December 2026

2026 South Florida Regional Event

One Day Summit for Professional Staff in Public Safety

December 8, 2026
Miami Dade College
Conference Center, North Campus
11380 NW 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33167

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About

Something exciting is on the horizon for public safety professional staff leaders and members. The National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety is bringing a regional Leading Without a Badge event to the South Florida region. This is an opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices, and elevate the vital role professional staff play in advancing public safety missions. This upcoming gathering will feature engaging discussions, practical insights, and meaningful networking designed to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and highlight the leadership contributions of those working tirelessly to keep agencies running effectively. Stay tuned for details as you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and lead.

Venue

Miami Dade College
Conference Center, North Campus
11380 NW 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33167

Airports

Miami International Airport (MIA) | 8 mi

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport (FLL) | 27mi

Schedule

TimeSessionSpeakers
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast

Light breakfast served. Meet and greet fellow attendees.

9:00 – 9:15 AM
Welcome Remarks

Welcome to the Leading Without a Badge – South Florida Regional Event by Executive Director Ben Haiman.  Remarks about the goals of the Event and the importance of the professional staff in the public safety workforce.

9:15 – 9:30 AM
Reflections and Words of Encouragement on Leading Without a Badge

Hear from senior professional leaders on thoughts and remarks for professional staff leaders and members from her remarkable career in public safety and based upon current opportunities and challenges for those serving as professional staff members today.

9:30 – 10:15 AM
Chiefs Panel: The Impact of Professional Staff in the South Florida region. 

Hear from distinguished law enforcement leaders about the role of professional staff leaders and members.  Hear these Chief executives describe the unique challenges and opportunities confronting the South Florida region today, and ways that professional staff members are at the forefront of the fight to keep the South Florida region safe.

(Moderator)
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 – 11:00 PM
Networking Activity

Working across fields of discipline and agencies, this networking activity helps ensure that participants meet each other and learn about the critical work happening in public safety throughout the Chicagoland region.

(Facilitator)
11:00 – 11:50 AM
Keynote Panel: The Impact of Professional Staff Members in Public Safety

Hear the impact from professional staff leaders serving in a range of capacities, describing the impact and operational involvement they have in their public safety organizations.   This panel is designed to highlight the vital work underway by professional staff members.

11:50 - 12:00 PM
About the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety

Learn more about the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety and the benefits of being a member through this growing national membership association.

(Facilitator)
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 1:50 PM
Breakout Session 1: (Participants Choose One)
Option 1A (Building Your Career & Influence):

Explore practical ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and prepare for your next professional opportunity—with or without a formal leadership title.

Option 1B (Leading People & Change)

Develop approaches to supporting your team, navigating challenges, and turning ideas into meaningful organizational improvements.

Option 1C (Professional Practice & Innovation)

Exchange ideas and practical approaches with peers to improve processes, address shared challenges, and strengthen the work of your professional specialty.

1:50 - 2:00 PM
Networking Break
2:00 - 2:50 PM
Breakout Sessions 2: (Participants Choose One)
Option 2A (Building Your Career & Influence)
Option 2B (Leading People & Change)
Option 2C (Professional Practice & Innovation)
2:50 - 3:00
Networking Break
3:00 - 3:50 PM
Breakout Session 3: (Participants Choose One)
Option 3A (Building Your Career & Influence)
Option 3B (Leading People & Change)
Option 3C (Professional Practice & Innovation)
3:50 - 4:00 PM
Networking Break
4:00 – 4:40 PM
Fireside Chat: Bridging the Badge: Lessons in Leading Together

A conversation between a professional staff leader and a Chief of Police about leading.

4:40 – 4:45 PM
Closing Remarks & Farewell

Concluding session, highlighting key items from the Summit.  Opportunities for further networking and engagement.

4:45 – 6:30 PM
Networking Reception to Follow

Informal networking reception.

Planning Committee

Many thanks to our co-sponsoring and planning organizations and individuals.

Samantha Graviano

Samantha Graviano

Communications Director, NAPSPS

Ben Haiman

Ben Haiman

Executive Director, NAPSPS

in
Dr. Joelle Lee-Silcox

Dr. Joelle Lee-Silcox

Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics, The ARISE Group

in
Cilia Maria Ruiz-Paz

Cilia Maria Ruiz-Paz

Legislative & Special Projects Manager, Miami Beach Police Department

in
Laura Milford

Laura Milford

Chief Development Officer, NAPSPS

Carolyn Montagna

Carolyn Montagna

Director, Law Enforcement Analytics at The Policing Lab (Miami, Florida)

in
William Paige

William Paige

Chief Operating Officer

in
Zoe Russek-Sobol

Zoe Russek-Sobol

Assistant Director, Digital Forensic Center, Chicago Police Department

in
Brittney Valarezo

Brittney Valarezo

Chair of Membership, Miami-Dade Police Department

Kamilah A. Young

Kamilah A. Young

Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police, Miami-Gardens PD

in

Sponsors

SkydioLexipolFlock SafetyEssential PersonnelDLR Group

Partners

21CPNAWLEENational Real Time Crime Center AssociationCenter for Public Safety & Justice | UVA SCPS