Expanding the Frontlines of Leadership: Center for Public Safety and Justice Welcomes Distinguished New Faculty
As the landscape of law enforcement evolves, the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice is meeting the moment with a significant expansion. Driven by growth in the Master of Public Safety program and the National Criminal Justice Command College, the Center is scaling operations to ensure every student receives mentorship from industry leaders.
The Master of Public Safety is a top destination for professionals seeking strategic capabilities, while the Command College continues to set the standard for executive education through flexible in-person and hybrid modalities. To support this surge in enrollment, the Center has added a roster of new faculty members who bring extensive field expertise to the classroom.
New Faculty and Instructors
The Center is proud to welcome the following professionals. Their diverse backgrounds in federal law enforcement, municipal policing and academic research ensure the curriculum remains at the cutting edge of the industry.
- Mike Alvarez
- John Bouthillette
- Michael Boyce
- Paul Cell
- James A. Cervera
- Jason J. Kepp
- Patrice Kerner
- Michael P. Kochis
- Elizabeth Kolmstetter
- Cynthia Lewis
- Juli Liebler
- Greg Murphy
- Julianne Ortman
- Andy Penn
- Lisa Peumsang
- Nicholas Picerno
- George Piro
- Timothy Quinn
- Deborah Spence
- Jennifer Wong
- Lawrence Zacarese
Voices from the Field
These new instructors are active practitioners eager to engage with the next generation of leadership. Michael Boyce, director of the AI Corps for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, notes that "it's really exciting to have the space to bring practitioner experience into a classroom. After years of building AI programs inside federal agencies, I get to have meaningful conversations with SCPS students who are going to be shaping the next chapter themselves."
For Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn, highlighting the "why" of policing is a key part of the program's focus. He stresses that modern leadership requires a pivot toward wellness, noting that "internal officer wellness is directly linked to external community safety."
The curriculum also prioritizes the human element of security. Retired FBI senior executive George Piro is excited to share "real-world experience with current and future law enforcement leaders. Helping them think critically about leadership, communication, and decision-making - and how those skills translate into positive impact in our communities - is work I care deeply about."
Meanwhile, Cynthia Lewis from the FBI Training Division focuses on UVA's "learning environment that prompts critical thinking and self-reflection: two key components necessary for public safety professionals. I’m excited to bring my experience to SCPS where I can assist leaders facing today’s complex challenges."
The Center for Public Safety and Justice is thrilled these distinguished practitioners have joined the team. Their collective experience - ranging from local municipal command to high-level federal strategy - will be instrumental in shaping the future of the field. The Center will benefit immensely from their efforts, as will the students and communities they serve.