence Subcommittee for the National Capital Region.

Amy J. Litwin is an attorney with more than two decades of public sector experience in criminal justice, professional discipline, policing best practices, and victim advocacy. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Office of Policing Strategy and Innovation within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, supporting statewide law enforcement reform focused on training, leadership, officer wellness, and public trust.

Previously, Ms. Litwin served as Deputy Commissioner of the Department Advocate’s Office at the New York City Police Department, where she led disciplinary prosecutions, coordinated with oversight bodies, and advised executive leadership. She began her career as a prosecutor with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, later serving as Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau, and then Counsel to the Special Victims Division. In these roles, she directed multidisciplinary teams and major initiatives in victim response, training, and interagency collaboration, while serving on the office’s Professional Responsibility Tribunal, ensuring prosecutorial ethics and accountability.

Arif Alikhan is the President and Chief Legal Counsel of TacLogix, Inc., leading the company’s policy development, constitutional policing, community engagement, and strategic planning services. A nationally recognized expert in policing, homeland security, and counterterrorism, Arif has over 25 years of experience in senior policy, legal, and operational roles with the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the City of Los Angeles. He served as a federal prosecutor, senior advisor to two U.S. Attorneys General, and Assistant Secretary for Policy Development at DHS during the Obama administration, overseeing counterterrorism, intelligence, and emergency management initiatives. In Los Angeles, Arif was Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety, managing over $200 million in federal grants and advising the mayor on public safety. He later led security operations for Los Angeles World Airports, overseeing 1,200 sworn officers and personnel at LAX and Van Nuys airports. Most recently, as Director of Constitutional Policing and Policy for the LAPD, he led policy development, legal affairs, risk management, and community engagement. He was also the first civilian appointed to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police in LAPD history. Arif has taught at USC, UC Irvine, and National Defense University and is a certified law enforcement instructor and reserve police officer. He frequently lectures nationwide on public safety and homeland security.

Mr. Marvin Haiman is an Assistant Professor and the Executive Director of Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia. He is also a Visiting Fellow and Research Scholar with Rutger’s University. Haiman served as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. between 2021 and 2024. In this capacity, Haiman oversaw daily operations of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police and was responsible for broad agency management and implementing strategic agency objectives.

Haiman was responsible for several organizational units including the Office of Communications, Office of General Counsel, Office of Wellness and the Professional Development Bureau. He served as the Executive Director of the Professional Development Bureau between 2017 – 2021, leading the Recruiting Division, Metropolitan Police Academy Division, Human Resource Management Division, Disciplinary Review Division, Testing and Assessment Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Division, Office of Communications and the Strategic Engagement Office (Volunteer Services).

Prior to being named Executive Director, Haiman served in a variety of capacities between 2015-2017, including developing the agency’s Office of Volunteer Coordination, serving as Chief of Staff for the Technical Services Division tasked with a broad range of IT operations, and Chief of Staff for the Strategic Services Bureau supporting and leading the administration of police recruitment, training, policy and volunteer service matters for the Department.

Prior to returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, where he established several key task forces for the Secretary (e.g., Foreign Fighters, Integrity & Use of Force). Prior to his Federal service, Haiman led the Recruiting Division for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., among various other positions. Haiman was responsible for restructuring the sworn hiring process, decreasing the amount of time it took to process candidates while increasing the quality of those officers hired.

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in management through the Police Executive Leadership Program. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. He received recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020 as a 40 under 40 recipient and the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award by the Police Executive Research Forum. Haiman graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy and continues his police service as a reserve police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Haiman resides with his family in Washington, D.C.

Blake Norton, Chief Strategy Officer for the Sacramento Police Department, brings more than 30 years of distinguished experience in law enforcement and strategic management. As Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Norton oversees internal compliance, ensuring our operations meet all legislative mandates, and plays a key role in implementing best practices in risk management. Additionally, she leads our external communication efforts, advising on how we engage with the community, City Council, Sacramento Community Police Review Commission, and other stakeholders. Prior to joining SPD, she served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Philadelphia Police Department from 2020 to 2024, where she was instrumental in shaping the department’s strategic initiatives. Before that, she held the position of Senior Vice President at the National Police Foundation, overseeing daily operations and initiatives aimed at improving policing practices across the country. Chief Norton’s extensive career also includes leadership roles at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, where she directed Local Government Initiatives, collaborating with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to develop and implement innovative criminal justice policies. She spent 19 years with the Boston Police Department, where she served as the Director of Public Affairs and Community Programs. In this role, she was responsible for designing and managing community engagement initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting court-involved and at-risk youth, underscoring her deep commitment to community policing.

With over two decades of experience in the public sector as a litigator, policing executive, consultant, and member of federal monitoring teams, as Senior Counsel at Baker Sterchi, Brian G. Maxey works at the intersection of risk management planning, crisis management support and strategic litigation to provide comprehensive services to public sector clients.

Before joining Baker Sterchi, Brian served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Police Department, overseeing Professional Standards, Budget and Finance, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Intergovernmental Relations. Previously, he worked as a Supervising Assistant City Attorney at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, where he was lead attorney for the Police Action Team, specializing in 42 U.S.C. 1983 litigation and general advice to the Seattle Police Department; as an Assistant City Attorney in Government Affairs; as Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Special Federal Litigation Unit of the New York City Law Department, representing the New York City Police Department; and as Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, representing WA Department of Corrections and the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Brian also previously served on Federal monitoring teams in Cleveland and Baltimore and worked as a consultant driving emerging policing practices nationally. Brian also worked for the Vera Institute of Justice, concentrating on jury and juvenile court reform; as Director of the Citizens Jury Project at the Fund for Modern Courts; and as Executive Director of Friends of Hudson River Park. Brian holds a JD from Fordham University, an MPA in Policy from New York University, and a BA from Occidental College, and attended the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. He is licensed to practice law in Washington, New York, and California.

Carolyn Montagna currently serves as the Director of Law Enforcement Analytics at The Policing Lab, embedded within the Miami Police Department. Her role involves enhancing analytical capabilities, fostering collaboration between the Field Operations and Criminal Investigations Divisions, assessing deployment strategies, and initiating data-driven projects aligned with the department’s goals. Previously, she was the Director at the Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Joint Strategic and Tactical Analysis Command Center (JSTACC).  She held that position from 2017 to 2024 and during her tenure, she oversaw the daily operations and strategic vision of MPD’s real-time crime center, Investigative Support Section, Research and Analytical Services Branch, and Intelligence Branch among other units.  Prior to her appointment to Director, she also served as the Criminal Research Specialist Supervisor and JSTACC Branch Operations Manager.

Before her time at MPD, she worked as a Supervisor in the Analytical Intelligence Section of the Baltimore Police Department in Baltimore, Maryland and as a Cold Case Analyst at the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science in West Haven, Connecticut. Carolyn’s demonstrated strengths include overseeing day-to-day and strategic operations in various types of law enforcement analytical, intelligence, and support units; managing a team of over 140 sworn and professional staff members; disseminating timely, accurate, and actionable information from multiple sources to support 24-7 operations; leading and motivating employees and coworkers; managing multiple innovative projects; implementing new computer-based technologies; researching and developing new intelligence and crime analysis methods; overseeing command centers and emergency operation centers during major, large-scale events; presenting in front of various types of audiences, including but not limited to command staff, community members, the mayor, and other government officials; researching and implementing best practices in law enforcement; participating in various regional task forces and working groups; and adhering to applicable policies and procedures while completing work within required time constraints.

Carolyn holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Advanced Investigation from the University of New Haven, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Chelsea Diaz serves as Deputy Director of the Office of Research and Projects for the Chicago Police Department, where she helps lead the Department’s largest reform and organizational transformation initiatives. A civilian professional with experience across multiple facets of public safety, she oversees CPD’s Project Management Division—including the teams responsible for managing and tracking compliance with the federal Consent Decree—as well as the Research & Development Division, which guides policy development, analytical reporting, and standards for policing practice. 

Since joining CPD four years ago, Diaz has played a central role in advancing evidence-informed strategies across areas such as supervision, crisis intervention, community policing, and impartial policing. She also coordinates the Department’s Workforce Allocation Study, partnering with external experts to modernize CPD’s staffing model and strengthen alignment between community needs and police service delivery. 

Before her work in Chicago, Diaz served as Grants Manager for the Charleston Police Department in South Carolina, where she oversaw federal and state funding portfolios spanning port security, forensic services, technology modernization, and multi-agency task forces. She also served as Logistics Section Chief within Charleston’s Incident Command Structure, supporting emergency response operations for hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In addition to her municipal roles, Diaz also spent five years as Executive Assistant to the Board of the FBI National Executive Institute Associates (NEIA), helping to coordinate national-level discussions on violent crime, policing ethics, and homeland security issues. She remains committed to strengthening public safety institutions through research, collaboration, and transparent reform. 

Chris Mowry is a seasoned technology executive and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation across public and private sectors. As CITO for the Virginia State Police, he drives strategic modernization of mission-critical systems and pushes innovation to enhance public safety. Chris is a board member of AI Ready RVA, Board member for the Commonwealths Cybersecurity Planning Committee, and is a passionate advocate for ethical innovation, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Courtney Corriere is the Crime Analyst for the Blacksburg Police Department, where she leads efforts in crime analysis, data sharing, and strategic communication. She reestablished the department’s intern program and helped create a regional data-sharing partnership among eight law enforcement agencies across the New River Valley. Courtney also manages the department’s social media, using data and storytelling to strengthen community engagement and transparency. 

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Radford University in 2016, and a Certificate in Crime Analysis and Investigations from Pierce College in 2022. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Radford University. Courtney is passionate about leveraging data to enhance public safety, build partnerships, and modernize policing practices. 

***Conference Speaker Leading Without a Badge 2026***

Dante Bidwell has been a public servant for 11 years, in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Most recently, Dante served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. In his capacity as CAO, Dante managed the daily operations of the City and Parish, including the oversight of 19 department heads, more than 4,000 employees, an annual budget of over $1 billion, as well as a long-term infrastructure improvement budget valued at several billion dollars.

Before his work in Baton Rouge, Dante served as a non-commissioned leader within the New Orleans Police Department, including serving as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent of Police for three years. During this time, he was involved in all aspects of the organization, including internal operations, technology procurement, training, and public accountability, while fostering collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies.

Dana O’Malley is the Chief of Staff of the Chicago Police Department. In this role, she works directly with the Superintendent of Police to advise and provide direction on Department-wide public safety efforts and operations. Prior to being appointed Chief of Staff, she was CPD’s General Counsel. In this role, Chief O’Malley oversaw all legal issues that included criminal code, Fourth Amendment, civil liability, First Amendment, employment and labor relations. As General Counsel, she worked on the implementation of CPD’s consent decree and continues to advise on the Department’s reform efforts as Chief of Staff. She also served as the Assistant General Counsel. 

Before joining CPD, Chief O’Malley was the Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel and the Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Federal Rights Litigation Division in the City of Chicago Department of Law. While working in these roles, she supervised and handled cases involving CPD officers. 

