Drone Thought Leadership Summit

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.

Center for Public Safety and Justice Advisory Board Member
2025 Emergency Operations Center of the Future Conference Speaker

Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.) has served 50 years in public safety. Charles served 37 years with the Charlottesville VA Fire Department; during the last ten years of that service, he was fire chief. Charles has had many leadership roles at the local, state, national and international level. He presently serves as Founder/Director for DRONERESPONDERS: with over 11,000 members that includes participation from 92 countries, DRONERESPONDERS has become the largest and leading nonprofit program to advance public safety UAS that focused on drones for good (countering UAS, UTM and AAM). Charles also serves as a public safety representative on the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Alliance. In 2023, Charles joined the Virginia Department of Aviation as aviation technology advisor to work in the public safety areas of UAS, CUAS and AAM. 

Center for Public Safety and Justice Advisory Board Member
2025 Emergency Operations Center of the Future Conference Speaker

Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.) has served 50 years in public safety. Charles served 37 years with the Charlottesville VA Fire Department; during the last ten years of that service, he was fire chief. Charles has had many leadership roles at the local, state, national and international level. He presently serves as Founder/Director for DRONERESPONDERS: with over 11,000 members that includes participation from 92 countries, DRONERESPONDERS has become the largest and leading nonprofit program to advance public safety UAS that focused on drones for good (countering UAS, UTM and AAM). Charles also serves as a public safety representative on the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Alliance. In 2023, Charles joined the Virginia Department of Aviation as aviation technology advisor to work in the public safety areas of UAS, CUAS and AAM. 

DJ Smith has worked in the area of Covert Technical/Tactical Surveillance for over 30 years and currently serves as a Senior Technical Surveillance Agent for the Virginia State Police.  A few areas of specialty are Covert Surreptitious Audio/Video deployments, Title III Intercepts, GPS Installs, Video-Audio Clarification, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), Mesh-Node Deployments, Surreptitious Lock Bypass & Safe Penetration including GSA locks & containers, Technical Response to Hostage/Barricade Situations, Cellular Tracking and Geo-locating (DF), and sUAS & Counter UAS deployment operations to name a few.

In the area of sUAS and Counter UAS Operations:

• Deputy Director for DroneResponders Public Safety UAS Alliance for CUAS.
• Served on the Federal Aviation Administration CUAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC).
• Served on the Virginia Safe and Secure Commonwealth Sub-Panel dealing with UAS/Counter UAS implementation and legislative issues for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• 2024 Keynote Presenter on CUAS for SLTT at the World Police Summit in Dubai
• Currently he serves as an advisor to Congressional House & Senate Judicial committees on SLTT CUAS policy.
• Served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on various drone & CUAS technologies for the DHS CUAS PMO office.
• As a representative of the Virginia State Police, he is a stakeholder on the Mid-Atlantic UAS Partnership group (Google Wing) at Virginia Tech for Commercial/Enterprise UAS deliveries.
• He has served on the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate First Responder Robotic Operational System Test (FFROST) assessment & evaluations of sUAS for Public Safety.
• Served on the DHS Blue UAS assessment for SLTT public safety.
• He has presented and moderated discussions at: Government Business Executive Forum & Security Summit, Annual Norway Security Summit, Semi-Annual Counter UAS Summit in Washington DC, AUVSI Xponential, Commercial UAV Expo, Annual CUAS Systems Congress, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, and various agencies across the US & around the world.
• He also provides technical advice to various legislative groups in Washington, DC assisting in getting the legislative carve-outs for SLTT public safety agencies to obtain Advanced Detection and sUAS mitigation authority.
• International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) Drone & CUAS policy advisor.
• He is also licensed part 107 pilot and has been flying sUAS for over 13 years.

Captain English began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Chula Vista Police Department. Over 25 years, he has built a distinguished career through diverse assignments and leadership roles, with expertise in patrol, investigations, and administration.

He has served as a Patrol Officer, Gang Suppression Officer and Agent, Family Protection Detective, FBI Task Force Officer, and Background Investigator. His leadership roles include Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, Professional Standards Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Strategic Operations Lieutenant.

