Dreamlyn Williams is a public service professional with more than 20 years of experience in budgeting, grant management, and program administration. She is known for building strong cross agency partnerships, aligning financial strategies with organizational priorities, and delivering data-driven insights that support informed leadership decisions.

She currently serves as the Highway Patrol Impact & Strategy Manager for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), overseeing programs in social media, community engagement, data analytics, internships, and wellness. She previously led the department’s grant program, managing more than $25 million in awards and helping establish AZDPS’s internal grant management infrastructure.

Before joining AZDPS, Dreamlyn served as the Police Budget Manager for the Tempe Police Department, where she directed operating, capital, and grant budgets. Her earlier roles include serving as a Data Analyst for Tempe PRE and advancing from Management and Budget Analyst to Administrative Services Manager at Maricopa County, where she supported strategic planning, budget development, and performance measurement. She also led the MCLEAPS Internship Program, partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) to place students in high-impact public service roles.

A proud Sun Devil, Dreamlyn holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. She is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, Class #616. She is dedicated to efficient, customer focused public service and believes strong relationships are key to lasting impact.

Contact Arizona NAPSPS state liaison:

Chela Cottrell is a 22-year veteran of law enforcement. Through a variety of positions, Chela developed expertise that qualified her for her current role as Police Services Manager of the Emergency Communications Center and Operations division at the Citrus Heights Police Department. Recognized as a dispatch subject-matter expert, Chela has contributed to state-level curriculum and legislative development to enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement practices. A nationally recognized presenter on leadership, professional staff development, and interdisciplinary workflows, Chela’s mission to elevate policing practices compels her writing, informs her advocacy, and fuels her drive to inspire Law Enforcement Professionals to recognize their innate abilities in the service of Public Safety. Chela possesses a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. She is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute Class #490 and holds the designation of Emergency Number Professional from the National Emergency Number Association.

Here is a link to a resource guide for professional development authored by Chela: https://napsps.org/professional-staff-resources-guide/

Contact California NAPSPS state liaison:

Doug Oates is a 30-year veteran in public safety across federal, state and consulting domains, with focus in statewide policing, homeland security, wildland fire, and financial examinations.

He currently serves as the Strategic Technology Officer (STO) for the Colorado State Patrol, within the Chief’s Office. Doug is responsible for guiding the agency to advance mission systems modernization, while ensuring an ecosystem of integrated systems is fully data enabled. He is also assigned with ensuring flexibility to adapt to future information intelligence needs called upon in policing. He works closely with the agency command and professional staff to plan and deliver technology capabilities that directly serve Troopers on the road, Communications Officers in dispatch centers, and data scientists in specialty disciplines.

He holds a Masters in Business Administration from Frostburg University, and a Bachelors of Science in Finance from West Virginia University. Doug also holds the Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, continuously since 2005, and the Prosci Change Management Practitioner certification, since 2021. Doug is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Law Enforcement and Information Technology (LEIT) section, and the Integrated Justice Information Systems (IJIS) Institute, Criminal Justice Data Quality (CJDQ) Working Group

Rachael Songalewski is a strategic law enforcement and public safety leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting municipal and national transit agencies. She currently serves as the Senior Manager of Safety & Security Analytics within the Amtrak Police Department’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis, leading a nationwide team of analysts, detectives, and data scientists responsible for criminal intelligence, counterterrorism initiatives, and data-driven decision support. In this role, she collaborates with federal, state, and local partners to advance coordinated safety and security strategies across the rail network.

Rachael’s career spans a wide range of analytical, operational, and community focused roles, including crime analysis, crime prevention, organizational process improvement, and professional development. She has been recognized for her contributions to complex investigations, her leadership during high pressure operational events, and her ongoing commitment to elevating professional standards in public safety.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. She was recently accepted into the inaugural UVA Chief of Staff Certification – Public Safety Cohort. Rachael is an active member of the International Association of Crime Analysts, the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the American Society of Evidence Based Policing, and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety. She is honored to serve as the Regional Liaison for Washington, D.C., where she champions collaboration, innovation, and excellence across the public safety profession.