Prior to joining city government, Chief O’Malley was a Shareholder and Associate Attorney at Futterman, Howard, Ashley & Weltman P.C handling consumer fraud, education allocation and anti-trust cases. She began her career as an Associate Attorney at William J. Harte, Ltd.  

Chief O’Malley is a member of the Chicago Bar Association. She received her Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Administration of Criminal Justice from Bradley University. 

Darrell Aulston is an executive law enforcement professional with over 22 years of experience. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Kearney while working for the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. Darrell is currently a Captain with the Colorado State Patrol and has 14 years of leadership experience. Darrell’s previous roles include training, investigations, and first and second-level leadership. Darrell is now the Wellness Director for the Colorado State Patrol and is a master facilitator for the Center of Relationship Education and Resilient Minds on the Front Lines. Darrell is married to his wife, Kali, and lives in Denver with their son, Riggs.

Dolores Poeppel has served with the Colorado State Patrol for 47 years and created the Victim Services unit 35 years ago.  A dedicated advocate for victims of traffic crimes, an often overlooked and underserved population, Dolores has spent her career ensuring individuals and families receive compassionate support during their most challenging moments.  Her leadership has strengthened victim-centered practices across the agency, and her longstanding commitment continues to elevate the standard of care for victims throughout the state.

In January 2025, Lt. Colonel Daven Byrd was assigned as the Assistant Director leading the Arizona Highway Patrol. Prior to that, July 2022 through December 2024, Lt. Colonel Byrd led the Technical Services Division.

Lt. Colonel Byrd began his law enforcement career in 2005 as a State Trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol Division and has since held various assignments in each of the Department’s operational and support divisions. As a State Trooper, his first assignment was patrolling the Verde Valley area of Yavapai County. In 2008, he was selected for assignment as a Detective in the Major Crimes District of the Criminal Investigations Division and relocated to Phoenix. He then completed assignments as the Department’s State Trooper Academy Coordinator, Field Training Program Coordinator, Impaired Driving Enforcement Programs Coordinator, and Sworn Professional Development Coordinator.

In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and selected to lead the Vehicular Crimes Unit. He then completed assignments as the Operations Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations and Agency Support Divisions. Additionally, he served as the International Association of Chiefs of Police Western Region Representative for the Drug Evaluation Classification Program’s Technical Advisory Panel, in which role he served as the DRE Coordinator for the western United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. He is the recipient of the IACP DRE Section Karen Tarney-Bookstaff DRE of the Year Award and is a DRE Emeritus.

In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as the Operational Training Commander, where he oversaw the Department’s Field Training Program, Lateral State Trooper Academy, Firearms Training Unit, Use of Force and Defensive Tactics Program, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Training. In 2018, he was assigned as the Bureau Commander leading the Information Management Bureau and as the Department’s Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and the Arizona FBI CJIS Systems Officer. In 2020, Lt. Col. Byrd was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned as the Highway Patrol Division’s Chief of Staff, a position he held until his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, when he led the Technical Services Division.

As the Assistant Director leading the Highway Patrol, Lt. Colonel Byrd commands statewide uniformed State Trooper Operations, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, the State Trooper Academy, and Capitol Operations Troopers, along with specialized support, administrative, investigative, and intelligence units.

Lt. Colonel Byrd is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management in Policing Executive Strategic Management Program, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Public Safety, as well as graduate certificates in Project Management and Criminal Justice Education.

David Clow is the Strategic Relations Manager at Flock Safety, dedicated to building safer communities through innovative technology partnerships with law enforcement and municipal leaders. With over 20 years of experience in public service and IT leadership—including roles as Chief Information Officer for the Metropolitan Police Department and Associate CTO for the District of Columbia—David brings a unique perspective to solving complex public safety challenges. He is recognized nationally as a thought leader in public safety IT and actively contributes to the community as a board member of the DC Police Foundation and Society for Information Management Capital Area Council (#SIMCAC), and as a member of the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety (#NAPSPS) and the Life Safety Alliance, supporting advancements in security and public safety.

Dru Clarke started as a telecommunicator with Fairfax County in 2013 where he became a calltaker, police and fire dispatcher, CTO, DCJS instructor, EMDi, quality assurance specialist, Training Instructor, and Operations Supervisor. Dru has a passion for the people, and through his instructorships he creates impactful continuous educational seminars that inspire lasting change. He is proactive and personable, with an expertise in public speaking and workplace momentum. He creates, coordinates, and implements new ideas and trainings seamlessly into the workplace. With his keen eye for detail, he transforms missions and goals into action. He puts people before policy, culture before strategy, and receives a "Return on Influence" with each employee he engages. Leading with love, courage, and vulnerability, Dru carves out brave new spaces within the workplace where all can be seen and feel included. He is a catalyst for change, compass for truth, and curator of innovation. In 2020, he launched his training firm ChangeTalk where he teaches a variety of leadership topics to industry professionals. Today, Dru is a Training Manager with Carbyne, the worlds largest provider of advanced mobile location services. With Carbyne, Dru hopes to provide front line call takers and dispatchers with the NextGen911 solutions that will enable and empower them to get the right help to the right people every single time.

Elizabeth Wiltrout is the Manager of the Criminal Justice Information Division (CJID) for the Mesa Police Department—one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Arizona—serving a community of more than half a million residents. She leads a 97-member civilian division responsible for critical and high-liability public safety functions, including national reporting compliance, data integrity, public records and digital media dissemination, and risk management.

Since assuming division leadership in 2019, she has strengthened workforce stability, expanded resources, and modernized technology to enhance transparency and efficiency. Her 18-year career with the City of Mesa includes leadership roles in the Crime Scene Unit, Chief’s Office Administration, Records, and Risk Management.

Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. She also serves as Chair of the VersaWest User Group Board, advancing regional collaboration in records management innovation.

As Public Safety Portfolio Manager for Anne Arundel County Government, Emily Meadows drives the strategic direction of the county's public safety technology. She architects and manages the solution portfolio, championing key initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and critical interagency interoperability. Emily's expertise was pivotal to her leadership as Project Manager for the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s state-of-the-art Real Time Information Center (RTIC). She is dedicated to integrating advanced, scalable solutions to meet the complex challenges of modern emergency response.

Advisory Board Member

Ganesha M. Martin, Esq. is a leading expert in human-centered policing and the founder of "Let’s Meet in the Middle," an initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between law enforcement and communities of color. Currently, she serves as the Bureau Chief of Constitutional Policing for the Minneapolis Police Department as well as the Vice President of Public Policy and Community Affairs at Mark43, a cutting-edge, cloud-native public safety software company. In this role, Martin drives initiatives that leverage technology to enhance accountability, transparency and trust between police agencies and the communities they serve. 

A trailblazer in criminal justice reform, Martin has held several key leadership positions in Baltimore City government, most recently as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ). There, she led comprehensive criminal justice reform efforts in collaboration with the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the judiciary and numerous community organizations. 

As an attorney, Martin played a central role in leading the federal court-ordered Consent Decree reform efforts at the Baltimore Police Department from 2015 to 2018. As Chief of the Department of Justice Compliance, Accountability and External Affairs Division, she was an integral member of the negotiation team that introduced transformative reforms in areas such as crisis intervention, use of force, mental health interventions, body-worn cameras, de-escalation tactics, community policing, officer wellness and early intervention systems. These reforms continue to serve as a model for law enforcement agencies nationwide. 

A pioneer in public-private partnerships, Martin is committed to building nontraditional relationships that bridge divides and create opportunities for collaboration in public safety. In her current consulting work, she focuses on uniting law enforcement with communities of color, using her unique ability to connect with both sides and guide them toward common ground. She regularly advises nonprofits, private companies, tech startups, community organizations and local governments on best practices for policing, public safety and community engagement. 

Martin is a respected thought leader in the field of criminal justice reform and public safety. She is a member of the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to advancing effective criminal justice policies. In 2019, she was one of 40 community policing experts invited to Nairobi, Kenya, by the Open Society Foundations to discuss strategies for civilian police reform. That same year, she was awarded the Securing Open Societies Fellowship. Her expert commentary on police reform, accountability and social justice has been featured in prominent publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, and The Baltimore Banner. 

Known for her ability to navigate complex issues and overcome entrenched distrust, Martin is driven by a belief in the transformative power of communication and human connection. Her approach fosters collaboration across polarized groups and drives progress on some of society’s most challenging social issues. Her goal is to create practical pathways for police departments and communities to work together toward a safer and more equitable future. 

Outside of her professional work, Martin is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment. She serves as co-board chair for Teach For America  Baltimore, Outward Bound, the Baltimore Community Mediation Center, and Overcoming Poverty Together. She was recently appointed to 30x30, a grassroots movement dedicated to increasing the representation of women in policing by 30% by 2030. A graduate of Leadership Maryland and the Greater Baltimore Committee’s LEADERship program, Martin has been recognized for her leadership and impact by organizations such as The Baltimore Sun (Top 25 Women to Watch), The Daily Record (Top 100 Women), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) (Top 40 Under 40). 

Harold Medina, a native of Taos, New Mexico, has dedicated over 27 years to law enforcement, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police for the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). A first-generation college graduate, Medina earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and criminology from the University of New Mexico and later completed the Police School of Staff and Command at Northwestern University.

Medina began his career with APD in 1995, serving as a patrol officer for nine years before advancing to leadership roles. His early initiatives included the Party Patrol program, which significantly reduced illegal alcohol sales to minors and earned statewide recognition, including multiple Hero Awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. As a Lieutenant and Commander, Medina championed community-oriented policing strategies that led to double-digit reductions in property crimes and strengthened partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations. Chief Medina is committed to transparency, community partnerships, and innovative strategies that build trust.

After retiring as a Commander in 2014, Medina served as Chief of Police for the Pueblo of Laguna, gaining valuable experience in cross-cultural policing. He returned to APD in 2017 as Deputy Chief of the Field Services Bureau and was appointed Interim Chief in 2020. In March 2021, he was confirmed as Chief of Police by unanimous City Council Vote. 

As Chief, Medina has led transformative reforms, including successfully closing the Department of Justice consent decree and implementing constitutional policing practices. Under his leadership, Albuquerque achieved historic reductions in crime rates and increased homicide clearance rates, restoring public trust and accountability to foster lasting change. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to transparency, community engagement, and innovative crime fighting strategies that emphasize collaboration.  

Prior to retirement, Medina served as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, where he advocated for national best practices in policing and collaborated with law enforcement leaders across the country. His career reflects a steadfast dedication to building safer communities through partnership, integrity, and progressive leadership.

Key Accomplishments

• Successfully closed the Department of Justice consent decree.
• Achieved historic reductions in crime rates across Albuquerque.
• Increased homicide clearance rates to record levels.
• Served as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
• Implemented constitutional policing and community engagement reforms.