In 2025, Captain English was promoted to his current position and currently leads the Community Engagement Division, overseeing the Traffic Unit, Community Relations, Homeless Outreach, Street Team Gang Unit, School Resource Officers, and the department’s world-renowned Drone as First Responder Program.

His collateral duties have included Canine Program Manager, Use of Force Coordinator, and Crisis Negotiator. He also led the Crisis Negotiations Team as Supervisor and Team Commander.

Captain English holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University and is finishing his Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. While attending the University of San Diego, Captain English received the Phillip Collum Award for Leadership and Academic excellence. His academic achievements also include graduating from the California POST Management Course and California POST Command College (Class 72), where his article, “How Teleoperated Robotics Will Change Patrol Response,” was published by Police1.com. He is also a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot.

His service has been recognized with the Medal of Life Saving, the John H. Glover Medal of Heroism, and the American Legion Medal of Valor, honoring his courage and commitment to public safety. Captain English enjoys spending time with his family and friends, oil painting, reading, and hanging out with his dog.

Deputy Chief Michael Lighthiser commands the Special Operations, Research and Training Division of the George Mason University Police Department. Deputy Chief Lighthiser has served with the department since January 2008, is a DCJS certified instructor and a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Deputy Chief Lighthiser has commanded the department’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit since its inception in January of 2018 and is the chair of the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System (NVERS) UAS working group. Deputy Chief Lighthiser sits on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments UAS group, and is one of the founding members of the statewide UAS working group in Virginia, focused on advising elected officials on UAS information and legislative changes. As commander of the GMUPD UAS Unit, Deputy Chief Lighthiser has overseen operations with the United State Coast Guard, United State Marshals Service, numerous public safety missions in the region including coordinating the UAS operations during the Marine Corps Marathon and established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Deputy Chief Lighthiser is on the Law Enforcement Drone Association Steering Committee and a member of the DRONERESPONDERS Advisory Board.

Police Officer since 1997. Assignments include Patrol, Bike Patrol, Computer Forensics, and Police Information Technology. Police Department sUAS Coordinator and Tact Team Auxiliary Coordinator. Since 2021, manage a fleet of 36 pelican case Patrol-Led deployment drones with 20 Drone as a First Responder (DFR) drone docks in place by end of 2025. I have worked with the FAA through several Certificate of Authorizations (COA’s) to include getting Oklahoma City one of the first City-Wide No Visual Observers COA’s (620 Sq Miles).

Captain Abrem Ayana serves as the Commander of Innovation, Technology, and Special Projects at the Brookhaven (GA) Police Department. He has led award-winning teams across Patrol, Investigations, and Administration, and is widely recognized for his leadership in law enforcement technology integration.

Captain Ayana spearheaded the launch of the nation’s second Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, with the BPD UAS Team logging over 8,500 flights and covering 7,000+ miles. His expertise in DFR operations has made him a sought-after speaker at local, state, and international forums. He also led the implementation of Brookhaven’s Mental Health Co-Responder Program and Real-Time Operations Center, expanding the department’s capacity for proactive, data-informed policing.

In 2024, Captain Ayana led a drone deployment team to support emergency response efforts following Hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC—providing disaster mapping, aerial overwatch, and tactical support.

He is the recipient of numerous honors, including BPD Supervisor of the Year (2019, 2022), the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Supervisor of the Year (Metro Atlanta, 2022), and the 2024 Eric Talley Memorial Award from DRONERESPONDERS for excellence in public safety drone operations.

Police Officer since 1997. Assignments include Patrol, Bike Patrol, Computer Forensics, and Police Information Technology. Police Department sUAS Coordinator and Tact Team Auxiliary Coordinator. Since 2021, manage a fleet of 36 pelican case Patrol-Led deployment drones with 20 Drone as a First Responder (DFR) drone docks in place by end of 2025. I have worked with the FAA through several Certificate of Authorizations (COA’s) to include getting Oklahoma City one of the first City-Wide No Visual Observers COA’s (620 Sq Miles).