Contact District of Columbia NAPSPS state liaison:

Cilia Maria Ruiz-Paz is currently the Legislative & Special Projects Manager for the Miami Beach Police Department. She began her professional journey in law enforcement as a Crime Analyst at INTERPOL’s U.S. National Central Bureau in Washington, D.C. She then served as an Assistant Criminal Intelligence Analyst at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat in Lyon, France, where she specialized in environmental crime and wildlife trafficking. Cilia Maria also worked as an International Environmental Security Consultant with Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Bogotá, Colombia.

Cilia Maria’s trained expertise lies in criminal intelligence management, intelligence-led operations, and environmental law enforcement at local, federal, and international levels. A passionate animal advocate, Cilia Maria is especially proud of her work protecting wildlife from exploitation and trafficking. Her ongoing interests include conflict management related to international environmental resource governance, gender-based violence and anti-corruption efforts. She also brings experience in local government, legislation, policy, project coordination, and translation into and from French and Spanish.

Cilia Maria relocated to Miami Beach in 2015 where she served as the Legislative Aide to then City Commissioner John Elizabeth Aleman in the Office of the Mayor and Commission until the end of the Commissioner’s term.

In 2019, Cilia Maria joined the Miami Beach Police Department. Her previous roles within the agency include Police Special Projects Coordinator, Intelligence Unit Analyst, Senior Management Consultant, and Crime Analysis Unit Manager.

In her current capacity, Cilia Maria oversees a wide range of analytical, operational, strategic, and legislative initiatives for Chief Wayne Jones. Cilia Maria has also recently become a sworn Reserve Police Officer within the agency and expanded her role to serving the community regularly on the road and as needed. Cilia Maria is passionate about increasing women representation in law enforcement as well as advancing professional development while bridging the gap between professional staff and sworn personnel within and beyond her agency.

Cilia Maria is a mentor in both her Latina sorority, Lambda Theta Nu at Iowa State University, and the Rotary Club of Washington Global in Washington, D.C., both of which she helped to charter. She is committed to serving as a role model for young minority and immigrant women aspiring to enter traditionally male-dominated professions.

Contact Florida NAPSPS state liaison:

Nelly Miles is the Founder and Principal of Nelly Miles Consulting, LLC, where she advises public safety leaders, government agencies, and organizations on crisis communications, strategic messaging, and leadership communication. Through consulting, training, and speaking engagements, she helps leaders communicate clearly, build public trust, and navigate high-stakes situations with confidence.

Miles previously served as Senior Director of Strategy and Operations with Julie Parker Communications, an award-winning international crisis communications firm. In that role, she oversaw strategic operations, supported client engagement, and guided directors and strategists in delivering high-level communications services to public safety, government, and corporate clients.

Before entering the private sector, Miles completed 26 years of distinguished service with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She began her career in 1999 as a forensic chemist after earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Emory University and later led the agency’s Forensic Chemistry Unit. In 2015, she transitioned to communications and policy, appointed as Deputy Director of Public Affairs before being promoted to Public & Governmental Affairs Director, serving as the agency’s chief spokesperson and legislative liaison.

Under her leadership, the GBI Public & Governmental Affairs Office received an award for excellence from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2021. Miles is a nationally recognized trainer and speaker and has served as Chair of the PIO Committee for the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) and is an active member of the IACP PIO Section. She currently serves as the Public Relations Chair for the Georgia Chapter of NOBLE.

Contact Georgia NAPSPS state liaison:

Susan Papatrefon is an experienced operations and public safety professional with a strong background in communications systems management, training, and customer relations.  She currently serves as a Senior Onboarding Consultant, supporting clients through implementation, delivering system training, and developing AI-assisted workflows to enhance performance and user adoption.

With over 27 years of experience in public safety communications, Susan has held leadership roles overseeing emergency communications center operations, personnel development, and compliance with state and federal standards. Her work includes managing complex 911 systems, coordinating technology upgrades, and securing grant funding to strengthen public safety infrastructure. She has also provided training in computer-aided dispatch and records management systems, building partnerships with agencies nationwide.

Susan holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Administration from Wayland Baptist University. She is known for her strengths in strategic planning, project management, and relationship building, and is committed to driving customer success through proactive engagement and measurable outcomes.

Christopher Saunders is the Administrative Services Bureau Director for the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in Boise, Idaho. With more than 16 years of experience in public safety, he has served in roles ranging from inmate counseling and reentry supervision to agency-wide research and analytics.