Isa Abbassi is a veteran law enforcement executive with over 28 years of service in major city policing, currently serving as Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Policing Strategy and Innovation. In this role, he leads statewide efforts to standardize excellence in policing across more than 500 law enforcement agencies and 40,000 officers. As the New Jersey Attorney General’s chief advisor on municipal policing strategy, Executive Director Abbassi is responsible for evaluating and applying creative policing strategies while ensuring New Jersey’s police policies, training and quality controls remain at the forefront of professional best practice. 

Executive Director Abbassi previously served as 3-star Chief of Strategic Initiatives in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where he served as the department’s chief strategy officer. He has held numerous high-impact leadership roles at NYPD, including Deputy Chief of Police and commanding officer of multiple precincts. In 2023, Abbassi was selected by the Governor and Attorney General of New Jersey to lead the transformation of the Paterson Police Department (PPD) following a critical incident that garnered national attention. Under his leadership, the department saw significant crime reductions, technological modernization, and improved community relations through the “PPD NextGen” strategic plan. 

A progressive voice for the advancement of policing through innovation, Executive Director Abbassi is also a lead instructor at the University of Chicago’s Policing Leadership Academy, teaching organizational change management and gun violence reduction strategies. He is a graduate of Columbia University’s Police Management Institute and the Senior Management Institute for Police, and he holds a certificate in organizational strategy from the Wharton School.

JaCorey R. Glaude is a forward-thinking leader in emergency communications, blending over a decade of frontline experience with a passion for innovation, leadership, and technology. Holding ENP, RPL, CMCP, and multiple industry certifications, he champions operational excellence and workforce development.

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As the 911 Market Development Manager for GovWorx and a Training & Technology Consultant with Omni Public Safety Group, JaCorey drives transformative change in public safety. His expertise enhances training, operational efficiency, and workplace culture, ensuring agencies are prepared for the evolving demands of emergency response.

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Beyond his leadership roles, JaCorey remains deeply connected to the frontline as a part-time telecommunicator at Harris County ESD11 and an adjunct instructor at Houston Community College. An advocate for mentorship and industry growth, he serves on the Texas NENA Board as Commercial Advisor, APCO CAC, and NENA’s Education Advisory Board.

Jim Cook is an accomplished law enforcement executive with over 20 years of experience in public safety and transit policing. Currently serving as Assistant Chief of Police for the Amtrak Police Department, he oversees comprehensive operations protecting more than 34 million passengers annually across Amtrak's extensive network spanning 46 states and three Canadian provinces.

Chief Cook holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. His leadership training includes prestigious programs such as the Senior Management Institute for Police (PERF) and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He formerly served as the Intelligence Sub-Committee Chair of the Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee (STSAC) and holds professional memberships in several major law enforcement associations.

With 26 years of dedicated service, Chief James “Jay” Gerace is the current Chief of Police for the Town of Colonie.  His expertise in developing and delivering impactful police training programs is evident through his presentations at national conferences and the National Academy of Sciences in Washington D.C.  A graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 282), Chief Gerace has shared his insights through published work in prestigious journals including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (AICP) and the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin.

Deputy Executive Director James Haggerty currently oversees the Strategy Office within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Strategy and Innovation. He has 20 years of experience with the New York City Police Department, where he served in various patrol commands and specialized units. During his tenure, he was assigned to the Office of Management Analysis and Planning, where he played a key role in drafting police policies and procedures. Before retiring from the NYPD, he served as the Executive Officer of the Legal Bureau.

Following his NYPD career, he was appointed Chief of Staff for the Paterson Police Department, overseeing all internal functions of the department.

Deputy Executive Director Haggerty holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Jesalyn Moore is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health leadership, trauma treatment, and first responder wellness. She currently serves as the Public Safety Wellness Manager for the James City County Police Department and is the Co-Owner of Mission Mind Wellness, a veteran- and woman-owned practice dedicated to supporting law enforcement, military, and first responder families.

Jesalyn’s passion for this work is deeply personal—she’s a Navy kid and the spouse of a former law enforcement officer. Her lived experience gives her a unique understanding of the culture, challenges, and resilience found within those who serve. Through her national keynotes and training programs, Jesalyn blends evidence-based practice with empathy and real-world insight, helping organizations build psychologically safe, trauma-informed cultures that sustain those who protect and serve.

Jodie Esquibel is the Director of the Albuquerque Community Safety Department, a nationally recognized program leading the nation in alternative 911 response to behavioral health emergencies, where she oversees a team of 145 professionals. Born and raised in New Mexico, she brings more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical services, tactical medicine, and community safety.

A certified paramedic and Tactical EMS provider with the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Bureau, Jodie has supported high-risk operations for over a decade and played key roles in search and rescue, air medical services, and public health emergency response. She is also a TECC instructor and has taught tactical medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

In addition to her public safety leadership, Jodie is a lifelong martial artist with 25 years of international competition experience and a long-standing entrepreneur, having owned and operated a yoga studio for 15 years. Her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and building resilient communities.

Chief of Police John Drake began his law enforcement career in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, as a police officer in 1988, and continues to dedicate himself to the safety of Nashville’s families and visitors.

Chief Drake began his police service in the Patrol Division, before being assigned to the Vice Division’s Narcotics Unit to investigate mid to upper level drug traffickers. From the Narcotics Unit, and with a passion to mentor youth, Drake transferred to the Police Athletic League, where he began a basketball program for children. That program grew from 100 participants the first year to more than 1,300 participants in less than 5 years. Chief Drake also started a junior golf program which is now part of the First Tee initiative.

Chief Drake began seeking leadership roles in 2006, was promoted to sergeant in February 2007, and served as a patrol supervisor at the North Precinct. He next went to the Office of Professional Accountability, where he investigated internal allegations against both sworn and civilian police department employees. In 2010, following his promotion to lieutenant, Drake was assigned to the Hermitage Precinct to lead its Investigations Unit, which handled cases ranging from homicide to misdemeanor theft. After 4 years as an investigative lieutenant, Drake was promoted to captain (April 2014) and served as an overnight field supervisor for 6 months before being assigned to oversee the Domestic Violence Division as its first male captain. While there, Drake helped start the lethality assessment program and detailed domestic violence supplements, which are still widely used today.

On September 1, 2015, Drake was appointed commander of the Central Precinct, Nashville’s downtown business/entertainment district, which draws millions of tourist visits each year. On July 1, 2017, Drake was appointed Deputy Chief over the newly created Support Services Bureau, which oversees SWAT, Special Events, Field Training Officers, School Resource Officers, Fleet Operations, Building Services, Parks, Warrants, Aviation and several other components within the police department.

In June 2020, Drake was appointed Deputy Chief over of the Community Services Bureau, which includes the department’s 8 precincts, before being appointed Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in August 2020. He was named as the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s 8th Chief of Police on November 30, 2020.

Chief Drake holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the College of Public Service at Bethel University.

Josh Margolin, Chief Investigative Reporter, ABC News – In his role as the Chief Investigative Reporter at ABC News, Josh Margolin’s reporting appears on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, 20/20, ABC News Live and Hulu documentaries. Josh leads the network’s coverage of a wide range of stories – from breaking crime news to law enforcement and terrorism – and he helped coordinate investigative coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol and the rise of the modern hate movement in America. In 2022-23, he helped lead ABC’s ambitious project covering the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and how that community forged on after the deaths of 19 students and two of their teachers. Josh has been a news reporter since 1991. He is the co-author of the bestselling The Jersey Sting and his work has been recognized with six Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow awards and The Pulitzer Prize.

Kevin J. Strom is a center director at RTI International, where he oversees work related to policing, forensics, investigations, and violence prevention. His research has included work aimed at improving the response to violent crime through enhanced investigative practices and community partnerships, studies focused on increasing efficiencies for forensic evidence processing, and research developing strategic applications for crime incident and 911 calls-for-service data. He leads the National Case Closed Project, which assists law enforcement agencies in improving investigative standards and case clearance outcomes for fatal and nonfatal shootings, as well as the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Training and Technical Assistance project, which supports the testing of unsubmitted sexual assault kits, the investigation and prosecution of these cases, and practices that improve the collective response for sexual assault survivors.

Dr. Strom holds a Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Krista Ashbery has served as the United States Capitol Police’s (USCP) Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) since December 15, 2025. She has more than 20 years of legal, financial and leadership experience. 

Ms. Ashbery began her career as an agency attorney for the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where she provided legal counsel to the executive team regarding enforcement, employment issues, civil matters, and agency procedures. 

Ms. Ashbery later led the NYPD’s Facilities Management Division and Office of Capital Planning & Oversight where she managed a $250 million capital construction budget. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Police Commissioner before being named the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives, where she managed the Department’s long-term strategic plan. 

Ms. Ashbery recently served as the Chief of Staff for the NYPD’s First Deputy Commissioner, before joining the USCP in December of 2025.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Muhlenberg College and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.

Latoya D. Dorsey is an award-winning human resources leader with over 14 years of progressive experience in local government and law enforcement. As the Human Resources Manager for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), she serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership, providing critical support to a workforce of more than 2,000 sworn and civilian employees.

Renowned for her ability to balance results and relationships, Latoya is a trusted advisor and seasoned investigator, adept at managing high-stakes cases involving Title VII discrimination, ADA accommodations, EEOC litigation, and OSHA and Department of Labor claims. Her work has played a pivotal role in mitigating risk and fostering a culture grounded in compliance, integrity, and trust.

Latoya is a certified Workplace Big Five Consultant, a certified AIRS Professional Recruiter, and holds a Six Sigma certification. She has also completed a specialized certification program in Internal Investigations, strengthening her expertise in navigating complex employee relations issues with precision and fairness.

A passionate and engaging communicator, Latoya is frequently invited to share her expertise on both local and national stages. She has presented on critical topics such as emotional intelligence, leadership development, workplace investigations, and employee relations, earning a reputation as a thought leader in public sector HR.

Latoya holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Human Services, with concentrations in Human Resources Management and Social and Community Services. She is an active member of several professional organizations including NOBLE, SHRM, PSHRA, and Charlotte Area SHRM, where she continues to influence HR practices and policy development.

Committed to mentorship and community impact, Latoya is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she proudly supports youth leadership initiatives and collegiate engagement. Her southern charm, results-driven approach, and unwavering dedication to empowering others have made her a respected and influential figure in the HR profession.

Conference Speaker for Leading Without a Badge 2026

Andrew Dameron serves as the Director of 9-1-1 for the City and County of Denver. A Denver area native, Andrew has led emergency communications teams in a wide variety of fields, including 9-1-1, healthcare, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Andrew is an inaugural member of the Council of State Government’s Expanding First Response Commission where he works to educate national and international stakeholders and advocate for the dispatch of trauma-informed and community-based response programs through 9-1-1. He is a Certified Public Safety Executive through the Association for Public Safety Communications (APCO) and serves the State of Colorado as a voting member of the State’s 9-1-1 Advisory Task Force. Andrew is a past President of the Board of Directors for the Colorado 9-1-1 Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free training, guidance, and resources for 9-1-1 Authorities across the state of Colorado. He holds a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Colorado State University, and a Masters in International Security from the University of Denver.

Mark Heller is Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Crime Analysis & Strategic Partnerships at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and is responsible for the strategic oversight of the network of 11 crime analysis centers across New York State, as well as developing and cultivating relationships across the law enforcement and crime analysis communities.  Mark has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, as well as a broad range of experience in public safety training, information technology, and program management across a variety of New York State agencies and in the private sector.  He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in management of information technology, and a master’s degree in public administration from Marist University.

Matthew Bromeland has served as the Chief of Staff of the Prince William County (Virginia) Police Department since August 2021. Prior to this role, he served for nearly five years as the Chief of Staff of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C. He has also served in roles with the Richmond (VA) Police Department and two federal agencies. Matt has devoted his career to helping modernize agency operations and enhancing the way police departments can better serve the community. Matt has spearheaded and managed many of the Chief’s key initiatives and priorities, including an interagency initiative focused on repeat violent offenders, creation of a real-time investigative support unit, implementation of a new records management system, and most recently the establishment of a strategic analysis and intelligence hub. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He is also a graduate of the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia and is a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar.

Mike Milstein began in local government when he joined the Chicago Mayor's Office in 2016 during a time when the City of Chicago and Chicago Police Department were under a Department of Justice investigation that later found severe practices of unconstitutional policing. Mike immediately began supporting the City's response to the investigation and early plans for reform, including the negotiation of a consent decree. Once implemented, he led the Mayor's Office's early infrastructure around the implementation of the new consent decree. In 2020, a week before the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Mike joined the Chicago Police Department's Office of Community Policing, where he led the Department's effort to engage communities around reform and impartial policing efforts. Since joining the Chicago Police Department, Mike has been instrumental in leading the Chicago Police Department's efforts to implement impartial policing practices. He’s worked with communities to create forward-thinking policies, trainings, and programs that impact many diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and victims of gender-based violence. In July of 2024, Mike launched the Chicago Police Department's Office of Equity and Engagement, a brand-new team within the Department solely focused on advancing and supporting equity and impartial policing throughout the Chicago Police Department. Mike additionally took over the Chicago Police Department's new Office of Victim Services, which includes support services for victims and survivors of gun violence, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence. Mike got his start in public service by working on and volunteering for several political and social campaigns where he was an advocate for justice and fairness. Mike has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed the Executive Program for Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Chief Michael G. Sullivan joined the United States Capitol Police on June 30, 2025. During his 30-year law enforcement career, Chief Sullivan has focused on increasing transparency, improving departmental efficiency, and fostering strong relationships between officers, elected officials, and the community.
Chief Sullivan’s policing career began with the Louisville Division of Police in Kentucky in 1995. Following the department’s transition to the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2003, he rose through the ranks to serve as Deputy Chief from 2016 to 2019. Chief Sullivan was recruited to join the Baltimore Police Department, where he served as Deputy Commissioner from 2019 to 2022, overseeing the Operations and Compliance Bureaus.

Chief Sullivan served as the Interim Chief of the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) from 2022 to 2025. He spearheaded major reforms and operational improvements that led to significant policy changes and enhanced community engagement. Chief Sullivan also played a critical role in guiding PPD through a Department of Justice “pattern-and-practice” investigation, ensuring that necessary reforms were made in a meaningful and sustainable manner. Additionally, he overhauled PPD’s use-of-force policies, ensuring officers receive updated training on best practices, and restructured the Organizational Integrity Bureau to reinforce accountability within the department.

A graduate of the University of Louisville, Chief Sullivan holds both a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration and a master’s degree in the Administration of Justice. Chief Sullivan’s leadership credentials include training at some of the nation’s top law enforcement institutions, including: the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course, the FBI National Academy, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACO)/MacArthur Foundation Institute on Juvenile Justice, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute. In 2018, he was recognized by the Police Executive Research Forum with the Gary P. Hayes Award, which recognizes promising leaders in policing.

Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner became a Milwaukee Police Officer in 1996. In 2001, Assistant Chief Waldner was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Narcotics Division, where she participated in drug investigations. In 2009, Assistant Chief Waldner was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the Homicide Division, the Internal Affairs Division, and the Police Academy. She was promoted to the rank of Captain in August 2015 and was the commander of the Milwaukee Police Academy. Assistant Chief Waldner oversaw various trainings for more than 1,800 sworn police personnel, along with the department’s civilian personnel. Assistant Chief Waldner was also responsible for training approximately 200 recruit officers yearly. In May 2020, she was assigned to HIDTA. In August 2020, Assistant Chief Waldner was promoted to Inspector and was assigned to the Administration Bureau. In December 2021, she was promoted to Assistant Chief of the Administration Bureau. In December of 2023, Assistant Chief Waldner was assigned to oversee the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Assistant Chief Waldner is a proud graduate of Riverside High School, Class of 1991. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota.

Nola M. Joyce is a Partner and Principal Consultant for 21CP Solutions, LLC, and a nationally recognized policing expert. She served as Deputy Commissioner for Services, Strategy, and Innovation with the Philadelphia Police Department. Previously, she held executive positions in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Chicago Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Corrections. She created and directed significant organizational change efforts in these demanding public safety agencies.

Nola M. Joyce is driven by a deep passion for helping agencies reach new heights of performance and service. Her expertise lies in assessing organizational performance, providing innovative and unique solutions, and devising strategic implementation plans. With advanced degrees in sociology, public policy, and homeland security, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and broad perspectives to her work, enabling her to find unique solutions to complex issues.

Ms. Joyce’s consulting experience includes helping police departments understand their staffing needs and workload demands. She also works with police departments on strategic planning and modernizing their policies, procedures, and programs to meet the demands of the 21st century. 

She is on the boards of the University of Virginia Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety.

Paris Lewbel serves as the Public Relations Manager for Flock Safety, where he drives national media strategy, elevates success stories, and builds strong relationships with reporters and public sector partners across the country. Previously, he was Deputy Director of Communications for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s largest police departments. In that role, he oversaw media relations, public affairs, and digital media, and directed crisis communications during major incidents, including serving as Unified Command PIO for the 2025 midair collision between a Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet. Earlier in his career, Paris was the PIO for the Aurora (IL) Police Department, where he co-led the communications response to the 2022 Highland Park Parade Shooting. Paris served as Chair of the IACP PIO Section and Co-chair of the U.S. Secret Service NSSE Public Affairs Subcommittee. A former Emmy-nominated investigative reporter, he holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago and served as a Reserve Police Officer in D.C.

Paul Noel was sworn in as Knoxville's 27th Chief of Police on June 13, 2022. In his time on the job, Noel has overseen progressive enhancements in four cornerstone areas – crime reduction, community partnerships, internal culture and professional development.

Noel oversaw one of the single largest reorganizations in the history of the Knoxville Police Department. That reorganization included the reestablishment of the Central District, which expanded the number of police districts from two to three. Under Noel's watch, the KPD also became the first law enforcement agency in the state of Tennessee to join the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project. The department completed the department-wide ABLE training in 2023.

In his first full year on the job, murders decreased by 35 percent and non-fatal shootings dropped 12 percent. Noel has also championed community-based violence prevention initiatives, including Project TLC. Through Project TLC, the KPD established three place-based strategy zones for the purpose of positively impacting crime and quality of life in areas that have been disproportionately affected by gun violence.

In 2024, Noel's second full year on the job, murders dropped another four percent while non-fatal shootings decreased by a remarkable 45 percent.

Among his other accomplishments, Noel also initiated the process of creating the KPD's first-ever Deputy Chief of Professional Standards position in late 2022, transforming what was previously Internal Affairs into the Office of Professional Standards. That position is currently held by retired federal judge Bruce Guyton.

Noel also spearheaded new community engagement strategies, including quarterly district commander forums and regular neighborhood walks, while also fortifying the department's partnership with area youth organizations.

In 2023, the KPD joined the Department of Justice's National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) and voluntarily underwent two separate department assessments. That included the 21CP departmental assessment, which was designed to assist KPD's efforts to update and modernize its policies and practices in line with nationally-recognized best practices.

Prior to assuming command of the Knoxville Police Department, Noel was a Deputy Superintendent at the New Orleans Police Department, where he served in numerous leadership roles for over 25 years.

While at NOPD, Noel developed a reputation as a successful and ethical leader committed to a community-focused approach to problem solving that builds trust and legitimacy, reduces crime, demands accountability and maintains a highly-motivated workforce.

From May 2020 until his departure from the NOPD, Noel served as the Chief of Detectives, where he oversaw the supervision of over 200 sworn detectives responsible for all follow-up investigations. In that role, he reorganized a Homicide Division that had a 36% solve rate, initiating significant culture changes within the Homicide Division that resulted in that solve rate increasing to 54%. Noel also implemented quarterly "Next of Kin" community meetings for homicide victims' families to improve communications with those families and the NOPD and assist those families in the healing process.

Prior to his time as the Chief of Detectives, Noel was the Deputy Superintendent over Field Operations from December 2015 until May 2020. In that capacity, he was responsible for directing over 900 sworn officers in the field, including all eight police districts. He also created NOPD's TIGER Unit to strategically target violent criminals. Noel's transformative strategies and leadership in that role led to a 31-percent decrease in homicides from 2016 to 2019, resulting in the city's lowest homicide number since 1971. He also represented the NOPD in the U.S. Department of Justice Public Safety Partnership and served as the Incident Commander for all protests, public gatherings, natural disasters and major public events, including Mardi Gras, the NCAA National Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl.

Noel also oversaw the implementation of wide-ranging community-policing initiatives. That included leading a citywide effort to help New Orleans residents form district-based community policing plans, directly involving community members in the problem-solving process.

During his time at the command levels of the NOPD, Noel became an outspoken champion of ethical and progressive policing. While the Chief of Field Operations, Noel played an integral role in the development and implementation of the Ethical Policing is Courageous (EPIC) peer intervention program, which was developed alongside community partners. In 2021, Noel was presented with the prestigious Hayes Award from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) for his work implementing the EPIC program.

The evolution of that program was the ABLE Project that was developed through Georgetown University. Noel still serves as a member of the ABLE Board of Advisors. More than 280 law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada have implemented the ABLE training. The KPD was accepted to join the ABLE Project in the fall of 2022.

Before his promotion to Deputy Superintendent, Noel was the commander of NOPD's Second District from January 2012 through December 2015. In that capacity, he oversaw the supervision of over 90 sworn officer within a district that earned a reputation for aggressively solving crimes while working closely with community members, faith-based leaders and nonprofit organizations to solve problems in neighborhoods.

While serving as the Second District Commander, Noel was also tasked with the additional responsibility of leading needed reforms of the NOPD's Sex Crimes Unit. That included the reinvestigation of over 350 sexual assault investigations and overhauling the department's sexual assault and child abuse policies and procedures. That process was done in concert with external stakeholders and advocates, who helped develop and implement policy reforms based on the best nationally recognized practices.