DJ Smith has worked in the area of Covert Technical/Tactical Surveillance for over 30 years and currently serves as a Senior Technical Surveillance Agent for the Virginia State Police.  A few areas of specialty are Covert Surreptitious Audio/Video deployments, Title III Intercepts, GPS Installs, Video-Audio Clarification, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), Mesh-Node Deployments, Surreptitious Lock Bypass & Safe Penetration including GSA locks & containers, Technical Response to Hostage/Barricade Situations, Cellular Tracking and Geo-locating (DF), and sUAS & Counter UAS deployment operations to name a few.

In the area of sUAS and Counter UAS Operations:

• Deputy Director for DroneResponders Public Safety UAS Alliance for CUAS.
• Served on the Federal Aviation Administration CUAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC).
• Served on the Virginia Safe and Secure Commonwealth Sub-Panel dealing with UAS/Counter UAS implementation and legislative issues for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• 2024 Keynote Presenter on CUAS for SLTT at the World Police Summit in Dubai
• Currently he serves as an advisor to Congressional House & Senate Judicial committees on SLTT CUAS policy.
• Served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on various drone & CUAS technologies for the DHS CUAS PMO office.
• As a representative of the Virginia State Police, he is a stakeholder on the Mid-Atlantic UAS Partnership group (Google Wing) at Virginia Tech for Commercial/Enterprise UAS deliveries.
• He has served on the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate First Responder Robotic Operational System Test (FFROST) assessment & evaluations of sUAS for Public Safety.
• Served on the DHS Blue UAS assessment for SLTT public safety.
• He has presented and moderated discussions at: Government Business Executive Forum & Security Summit, Annual Norway Security Summit, Semi-Annual Counter UAS Summit in Washington DC, AUVSI Xponential, Commercial UAV Expo, Annual CUAS Systems Congress, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, and various agencies across the US & around the world.
• He also provides technical advice to various legislative groups in Washington, DC assisting in getting the legislative carve-outs for SLTT public safety agencies to obtain Advanced Detection and sUAS mitigation authority.
• International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) Drone & CUAS policy advisor.
• He is also licensed part 107 pilot and has been flying sUAS for over 13 years.

Paige Fitzgerald is the Deputy Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).  She obtained her Part 107 certificate in September 2016 and became the agency UAS Program Administrator at that time.  She has taught Part 107 test prep and flight instruction courses since 2017 as the UAS Training Director for Adam Ringle Consulting and the Delaware State Fire School, and began teaching Drone Assessment and Response Tactics (DART) through Avian and New Mexico Tech in 2019.  Paige also served as the Chair of the State of Delaware UAS Training & Certification Steering Committee from 2018-2019, contributed to the State Counter Drone Working Group from 2019-2022, and recently oversaw the transformation of that group into the State of Delaware Airspace Management Working Group in 2023. 

She has trained hundreds of UAS pilots nationally and has provided aerial support for multiple large scale incidents from disaster damage assessments and site assessments to law enforcement incidents and fire scenes. She has worked to better integrate drone technology with other situational awareness tools across the state, helping to make them a key asset throughout the Delaware response community.  In addition to her emergency management and UAS experience, Paige has a Master of Science in Disaster Science and Management from the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center and is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). She is a co-Chair of the newly founded Women DRONERESPONDERS and on the DRONERESPONDERS Board of Advisors.

Chief Fields has served the Los Angeles City Fire Department for 31 years, promoting through the ranks. For the last 12 years as an officer, Chief Fields has successfully developed and executed elements of three fire department strategic plans by leading key projects and initiatives such as the Department’s Learning Management System, Unmanned Aerial System program, and Rosenbauer Electric Fire Engine. Chief Fields has received a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Emergency Services Management. He is not only a graduate of the LAFD Leadership Academy, but also serves as a facilitator for the program. An advocate of personal and professional development, his leadership and mentoring efforts are dedicated to the equity, diversity, and inclusion of all members in advancing the future leaders of this department. Chief Fields has represented the department on special projects, committees and working groups at the local, state, and national level. He is known for his leadership, operational experience, and administrative skillsets.

Captain Michael Leo is a seasoned veteran with 24 years of dedicated service in the New York City Fire Department. Currently serving as the program administrator of FDNY Robotics, Captain Leo plays a pivotal role in advancing technological solutions within the department. 