He currently oversees key administrative functions that support strategic planning, data analysis, and organizational performance. In 2025, he led the rewrite of the Sheriff’s Office strategic plan to help align agency priorities with long term operational and community needs. Throughout his career, he has also coordinated the agency’s participation in national initiatives such as the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge and the National Institute of Corrections’ Transition from Jail to Community initiative.

In his current role, Christopher oversees many of the business and administrative operations of the Sheriff’s Office, including financial management, human resources, data and research, and several operational support divisions that ensure the agency’s services run effectively for both employees and the community.

Prior to his current role, he led the agency’s Data Analytics and Intelligence team, where he implemented enterprise data strategies and launched the Sheriff’s Office Tableau reporting platform to support evidence-based decision making.

Christopher holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University.

He is passionate about strengthening the role of professional staff and advancing leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the public safety profession.

Contact Idaho NAPSPS state liaison:

Jacquelyn “Bess” Philipoom is a public safety policy and data professional with seven years of experience supporting law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and public sector leadership. She currently serves as the Recruitment and Applicant Investigations Data Analyst with the Baltimore Police Department, developing reporting pipelines to strengthen recruitment strategy through data-driven insights. She played a key role in the agency reaching initial compliance for the Recruitment and Retention Section of their Federal Consent Decree in January 2026. Previously, she held data analyst roles with the Baltimore City Fire Department, the Mayor’s Office of Performance & Innovation, and Innovate Memphis, a Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Team, as well as a policy analyst role with TennCare. Her contributions across these positions include policy analysis, process analysis and development. Her work has informed hazard assessment and planning, while also supporting proposals that secured increased funding for community and behavioral health programs to strengthen service capacity across public health/safety systems. Bess holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights, policy analysis, and improved collaboration between sworn and professional staff to develop mission-driven solutions that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Contact Maryland NAPSPS state liaison:

Anthony is a public safety professional with over a decade of experience in law enforcement support roles, including Dispatcher, Records Clerk, Lead Records Clerk (Prosecutor’s Office assignment), Crime Analyst, and Body-Worn Camera Program Administrator.

He has experience in tactical, strategic, administrative, and criminal intelligence analysis. He has administered body-worn camera and digital evidence management systems, as well as department computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), and other digital information systems. He has also provided training and support for these platforms to staff and end users.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an associate’s degree in information technologies from Southern New Hampshire University. He attended the Massachusetts Reserve Police Academy and served in a part-time sworn role for five years. He is an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts (MACA), International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA), and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety (NAPSPS).

Anthony’s professional passion is implementing and improving public safety technology systems and supporting data-driven policing, with a focus on expanding the role of professional staff in public safety operations.

Lacinda A. Jaynes is a Criminal Intelligence and GIS Analyst with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, where she provides advanced analytical and intelligence support across multiple state and local law enforcement entities, including narcotics, homeland security, and specialized crime reduction initiatives. She is recognized for transforming complex investigative and operational data into actionable intelligence that supports proactive policing strategies, multi-agency coordination, and executive decision-making.

With over two decades of experience spanning public safety, geospatial analytics, and business systems, Ms. Jaynes has led the development of enterprise-level analytical programs, standardized intelligence products, and GIS-driven dashboards that enhance situational awareness and investigative outcomes. She previously served as Director of the Analytical Services Bureau for the Denver Police Department, where she led a team of analysts, advised executive leadership, and institutionalized data-driven policing practices across the organization.

Ms. Jaynes has a proven record of building analytical capacity, fostering interagency collaboration, and supporting complex, multi-jurisdictional operations. Her work emphasizes intelligence-led policing, data governance, and the integration of CAD/RMS, geospatial, and investigative data into cohesive analytical frameworks that drive measurable public safety outcomes.

She holds a Master of Science in Crime Analysis from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Business Administration from Jackson State University. She is a certified law enforcement analyst and remains actively engaged in advancing the role of professional staff in public safety through training, innovation, and leadership.

As Regional Liaison for Mississippi with the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, Ms. Jaynes is committed to strengthening collaboration, elevating professional standards, and advancing data-driven practices across agencies and jurisdictions.

“Her work has strengthened data-driven deployment strategies, improved investigative efficiency, and enhanced multi-agency coordination in support of violent crime reduction.”