Noel started his career with the NOPD in February 1997 and served in various roles until assuming command of the Criminal Investigation Division in April 2011. He served as a detective sergeant and as a uniformed patrol sergeant from June 2002 through June 2004. He later served as a lieutenant from June 2004 through April 2011, which included a stint on the staff for the Chief of Operations.

Noel earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans in 2005 and later earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans in 2009. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy (230th Session) in 2007.

Rachael Songalewski is a seasoned public safety leader with over 20 years of experience driving change and building influence in complex law enforcement environments. As Senior Manager of Safety & Security Analytics for the Amtrak Police Department’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis, she leads a nationwide team of detectives, analysts, and data scientists responsible for criminal intelligence, counterterrorism, and advanced analytics. Her role requires navigating organizational hierarchies and cultural barriers to deliver innovative, data-driven strategies that enhance public safety across America’s largest passenger railroad.

Throughout her career, Rachael has mastered the art of leading without a badge, earning trust, credibility, and authority through expertise and collaboration. She has successfully implemented enterprise-wide analytics programs, standardized processes, and technology solutions that transformed decision-making and operational effectiveness. Her ability to influence across ranks and disciplines has positioned her as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and a champion for professional staff in law enforcement.

Prior to Amtrak, Rachael managed Real Time Crime Center operations as well as the Crime Analysis and Criminal Intelligence functions for the Fayetteville, NC Police Department during high-stress periods of civil unrest and COVID response, demonstrating resilience and strategic leadership under pressure. She has played a key role in driving modern analytics initiatives and promoting evidence-based strategies within law enforcement agencies.

Rachael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Governors University and a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Criminology and Police Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. She is an active member of professional associations dedicated to intelligence, analytics, and evidence-based policing, and is passionate about empowering women and professional staff to lead confidently in traditionally hierarchical environments.

Rebecca Rodriguez is the current Director of Police Education at the Portland Police Bureau and is an experienced administrator, educator, and training facilitator. She has served 21 years as an educator, 18 of those years in adult education. Primarily, her work has been in teaching and designing curriculum for high stress professions in undergraduate and graduate schools of social work. She also has 21 years of experience as a clinical social worker thereby using her practice experience in a high stress profession to design effective instruction for settings which require complex and dynamic skills. Her practice experience spans various settings including juvenile corrections, county jails, community-based programs and private practice. She has held various leadership, supervisory and mentoring roles. Most recently, she entered the field of law enforcement as a professional staff and has found opportunities to transfer existing leadership skills into sworn settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in justice studies, a Master of Social Work and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work and Social Research. She has lived experience as the sister of two police officers and is passionate about supporting the work of law enforcement.

Chief Rick Edwards joined the Richmond (VA) Police Department in 1999. He held positions as a Patrol Officer, ATF Task Force Officer, Aggravated Assault / Sex Crimes Detective, and Homicide Detective.  In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant.  In 2013, he was assigned as a Detective Sergeant in the Homicide Unit.  In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served in Sector 411 and later in the Major Crimes Division.  In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Captain where he commanded the 1st Precinct.  In 2021, he was assigned as the Acting Major overseeing Patrol Services – Area 1.  In October of 2022, he was appointed Acting Chief of Police for the City of Richmond and formally sworn in as Richmond’s 21st Chief of Police on July 24, 2023.   

Chief Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Richmond. He played basketball at UR and played professionally in Europe.  He is a graduate of the 79th session of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), the 51st session of Virginia Chief of Police’s (VACP), Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS) at the University of Richmond, and the 47th session of the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI).

Areas of Oversight: Police Records, Police Support Specialists, Real Time Information Center, Crime Analysis, Crime Scene, Property & Evidence, Information Technology 

Robyn’s career reflects a steady progression through key law-enforcement support roles, shaped by hands-on experience and collaboration. She began her journey in high school as a Records Clerk with the Flagstaff Police Department, quickly discovering her passion for supporting the mission of public safety. Over the years, Robyn has served in five different law enforcement organizations, as well as a Prosecutor’s Office, giving her a broad understanding of how agencies operate behind the scenes. In 2021, she joined the newly formed Queen Creek Police Department, where she was tasked with building the professional staff divisions from the ground up. She now serves as a Division Manager, helping guide and support the department’s mission. 

Capital Region Crime Analysis Center Assistant Director Ryan Meagher has worked at the Center since 2015 in a variety of roles, first as a DOCCS/parole analyst, then as a group dispute analyst 2017-2019 and later as a lead crime analyst / IT coordinator. Supporting the Center's Real Time Crime Services for many years, Meagher has had the opportunity to become involved in hundreds of cases with law enforcement partners and has achieved NYS level II crime analyst certification.

Sarah Allen, Chief of Staff at Colorado State Patrol. Sarah, appointed as the Colorado State Patrol’s first Chief of Staff in 2020, is a strong advocate for professional staff and their essential role in the success of law enforcement agencies. In November 2024, Sarah published The Unsung Heroes in IACP Police Chief Magazine, highlighting the impact of professional staff on organizational effectiveness.

Sarah Boyle currently serves as the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning in the Office of the Superintendent at the Chicago Police Department. She is responsible for managing and implementing high-profile projects that includes organizational development, increased technology capacity, and strengthening city-wide partnerships. Most recently, she has spent her time implementing CPD's Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) and revitalizing the Department's Forensic Division.

Previously, Sarah has served as the Interim Chief of Staff for Interim Superintendent Fred Waller and as a Project Strategy Manager responsible for implementing the Chicago Police Department's Consent Decree.  

Sarah holds a master's degree in public policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree in geography and international relations from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

***Conference Speaker - Leading Without a Badge 2026***

Scott is a lifelong public servant, starting his fire service career at age 16 with his Northern Virginia volunteer department.  After obtaining a B.S. in Fire Administration, he earned his commission with the United States Marine Corps.  He served four years on active duty including a deployment to Marja, Afghanistan in support of OEF 10.1.  Transitioning to the USMC Reserve component in 2011, he began his career with the Wilmington (NC) Fire Department.  Scott served for seven years with WFD, until 2017 when he helped start a technology company in the transportation industry.  In 2020 he founded his own company, Essential Personnel, with a software solution designed to serve the personnel demands of public safety professionals.

Scott is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, serving as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer with Marine Forces North / FEMA Region 4.  He has held various logistics, operations and command billets including Company Commander and Battalion Executive Officer.  

Stacy Olson serves as the Director of the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP), having been appointed Program Manager in December 2024 and promoted to Director in April 2025. She brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to advancing professional standards in law enforcement across Arizona. Stacy's journey with ALEAP began in 2020 as the Accreditation Manager for the Prescott Police Department, where her leadership enabled the agency to enroll and achieve accreditation in just 11 months. 

She later expanded her impact at the Salt River Police Department (SRPD), a large tribal agency, where she led the department through several landmark achievements: obtaining the first Emergency Communications Center accreditation in January 2024, completing a four-year law enforcement reaccreditation in July 2024, and overseeing the successful Property and Evidence accreditation assessment in early 2025. As a founding member and former Vice President of the Coalition for Arizona Police Accreditation (CAPA), Stacy demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards within Arizona law enforcement agencies. 

In her role as ALEAP's Tribal Liaison, she leveraged her expertise to bridge the gap between law enforcement practices and tribal communities, advocating for culturally sensitive and inclusive accreditation processes. Her contributions in this area have been recognized nationally, including coverage in the COPS Office Dispatch magazine, and helped position Arizona as a leader in supporting tribal agencies seeking accreditation. 

As a civilian professional working within the sworn law enforcement industry, Stacy brings a unique perspective that enhances collaboration and innovation. Her civilian status allows her to serve as an objective bridge-builder between agencies, communities, and accreditation standards, while her deep understanding of law enforcement operations enables her to effectively advocate for best practices and professional excellence. This civilian expertise has proven invaluable in creating inclusive accreditation frameworks that respect both the operational realities of sworn personnel and the broader community trust that modern law enforcement requires. 

Stacy's dedication to professional integrity and excellence has earned her statewide recognition, including being named Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Manager of the Year and receiving the Robert DeVries Accreditation Leadership Award. As Director, she continues to guide agencies statewide through accreditation processes, develop training, and foster strong relationships with law enforcement leaders, all with the goal of enhancing professionalism, transparency, and community trust throughout Arizona. 

My name is Tamara Bell, Managing Director of the Southwest Regional Communications Center (SWRCC). I have 23 years of service in 9-1-1 public-safety; 16 years working directly with Karima Holmes in two 9-1-1 agencies. I have experience in call taking, dispatching, training, quality assurance, operations and now as the department head, I oversee all things operational and administrative.

Tammy E. Pippen is a senior executive in public safety administration, employee engagement, and wellness innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in non-sworn law enforcement leadership, she currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), where she is driving transformative efforts in recruitment, retention, and workforce culture. Tammy began her law enforcement career in 2007 with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and six years later landed with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), where she made a lasting impact by establishing the agency’s Planning and Research Unit and developing its first wellness room for officers. Her commitment to strategic innovation and officer well-being quickly earned national recognition. She was selected as the only civilian employee to present before the U.S. Attorney General during a six-city tour showcasing model policing practices. Her voice in law enforcement thought leadership was also recognized through her published article in IACP Magazine, titled “Investing in Your Officers to Manage Risk,” which emphasized the importance of wellness and development in reducing departmental risk. At FPD, she led the Glass Door Initiative, securing full federal funding for body-worn cameras and producing a community documentary that strengthened transparency and trust between police and the public. Since joining CMPD, Tammy has continued to lead with vision and impact. She created the department’s first Employee Engagement Unit, an initiative designed to retain talent through values-driven leadership, mental health support, and workplace belonging. She also expanded the Secondary Language Incentive Program, launched the Relaxing into Retirement initiative to support officers transitioning out of the profession, and implemented policies that improved job satisfaction and overall officer wellness. Under her leadership, CMPD has seen measurable improvements in professional development for all employees, a significant reduction in department-wide grievances, and meaningful progress toward equity through her advocacy for changes in pay, fair promotional opportunities, and work culture improvement. Tammy also developed the Critical Incident Care Team, a support network that delivers trauma informed care to officers affected by high-stress incidents and oversaw a department-wide expansion of professional development, increasing access to training by over 80 percent for both sworn and civilian staff. Her work extends far beyond CMPD. As Executive Director of the North Carolina Police Executives Association (NCPEA), she led the training of over 600 law enforcement executives across the state. These sessions addressed de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, emerging technology, and strategic leadership in community policing. She also established two statewide honors, the Law Enforcement Agency of the Year and the North Carolina Police Executive of the Year, to recognize innovation and excellence within the profession. Tammy recently completing the Yale School of Management’s Women Executive’s Leadership Program. Her influence is felt not only in law enforcement but also in the communities she serves. She has led initiatives to fund scholarships for young women pursuing higher education, organized department-wide volunteer efforts at food banks, provided free resume-building workshops for the underserved, and championed programs supporting high-risk youth. As a founding board member of both the Fayetteville Police Athletic League and the Heroes-to-Heroes Fund (Charlotte area), she has helped build lasting bridges between law enforcement and the community, while also supporting officers in times of personal crisis. Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia Southern University. She also earned a Human Resources Management Certificate from Duke University and is a certified AIRS Recruiter, among other specialized training and professional development programs. Tammy has also served on numerous boards in both professional and civic capacities throughout Cumberland County and the state of North Carolina. Her work is guided by a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and forward-thinking leadership. She is not only shaping the future of policing but also setting a new standard for how law enforcement leaders can empower people and communities alike.

Dr. Tanya Meisenholder is the Director of Police Research at the NYU School of Law’s Policing Project, where she leads the 30x30 Initiative to advance and support women in policing. She also supports initiatives related to alternative response models, public safety technology, and legislation.

Tanya brings nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement, primarily with the New York City Police Department, where she served in senior leadership roles including Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner. She led major efforts to transform training, accountability, recruitment, and organizational culture, and has supported national initiatives, oversight bodies, and local strategies to strengthen trust between police and the communities they serve.

Her work focuses on translating research into action to help agencies implement measurable improvements in policy, workplace culture, and public safety outcomes. She has guided organizational change across complex public safety systems and continues to support cross-sector collaboration to build more fair and effective agencies.

Tanya earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany (SUNY), is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, and holds certifications as a Modern Chief Diversity Officer and in Equal Employment Opportunity investigations from Cornell University. She serves on the advisory boards of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, and has held advisory roles with the National Center for State Courts and the NYC Mayor’s Automated Decision Systems Task Force.

Tipi Brookins is a highly accomplished Public Safety Communications professional with over twenty-four years of experience dedicated to emergency response and agency leadership. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to operational excellence, having evolved from the critical role of 911 Call Taker, Dispatcher, and 911 Supervisor to executive leadership. Tipi's deep foundational knowledge, honed by her time as a first responder, gives her a unique perspective on the needs of first responders.

Throughout her tenure at the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC), Tipi held key management positions, including Chief of the Office of Professional Standards and Development and most recently, Chief of Staff. She also managed essential information systems as the Teletype Unit Manager for the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Now serving as the Chief of Public Safety Engagement at GovWorx, Tipi continues to shape the industry landscape.

Tipi is a recognized subject matter expert, demonstrated by her NENA Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) and APCO Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) certifications and her leadership as Chair of the Training Subcommittee for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments from 2022-2024.

Todd Weiss is the Director of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center overseeing the operations of crime analysis and real-time service teams that provide crime analysis, intelligence, information and on-demand, real-time services to law enforcement as they respond, investigate and otherwise prevent criminal activity within the Capital Region.  Prior to his current role, Todd Weiss served over 23 years with the Colonie Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 2023.  

Tyeesha Dixon is a strategic advisor and attorney with a deep background in public safety strategy, civil rights, and government and organizational development. She most recently served as Deputy White House Counsel and Deputy Assistant to President Biden, leading legal efforts to embed civil rights across federal policymaking. Ms. Dixon previously served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, where she led implementation of the city’s policing consent decree and founded the office's Public Safety Reform Division. Ms. Dixon has served as a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Law School’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and practiced at national litigation firms in Washington, DC, and Boston. Ms. Dixon holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA in Journalism from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Vidal A. Chavannes is an educator, strategist, and researcher with more than two decades of experience advancing evidence-informed leadership in public safety, education, and organizational development. He currently serves as Senior Director of Community Safety at Toronto Community Housing Corporation, where he leads strategic initiatives to strengthen trust, accountability, and outcomes in community safety and well-being.

Previously, Dr. Chavannes was Director of Strategy, Research & Organizational Performance with the Durham Regional Police Service, where he helped shape data-driven decision-making and enterprise accountability systems.

Holding a Doctorate in Education (Leadership) from the University of Calgary, he is also a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the University of Toronto and an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University. His research and practice focus on equity-centered systems change, performance measurement, and leadership that bridges enforcement, engagement, and community trust.

Wayne A. Jones assumed the role of the 21st Police Chief of the Miami Beach Police Department on September 1, 2023. With a distinguished 27-year career entirely within the City of Miami Beach, Chief Jones ascended through various roles, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major, ultimately attaining the position of Deputy Chief in 2019. His extensive experience has significantly benefited our city. Notably, during his tenure as a sergeant in community affairs, he laid the groundwork for the now nationally acclaimed Homeless Resource Officer Program, which employs a comprehensive approach to outreach, engagement, and enforcement.

In his capacity as a major overseeing support services, Chief Jones orchestrated a strategic initiative to bolster the recruitment of female police officers, leading to an increase in hires from 12% to 18%. Additionally, while serving as a major in the criminal investigations division, he established the department’s human trafficking unit. The unit subsequently went on to lead Miami-Dade County in trafficking investigations and arrests for sex trafficking offenses.

Chief Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from Florida Memorial University, along with a master’s in public administration from Florida International University. His educational journey also encompasses an associate’s degree from Miami Dade College in professional piloting and technology. He is a distinguished Miami Fellows (Class II) Alumni. Noteworthy accomplishments include Chief Jones’s successful completion of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar program and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.

Director Ryan Kao focuses on developing public safety strategy with Skydio’s law enforcement partners, including establishing Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, throughout the United States. Prior to joining Skydio, Director Kao served as Director of Crime Strategies for the San Francisco Police Department, where he supervised the Department’s crime analysts and developed crime reduction and prevention strategies for the San Francisco Bay Area. Many of those crime strategies included pioneering law enforcement and commercial technologies, including a 400-camera stationary ALPR system, the first citywide public safety sensor system in San Francisco, and a prototype oral fluid testing device that detects fentanyl in saliva. Director Kao has also served as an Assistant District Attorney for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted a wide range of cases, including robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and homicide. He is recognized as an expert on firearms and was embedded in the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), where he worked with a team of SFPD officers and ATF agents to remove armed and dangerous criminals from the community. He also specialized in DUI enforcement, particularly drug-impaired DUI and vehicular manslaughter, including cross-training as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and receiving the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Outstanding Prosecutor Award for his work.

Arif Alikhan is the President and Chief Legal Counsel of TacLogix, Inc., leading the company’s policy development, constitutional policing, community engagement, and strategic planning services. A nationally recognized expert in policing, homeland security, and counterterrorism, Arif has over 25 years of experience in senior policy, legal, and operational roles with the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the City of Los Angeles. He served as a federal prosecutor, senior advisor to two U.S. Attorneys General, and Assistant Secretary for Policy Development at DHS during the Obama administration, overseeing counterterrorism, intelligence, and emergency management initiatives. In Los Angeles, Arif was Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety, managing over $200 million in federal grants and advising the mayor on public safety. He later led security operations for Los Angeles World Airports, overseeing 1,200 sworn officers and personnel at LAX and Van Nuys airports. Most recently, as Director of Constitutional Policing and Policy for the LAPD, he led policy development, legal affairs, risk management, and community engagement. He was also the first civilian appointed to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police in LAPD history. Arif has taught at USC, UC Irvine, and National Defense University and is a certified law enforcement instructor and reserve police officer. He frequently lectures nationwide on public safety and homeland security.

A seasoned government leader with experience in multiple New York City agencies, Amy Bishop currently serves as the Executive Director of the Project Management Office within the New York City Police Department. Amy joined the NYPD In 2017 as a Senior Project Manager, working with Department stakeholders to drive initiatives to increase efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement. Over the next seven years, she rose through the ranks of Deputy Director, Director, and most recently to Executive Director in June 2024. In this role, Amy leads a team of both civilian and uniformed staff managing projects that advance the Department’s mission. Among her accomplishments in these roles are the development of the NYPD Strategic Plans, the Department’s first health & wellness strategy, a Department-wide civilianization assessment, and the implementation of various police reform mandates.

Krista Ashbery has served as the United States Capitol Police’s (USCP) Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) since December 15, 2025. She has more than 20 years of legal, financial and leadership experience. 

Ms. Ashbery began her career as an agency attorney for the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where she provided legal counsel to the executive team regarding enforcement, employment issues, civil matters, and agency procedures. 

Ms. Ashbery later led the NYPD’s Facilities Management Division and Office of Capital Planning & Oversight where she managed a $250 million capital construction budget. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Police Commissioner before being named the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives, where she managed the Department’s long-term strategic plan. 

Ms. Ashbery recently served as the Chief of Staff for the NYPD’s First Deputy Commissioner, before joining the USCP in December of 2025.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Muhlenberg College and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.

Sarah Allen, Chief of Staff at Colorado State Patrol. Sarah, appointed as the Colorado State Patrol’s first Chief of Staff in 2020, is a strong advocate for professional staff and their essential role in the success of law enforcement agencies. In November 2024, Sarah published The Unsung Heroes in IACP Police Chief Magazine, highlighting the impact of professional staff on organizational effectiveness.

Advisory Board Member

Jim Burch is the President of the National Policing Institute (NPI), a transformative and mission-centered organization pioneering advancements in policing by leveraging science and community innovations. Burch is the fifth person to serve as president of NPI, a national, independent, and nonpartisan organization established in 1970. 

Burch leads a dedicated team of over sixty professionals, encompassing both practitioners and researchers, and champions the cause of effective and professional 21st-century policing to foster safer communities and a stronger democracy. Under his dynamic leadership, NPI has experienced an unprecedented rise, significantly amplifying its reach and influence both domestically and globally, building on an astounding six-fold increase in overall funding revenues from 2015 to 2023. 

Before assuming his role at NPI, Jim Burch amassed over two decades of experience within the US Department of Justice (DOJ), scaling the ranks to occupy pivotal senior leadership positions. As the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), an office with a budget exceeding $2 billion during his tenure, he held the distinguished position of overseeing the agency’s operations and management, including those of six offices led by presidential appointees and five OJP management offices responsible for financial operations, technology, communications, human resources, audit and EEO functions. As the highest-ranking career staff member in OJP, Burch engaged with members of Congress, congressional committees, and cabinet officials and their senior staff. During his subsequent tenure as Acting Assistant Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a federal law enforcement agency within the DOJ, his role entailed orchestrating multifaceted engagement and strategies spanning congressional, inter-governmental, and public affairs both nationally and in Washington. 

Burch’s career within DOJ was further underscored by his presidential appointment as Acting Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, where he directed over $500 million in annual funding and investments to bolster state and local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across the US. His diverse roles furnished him with unparalleled insights into the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities of state and local criminal justice systems, enabling him to spearhead transformative federal criminal justice policies and initiatives. 

After twenty years of federal service, Burch transitioned to the civil sector, joining NPI as Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives in 2015, where he harnessed his extensive expertise to propel NPI into a vanguard of evidence-based policing and innovation. 

Burch’s career extends beyond his NPI presidency and federal service. He presently holds the esteemed position of Senior Fellow at George Mason University’s Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, where he earned induction into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame for championing evidence-based policies in law enforcement. Burch is an Adjunct Instructor at George Mason University and has published on the topic of evidence-based policing and criminal justice improvement. His commitment to the field is evidenced by his board membership in national organizations such as the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Fund, the National Public Safety GIS Foundation, and a youth-focused civics education organization called Street Law, Inc. 

Burch earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Maryland and a master of administration degree from Central Michigan University.

Matthew Bromeland has served as the Chief of Staff of the Prince William County (Virginia) Police Department since August 2021. Prior to this role, he served for nearly five years as the Chief of Staff of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C. He has also served in roles with the Richmond (VA) Police Department and two federal agencies. Matt has devoted his career to helping modernize agency operations and enhancing the way police departments can better serve the community. Matt has spearheaded and managed many of the Chief’s key initiatives and priorities, including an interagency initiative focused on repeat violent offenders, creation of a real-time investigative support unit, implementation of a new records management system, and most recently the establishment of a strategic analysis and intelligence hub. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He is also a graduate of the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia and is a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar.

Elizabeth M. Daitz is the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Suffolk County Police Department. She drives strategic planning, implementation, and innovation, positioning Suffolk County to be one of the most innovative, efficient, effective and equitable law enforcement agencies while serving over 1.5 million residents across 913 square miles. She previously served as Executive Director, Civil Litigation and Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives for the NYPD. From 2019-2020, Elizabeth served as a White House Fellow in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. There, she drafted and implemented the President's Executive Order "Safe Policing for Safe Communities." Elizabeth began her career at the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, where she handled multiple high profile federal civil rights cases. Elizabeth is a graduate of the Honors College at Adelphi University, St. John’s University School of Law, and a Session XXIX of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, Chiefs of Police Association of Suffolk County, and the White House Fellows Foundation and Association.

Rebecca Boatright serves as General Counsel to the Seattle Police Department, a role that provides broad legal, strategic and risk management guidance to the Department’s Command Staff and oversees a section of dedicated professionals responsible for handling day-to-day legal guidance, public records production and litigation support.  A recovering academic with a deep interest in the neurophysiology of stress and its impact on cognition, judgment and behavior, Becca has dedicated much of her career with SPD to building up comprehensive enterprise risk management structures and systems that focus on officer wellness as a central pillar of organizational success.  Prior to joining SPD in 2015, Becca spent fifteen years as an assistant city attorney, representing and advising SPD and other departments in civil litigation, including a consent decree between the United States and the City of Seattle arising out of allegations of excessive use of force and biased policing.     

Becca received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster (Wooster, OH) and both her PhD (1999) and JD (2002) from the University of Washington.  In addition to prior service on national taskforces in areas relating to use of force, officer wellness and performance management, she presently serves as a steering committee member for the Knowledge Lab, sponsored by the National Policing Institute, and as the chair of the Legal Officers Section of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.  She holds certifications in government leadership through the University of Washington and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and is a 2018 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. 

Heidi Fieselmann is a leader in using data, analytics, and technology to advance public safety and criminal justice initiatives. As Director of Customer-Focused Solutions at Mark43, she collaborates with industry experts and agencies nationwide to implement cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies that improve operational efficiency and public accountability. Previously, Heidi served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Police at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., where she managed the Chief of Police’s executive project portfolio, overseeing critical initiatives centered on data and analytics, technology, process improvements, and program evaluation. She also led a five-person team of data and behavioral scientists who evaluated MPD programs and processes, conducted advanced analytics, and recommended evidence-based solutions to address priorities such as gun violence, police stops, use of force, community engagement, training, and public safety transformation initiatives, including alternatives to traditional policing. Heidi guided the Department’s research agenda and oversaw large-scale projects to improve data quality and integrity. Additionally, she spearheaded the development of MPD’s Open Data platform, providing public access to key policing information, and managed a $1 million Crime Gun Intelligence Center grant to enhance the department’s ability to address gun violence. Before joining MPD, Heidi gained expertise in analytics and program management at Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting strategic planning, performance management, and process improvement initiatives for the Justice and Homeland Security market. A PMP-certified professional and Harvard Kennedy School graduate, Heidi is dedicated to fostering innovation in public safety systems.

Mr. Marvin Haiman is an Assistant Professor and the Executive Director of Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia. He is also a Visiting Fellow and Research Scholar with Rutger’s University. Haiman served as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. between 2021 and 2024. In this capacity, Haiman oversaw daily operations of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police and was responsible for broad agency management and implementing strategic agency objectives.

Haiman was responsible for several organizational units including the Office of Communications, Office of General Counsel, Office of Wellness and the Professional Development Bureau. He served as the Executive Director of the Professional Development Bureau between 2017 – 2021, leading the Recruiting Division, Metropolitan Police Academy Division, Human Resource Management Division, Disciplinary Review Division, Testing and Assessment Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Division, Office of Communications and the Strategic Engagement Office (Volunteer Services).

Prior to being named Executive Director, Haiman served in a variety of capacities between 2015-2017, including developing the agency’s Office of Volunteer Coordination, serving as Chief of Staff for the Technical Services Division tasked with a broad range of IT operations, and Chief of Staff for the Strategic Services Bureau supporting and leading the administration of police recruitment, training, policy and volunteer service matters for the Department.

Prior to returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, where he established several key task forces for the Secretary (e.g., Foreign Fighters, Integrity & Use of Force). Prior to his Federal service, Haiman led the Recruiting Division for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., among various other positions. Haiman was responsible for restructuring the sworn hiring process, decreasing the amount of time it took to process candidates while increasing the quality of those officers hired.

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in management through the Police Executive Leadership Program. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. He received recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020 as a 40 under 40 recipient and the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award by the Police Executive Research Forum. Haiman graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy and continues his police service as a reserve police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Haiman resides with his family in Washington, D.C.

Advisory Board Member

Nola M. Joyce, Partner and Principal Consultant for 21CP Solutions, LLC, is a nationally recognized policing expert. She also served as Deputy Commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department and held executive positions in the Washington, D.C., and Chicago Police Departments. She spearheaded significant organizational change efforts in these demanding public safety agencies, demonstrating exceptional ability to drive transformation. 

Joyce's achievements and recognition in policing and public safety are extensive and diverse. She served on several prestigious advisory boards, including the American Law Institute’s project Principles of the Law: Policing, and the National Science Academy’s Panel on Modernizing the Nation’s Criminal Statistics. Her expertise is widely recognized, as evidenced by her role on the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) Research Advisory Committee, the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Research Council, and as a Senior Executive Fellow of the National Institute of Policing. Joyce received the Gary P. Hayes Award from PERF and the Award of Research Excellence from IACP, further validating her significant contributions to the field. 

Joyce is driven by a deep passion for helping agencies reach new heights of performance and service. Her advanced degrees in sociology, public policy, homeland security and diverse experiences bring unique and valuable perspectives to her work. This combination of passion and expertise allows her to find innovative solutions to complex issues. 

With over two decades of experience in the public sector as a litigator, policing executive, consultant, and member of federal monitoring teams, as Senior Counsel at Baker Sterchi, Brian G. Maxey works at the intersection of risk management planning, crisis management support and strategic litigation to provide comprehensive services to public sector clients.

Before joining Baker Sterchi, Brian served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Police Department, overseeing Professional Standards, Budget and Finance, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Intergovernmental Relations. Previously, he worked as a Supervising Assistant City Attorney at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, where he was lead attorney for the Police Action Team, specializing in 42 U.S.C. 1983 litigation and general advice to the Seattle Police Department; as an Assistant City Attorney in Government Affairs; as Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Special Federal Litigation Unit of the New York City Law Department, representing the New York City Police Department; and as Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, representing WA Department of Corrections and the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Brian also previously served on Federal monitoring teams in Cleveland and Baltimore and worked as a consultant driving emerging policing practices nationally. Brian also worked for the Vera Institute of Justice, concentrating on jury and juvenile court reform; as Director of the Citizens Jury Project at the Fund for Modern Courts; and as Executive Director of Friends of Hudson River Park. Brian holds a JD from Fordham University, an MPA in Policy from New York University, and a BA from Occidental College, and attended the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. He is licensed to practice law in Washington, New York, and California.

Tara Hall brings over 20 years of public safety leadership and currently serves in a professional staff command-level role, overseeing operations and personnel in the Community Relations & Recruitment Division of the Mesa Police Department. In 2024, she co-authored “Pioneering Integration and Leadership in Law Enforcement” for Police Chief Magazine and was featured in Police1 for transforming Mesa PD’s recruitment culture. Tara also led the implementation of the department’s 2022–2024 Strategic Recruitment Plan, modernizing efforts to attract and retain a qualified, diverse workforce.

Beyond her role in Mesa, Tara provides technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide through partnerships with federal and national policing organizations, including the COPS Office, DOJ, and IACP. In 2025, Tara was named NAWLEE’s Professional Staff Leader of the Year. She serves on the advisory board of the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety (NAPSPS), and contributes to the strategic development of the University of Virginia’s annual Civilian Leadership Summit. Tara holds degrees from Northern Arizona University and has completed executive leadership training in policing. She enjoys traveling with her family and leading efforts across the country in public safety transformation.

Advisory Board Member

Ganesha M. Martin, Esq. is a leading expert in human-centered policing and the founder of "Let’s Meet in the Middle," an initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between law enforcement and communities of color. Currently, she serves as the Bureau Chief of Constitutional Policing for the Minneapolis Police Department as well as the Vice President of Public Policy and Community Affairs at Mark43, a cutting-edge, cloud-native public safety software company. In this role, Martin drives initiatives that leverage technology to enhance accountability, transparency and trust between police agencies and the communities they serve. 

A trailblazer in criminal justice reform, Martin has held several key leadership positions in Baltimore City government, most recently as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ). There, she led comprehensive criminal justice reform efforts in collaboration with the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the judiciary and numerous community organizations. 

As an attorney, Martin played a central role in leading the federal court-ordered Consent Decree reform efforts at the Baltimore Police Department from 2015 to 2018. As Chief of the Department of Justice Compliance, Accountability and External Affairs Division, she was an integral member of the negotiation team that introduced transformative reforms in areas such as crisis intervention, use of force, mental health interventions, body-worn cameras, de-escalation tactics, community policing, officer wellness and early intervention systems. These reforms continue to serve as a model for law enforcement agencies nationwide. 

A pioneer in public-private partnerships, Martin is committed to building nontraditional relationships that bridge divides and create opportunities for collaboration in public safety. In her current consulting work, she focuses on uniting law enforcement with communities of color, using her unique ability to connect with both sides and guide them toward common ground. She regularly advises nonprofits, private companies, tech startups, community organizations and local governments on best practices for policing, public safety and community engagement. 

Martin is a respected thought leader in the field of criminal justice reform and public safety. She is a member of the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to advancing effective criminal justice policies. In 2019, she was one of 40 community policing experts invited to Nairobi, Kenya, by the Open Society Foundations to discuss strategies for civilian police reform. That same year, she was awarded the Securing Open Societies Fellowship. Her expert commentary on police reform, accountability and social justice has been featured in prominent publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, and The Baltimore Banner. 