Commander Jason Cokinos currently serves as the 3rd District Commander (Silver Spring) for Montgomery County MD Police Department. Commander Cokinos oversees 166 officers and is responsible for all police operations within a mostly urban environment of 31.9 square miles serving a diverse population of over 160,000 residents. Commander Cokinos led the creation and implementation of the MCPD Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and continues to serve as one of the program leads through its expansion. Commander Cokinos' former command at Special Operations included SWAT, K9, Emergency Services, Crisis Negotiators, Special Events, and the Air Support Unit which encompasses the Patrol/Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program and the DFR program. Captain Cokinos has served in Law Enforcement for almost 20 years and possesses a master’s degree in leadership and management. Captain Cokinos is also a graduate of the PERF SMIP program and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.

John is an Aviation Safety Analyst in the Aviation Safety Line of Business, Office of Flight Standards, Emerging Technologies Division, Commercial and General Aviation Safety Branch, located at FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC.  John’s role is to provide technical support, subject matter expertise, and UAS related outreach support to the general aviation UAS flying public, and to provide UAS specific training and support to FAA Flight Standards District Offices and FAASTeam Program Managers.   He also assists in the development of UAS concepts, policies, standards, procedures and guidance related to the safe integration of UAS into the NAS. 

John is a graduate of West Point and former US Army Helicopter Instructor Pilot and served just over 5 years in the Army as an Aviation Officer before getting his MBA from Boston College.  His civilian career has been mostly with private industry, in International Sales and General Management positions.  He has worked at three Aircraft Manufacturing companies and run Fixed Base Operations at Stewart Airport in New York and Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia. Prior to joining the FAA, John was the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Global Sales at Wyvern Ltd, an aviation risk management company based in Yardley, PA.

John holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument rating rotary wing, a Private Pilot Rating with Instrument rating, single engine land airplane, and a UAS Remote Pilot Certificate. 

John is a model railroader, attempting to recreate nostalgia of the New York Central RR, where his grandfather was a steam locomotive fireman and engineer, and is a Lacrosse fanatic.

John is married and the proud father of two sons, both recent graduates of Service Academies, and both serving on active duty in their respective services.

Chris Sadler retired as the Deputy Chief/Deputy Director of the York County (VA) Department of Fire and Life Safety after a 35-year career and now serves as the Director of the Public Safety Innovation Center for the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. In his current role, he collaborates with technology developers, public safety agencies, and federal partners to integrate advanced technology into first responder capabilities. He is deeply involved in the public safety integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and low-level detection and mitigation efforts. Chris has assisted many public safety and government agencies around the Country with the establishment of their UAS program, FAA COA applications and waivers, standard operating procedures development, and more.

Mary Rupert joined the DHS Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Program Management Office in June 2022 as a Policy Analyst, bringing over two decades of aviation security expertise to the team. In her role, Mary focuses on strategic planning for air domain awareness, threat discrimination, threat mitigation, and interagency information sharing.

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001. She began her federal career with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Pittsburgh International Airport in 2002, in response to the September 11th attacks. In 2009, Mary joined the Federal Air Marshal Service as a watch officer at the Transportation Security Operations Center in Virginia. She quickly advanced to the position of Command Duty Officer, where she led a team of over 80 members in monitoring, investigating, and resolving potential threats to transportation services. Her responsibilities included coordinating multi-agency responses to high-threat aviation security incidents, delivering executive-level briefings, and streamlining operational processes for improved efficiency.

Center for Public Safety and Justice Advisory Board Member
2025 Emergency Operations Center of the Future Conference Speaker

Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.) has served 50 years in public safety. Charles served 37 years with the Charlottesville VA Fire Department; during the last ten years of that service, he was fire chief. Charles has had many leadership roles at the local, state, national and international level. He presently serves as Founder/Director for DRONERESPONDERS: with over 11,000 members that includes participation from 92 countries, DRONERESPONDERS has become the largest and leading nonprofit program to advance public safety UAS that focused on drones for good (countering UAS, UTM and AAM). Charles also serves as a public safety representative on the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Alliance. In 2023, Charles joined the Virginia Department of Aviation as aviation technology advisor to work in the public safety areas of UAS, CUAS and AAM. 

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.

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.