Lacinda A. Jaynes is a Criminal Intelligence and GIS Analyst with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, where she provides advanced analytical support to statewide law enforcement operations, including narcotics enforcement, homeland security, and violent crime reduction initiatives. Her work focuses on transforming complex operational and investigative data into clear, actionable intelligence that supports command-level decision-making, resource deployment, and proactive policing strategies. Her work has strengthened data-driven deployment strategies, improved investigative efficiency, and enhanced multi-agency coordination in support of violent crime reduction.

Ms. Jaynes brings extensive leadership experience in building and managing analytical capabilities within law enforcement organizations. As former Director of the Analytical Services Bureau for the Denver Police Department, she led a team of analysts supporting citywide operations, implemented standardized analytical frameworks, and delivered executive-level intelligence through crime strategy briefings that informed departmental priorities and deployment decisions.

Her expertise includes intelligence-led policing, multi-agency coordination, and the development of enterprise-level data systems that integrate CAD/RMS, geospatial, and investigative data into cohesive analytical products. She has a proven ability to align analytical functions with operational priorities, enhance situational awareness, and support complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations.

Ms. Jaynes holds a Master of Science in Crime Analysis from Arizona State University and is a Certified Law Enforcement Analyst. As Regional Liaison for Mississippi with the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, she works to strengthen collaboration between agencies, promote professional standards, and advance the integration of data-driven practices into public safety operations.

Contact Mississippi NAPSPS state liaison:

Amanda Markham brings over 24 years of public sector leadership to her role as NAPSPS Regional Liaison for Nebraska. Currently serving as Project Innovation Administrator in the Phoenix Police Department’s Chief’s Office, she manages enterprise-level technology innovation and a $37.1 million capital construction project while serving as a law enforcement representative on Governor Katie Hobbs’ inaugural Arizona AI Policy Committee.

A former sworn officer turned civilian professional staff leader, Amanda bridges the unique divide between sworn and civilian cultures in public safety. She is recognized for translating complex operational challenges into innovative technology solutions that deliver measurable results, from cost savings to enhanced community engagement.

Amanda holds a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Criminal Justice, and a PMP certification. She teaches public safety administration as adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University, combining practitioner expertise with academic rigor.

With established ties to Nebraska through her family and frequent visits to the region, Amanda is committed to connecting professional staff across the Midwest, elevating their unique contributions, and championing workforce-centered innovation in public safety agencies nationwide.

Karen L. Ortman is the Associate Vice President of Compliance and Support Services at New York University in the Department of Campus Safety. Before transitioning to the education sector, Ms. Ortman dedicated over 25 years to law enforcement with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in Trenton, New Jersey, where she rose through the ranks after graduating from The College of New Jersey and completing the New Jersey Attorney General Police Training Academy.

Throughout her distinguished law enforcement career, Ms. Ortman held leadership and investigative roles across a wide range of specialized units, including Juvenile, Internal Affairs, Bias Crimes, Arson, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Megan’s Law, Domestic Violence, Economic Crimes, and Homicide. She also served as the Coordinator for the Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and was an active member of the New Jersey Regional Child Fatality and Near-Fatality Review Board.

Ms. Ortman holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies and continues to educate the next generation of criminal justice professionals as an adjunct professor at several institutions, including Mercer County Community College, Wilmington University, Saint Peter’s University, John Jay College, and Rider University.
In addition to her work in safety and education, Ms. Ortman is the host and creator of the NYU original podcast You Matter!, focused on de-stigmatizing conversations around brain wellness, addiction, and victimization.

Contact New York NAPSPS state liaison:

Isaac Entsua-Mensah is a distinguished subject-matter expert in 9-1-1 communications and emergency management, boasting over 20 years of experience in directing and managing Emergency Communication Centers, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and campus safety and security operations. Throughout his career in law enforcement, he has held diverse roles, including Deputy Sheriff, University Police Officer, Communications Officer, Field Training Coordinator, Police Sergeant, Communications Training Instructor, Emergency Communication Supervisor, and Communication Section Director. Most recently, Isaac served as Operations Supervisor at the Arlington County Government Emergency Communication Center and as Chief of 9-1-1 Operations with the Office of Unified Communications, the primary Public Safety Answering Point for the Nation’s Capital.

Currently, Isaac is the President of the Mid-Eastern Chapter of the APCO Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO), where he advocates for best practices, professional development, and advancement within the public safety communications community. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Purdue University.