Known for her ability to navigate complex issues and overcome entrenched distrust, Martin is driven by a belief in the transformative power of communication and human connection. Her approach fosters collaboration across polarized groups and drives progress on some of society’s most challenging social issues. Her goal is to create practical pathways for police departments and communities to work together toward a safer and more equitable future. 

Outside of her professional work, Martin is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment. She serves as co-board chair for Teach For America  Baltimore, Outward Bound, the Baltimore Community Mediation Center, and Overcoming Poverty Together. She was recently appointed to 30x30, a grassroots movement dedicated to increasing the representation of women in policing by 30% by 2030. A graduate of Leadership Maryland and the Greater Baltimore Committee’s LEADERship program, Martin has been recognized for her leadership and impact by organizations such as The Baltimore Sun (Top 25 Women to Watch), The Daily Record (Top 100 Women), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) (Top 40 Under 40). 

Liam Price was appointed Director General, International Special Services, in July 2021. In this capacity, he is responsible for the RCMP’s international network of Liaison Officers, peace operations, overseas capacity building initiatives, and Canada’s Interpol National Central Bureau and Europol National Point of Contact. More recently, he has been elected as the delegate for the Americas for the INTERPOL Executive Committee.

Concurrent with these responsibilities, Mr. Price is the International Vice-President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of its Executive Board (since 2022); as well as Chair of the International Committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (since 2021).

Mr. Price is a senior civilian member of the RCMP. Prior to becoming Director General, Mr. Price was posted overseas; first as the RCMP’s embed with the National Crime Agency in London, UK and more recently, as the RCMP’s Regional Director for US & NE Caribbean in Washington, D.C. In these roles, he led proactive investigations, deepened bilateral mand multilateral ties and increased information sharing.

Between 2012 and 2015, Mr. Price served as Director, Operational Information Management, in Federal Policing at the RCMP. In that capacity, he oversaw the RCMP’s framework for the collection, assessment and prioritization of intelligence and the production of threat assessments on a range of topics.

Mr. Price joined the RCMP in 2006. Past assignments have included posts at the Privy Council Office, the office the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the United Nations, and the RCMP’s National Security Program. Before joining the RCMP, Mr. Price served with Library of Parliament as Team Lead for the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence. With the Committee, he helped release a number of reports related to the state of Canadian emergency preparedness, military readiness, border security and veteran’s affairs.

His education and training is varied. Most recently, he completed professional training with Pearls in Policing, the CACP Global Studies Program, the Canadian Forces College and the FBI Academy. Academically, he received a Master’s degree in International Security Studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a Bachelor of Science (Foreign Service) from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Blake Norton, Chief Strategy Officer for the Sacramento Police Department, brings more than 30 years of distinguished experience in law enforcement and strategic management. As Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Norton oversees internal compliance, ensuring our operations meet all legislative mandates, and plays a key role in implementing best practices in risk management. Additionally, she leads our external communication efforts, advising on how we engage with the community, City Council, Sacramento Community Police Review Commission, and other stakeholders. Prior to joining SPD, she served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Philadelphia Police Department from 2020 to 2024, where she was instrumental in shaping the department’s strategic initiatives. Before that, she held the position of Senior Vice President at the National Police Foundation, overseeing daily operations and initiatives aimed at improving policing practices across the country. Chief Norton’s extensive career also includes leadership roles at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, where she directed Local Government Initiatives, collaborating with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to develop and implement innovative criminal justice policies. She spent 19 years with the Boston Police Department, where she served as the Director of Public Affairs and Community Programs. In this role, she was responsible for designing and managing community engagement initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting court-involved and at-risk youth, underscoring her deep commitment to community policing.

Katie Leonard, Ph.D., is a Senior Program Manager II at the National Policing Institute, where she leads the Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab—a federally funded initiative focused on equipping public safety professionals with evidence-based practices, training, and technical assistance. Since joining NPI in November 2024, Dr. Leonard has worked to ensure that law enforcement personnel have access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to serve their communities effectively and safely.

Prior to NPI, Dr. Leonard managed the policing and evaluation portfolio at the Crime and Justice Institute. In that role, she partnered with law enforcement agencies across the country to implement both mandated reforms and self-directed innovations, always with a focus on improving outcomes for officers and the communities they protect. Her work emphasized practical, sustainable change and direct support for frontline personnel and leadership.

Dr. Leonard holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, a Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Nichole “Nikki” North is the Southeast Region Director for the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) and the Manager of the Real Time Crime Center at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. As a founding member of the NRTCCA, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization, serving as President and Vice President of Administration and advancing strategic initiatives that support real-time law enforcement operations nationwide.

Since joining the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 as a Domestic Violence Analyst, Nikki has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise, advancing to Senior Analyst in January 2021, RTCC Supervisor in October 2021, and RTCC Manager in 2024. In her current role, she oversees the strategic management of the Real Time Crime Center, implementing analytical solutions and operational strategies that enhance public safety and support law enforcement decision-making. She is a graduate of the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy (FLEAA), class of December 2021, where she has also served as a mentor, cultivating the next generation of law enforcement analysts. Earlier in her career, she served as a telecommunications operator at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office from June 2016 to March 2018.

Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Investigations from Keiser University’s Daytona Campus in May 2016, graduating as class valedictorian. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated mother and enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs.

William Paige is the Program Manager for the Center of Public and Justice at the University of Virginia.

William’s commitment to public service began as a civilian intern with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. in the Court Liaison Division and Office of Volunteer Coordination, promoting the Department’s community relation initiatives. He also interned and worked in the Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C. During his time as an Associate in the Office of Federal and Regional Affairs, William engaged with federal and regional stakeholders to advance the interest of the District of Columbia on a wide range of policy issues. As an Associate Director in the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments, William recruited and managed appointments within the Mayor’s cabinet and staff. His portfolio included, among others, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice and the Office of the Senior Advisor. He also advised certain Mayoral nominees through the D.C. Council confirmation process to numerous volunteer boards and commissions.

During his time at the Georgetown University Law Center, William was a research assistant focusing on federal securities litigation, a summer associate at two international law firms, served on the Executive Board of the Georgetown Black Law Student’s Association, and a student attorney in the Federal Legislation Clinic focusing on anti-hunger policy and advocacy.

William joins the Center for Public Safety & Justice from private legal practice where he focused on antitrust & competition law while maintaining an active pro bono practice. 

William graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s University with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Law. He earned his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. 

In his free time, William enjoys exercising, reading non-fiction, and traveling.

Mike Milstein began in local government when he joined the Chicago Mayor's Office in 2016 during a time when the City of Chicago and Chicago Police Department were under a Department of Justice investigation that later found severe practices of unconstitutional policing. Mike immediately began supporting the City's response to the investigation and early plans for reform, including the negotiation of a consent decree. Once implemented, he led the Mayor's Office's early infrastructure around the implementation of the new consent decree. In 2020, a week before the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Mike joined the Chicago Police Department's Office of Community Policing, where he led the Department's effort to engage communities around reform and impartial policing efforts. Since joining the Chicago Police Department, Mike has been instrumental in leading the Chicago Police Department's efforts to implement impartial policing practices. He’s worked with communities to create forward-thinking policies, trainings, and programs that impact many diverse communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and victims of gender-based violence. In July of 2024, Mike launched the Chicago Police Department's Office of Equity and Engagement, a brand-new team within the Department solely focused on advancing and supporting equity and impartial policing throughout the Chicago Police Department. Mike additionally took over the Chicago Police Department's new Office of Victim Services, which includes support services for victims and survivors of gun violence, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence. Mike got his start in public service by working on and volunteering for several political and social campaigns where he was an advocate for justice and fairness. Mike has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed the Executive Program for Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Chris Mowry is a seasoned technology executive and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation across public and private sectors. As CITO for the Virginia State Police, he drives strategic modernization of mission-critical systems and pushes innovation to enhance public safety. Chris is a board member of AI Ready RVA, Board member for the Commonwealths Cybersecurity Planning Committee, and is a passionate advocate for ethical innovation, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Dr. Tanya Meisenholder is the Director of Police Research at the NYU School of Law’s Policing Project, where she leads the 30x30 Initiative to advance and support women in policing. She also supports initiatives related to alternative response models, public safety technology, and legislation.

Tanya brings nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement, primarily with the New York City Police Department, where she served in senior leadership roles including Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner. She led major efforts to transform training, accountability, recruitment, and organizational culture, and has supported national initiatives, oversight bodies, and local strategies to strengthen trust between police and the communities they serve.

Her work focuses on translating research into action to help agencies implement measurable improvements in policy, workplace culture, and public safety outcomes. She has guided organizational change across complex public safety systems and continues to support cross-sector collaboration to build more fair and effective agencies.

Tanya earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany (SUNY), is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, and holds certifications as a Modern Chief Diversity Officer and in Equal Employment Opportunity investigations from Cornell University. She serves on the advisory boards of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, and has held advisory roles with the National Center for State Courts and the NYC Mayor’s Automated Decision Systems Task Force.

Zoe Russek-Sobol is the Chief Program Officer of the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, where she drives strategies, programs, and member services to recognize, empower, and connect the association’s members. An experienced public safety strategist, she has worked at the intersection of policing, technology, and community relations for nearly a decade, leading large-scale initiatives, shaping policy, and building diverse, cross-sector partnerships.

Prior to her current role, Zoe served as a Senior Program Manager at the National Policing Institute, administering the Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab. Funded by a $9 million U.S. Department of Justice award, this initiative advanced constitutional policing and provided tailored technical assistance to agencies nationwide. At Axon Enterprise, she championed equitable public safety technology, leading the company’s Ethics and Equity Advisory Council to new prominence within Axon, and created pathways for continuous dialogue between communities and law enforcement. Her foundational work took shape at the University of Chicago Crime Lab, where she helped develop and pilot the Chicago Police Department’s early intervention system and coordinated large-scale research and technical assistance projects to support officer wellness and innovative crime reduction strategies.

Zoe holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy with Honors from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in the Major in Statistics and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Quiana Young serves as the Director of Advocacy, Engagement, and Communications at Brown University Department of Public Safety. As a member of the department’s command staff, she leads a division of sworn and non-sworn personnel, focusing on community engagement and support for victims of sensitive crimes.

Quiana’s career spans over a decade in higher education, where she designed impactful programs and advised students through their college journey. She also brings four years of experience in fundraising, during which she honed the art of building meaningful connections. A certified instructor for the Rhode Island VAWA Curriculum Committee, Quiana conducts academy and in-service training sessions, equipping officers with the tools to serve their communities with empathy and professionalism.

A proud native of Brooklyn, NY, Quiana holds a graduate degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree in English and Theatre from Gettysburg College. Her passion for community building and power sharing drives her commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. She began her journey in public safety as a college dispatcher, sparking a lifelong dedication to fostering trust and connection through service