Isaac also serves as the liaison for North Carolina, a position through which he fosters collaboration and innovation among the state’s public safety agencies and emergency communication centers. His deep commitment to North Carolina reflects a strong connection to its communities and public safety professionals, where he champions efforts to enhance interoperability, improve emergency response capabilities, and support workforce development initiatives. By bridging regional and statewide partnerships, Isaac strengthens North Carolina’s resilience and preparedness in the face of evolving challenges. His leadership drives impactful improvements, ensuring that North Carolina remains at the forefront of public safety excellence and community protection.

Ryan Worbs has served in government finance since 2013 and joined the Gahanna Division Police in 2022 where he serves as the agency’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the budget, accounts payable and receivable, requisition, and payroll. He formerly occupied roles with the Licking County Library System, Franklin County Jobs and Family Services, and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Worbs was instrumental in developing the agency’s scheduling platform and integrating the scheduling data into the payroll program creating automated pay calculations that conform to the terms of the FOP and FOP-OLC bargaining agreements. Worbs was recognized for excellence as the 2024 recipient of the city’s Mayor’s Award. Worbs has been active in the push to amend the Ohio Revised Code section 149.43(A)(1)(p) to expand the protection of residential and familial information beyond sworn law enforcement personnel to cover all employees of law enforcement agencies, including civilian professional staff. Committed to building meaningful connections with agencies across the region, Worbs is the lead organizer of the Central Ohio Professionals Serving in Law Enforcement Agencies Network (COPSLEAN), a round table discussion event for fall 2026. Outside of work, Worbs enjoys history, science fiction, board games, and spending time outdoors with his family.

Contact Ohio NAPSPS state liaison:

Rebecca Rodriguez is the Director of Police Education for the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon’s largest law enforcement agency. She focuses on overseeing, assessing, and improving the Education Program of the Portland Police Bureau. Rebecca is active in establishing the strategic direction, mission, and operations of the Training Division, transferring over two decades of professional and leadership experience to public safety. In 2024, she co-authored “Improving the quality of training through targeted instructor development: A replicable model from the Portland Police Bureau.” in the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards Magazine. She was featured as a presenter at the Oregon Executive Development Institute’s first inaugural Women in Law Enforcement Conference. Rebecca directed Portland’s instructor development program and supports the division’s compliance with settlement agreement requirements related to training. Last year, she was awarded an Achievement Medal by PPB for exceptional leadership, dedication, and teamwork in restoring the operational strength and mission readiness of PPB’s public order Rapid Response Team.

Rebecca holds a B.S. in Justice Studies and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, along with a Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research from Portland State University.

Contact Oregon NAPSPS state liaison:

Chief Gerald R. Simpson, Ret., is a law enforcement executive with more than 40 years of distinguished service and a record of leadership in policing, investigations, regionalization, and public safety strategy. He began his career in 1983 with the West Grove Borough Police Department and became one of Pennsylvania’s youngest Chiefs of Police in 1985.

He later served 23 years with the Newark Police Department in Delaware, where he rose to Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. During his tenure, he earned recognition for investigative leadership and helped form a multi-state violent crime task force supported by then-Attorney General Beau Biden.

After returning to Chester County, Simpson served as Chief of Police in New Garden Township, where he led efforts to address gang violence, strengthen domestic violence response protocols, and improve active threat preparedness. His leadership earned him Chester County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2014.

From 2014 to 2016, he directed the consolidation of multiple police departments into the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, later expanded to include Avondale Borough. He also oversaw construction of a modern police facility and launched a Community Advisory Board to strengthen public trust.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, the NJSACOP Command & Leadership Academy, and Cambridge University’s Centre for Evidence-Based Policing, Simpson now serves as Testing and Consultation Manager for the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

Abigail is a crime & intelligence analyst at the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. As the only analyst in her agency, Abigail supports her law enforcement teammates with data-driven deployment information and real-time intelligence and enhances critical investigations through research, analysis, and subject matter expertise. She is a member in good standing of the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA), and the Virginia Crime Analyst Network (VCAN). Her training and research specializations are child exploitation, human trafficking, sex crimes, victim interviewing, and social network analysis. Abigail has trained law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level, including the FBI and DHS, on topics such as sex trafficking and sadistic exploitation of children. In a previous life, she was a journalist. These days, when she’s not crunching crime stats or tracking down predators, she’s probably consulting on law enforcement technology or reading, running, CrossFitting, and spending time with her very large family.

Contact Virginia NAPSPS state liaison: