Leading Without a Badge Conference

About the Conference

Empowering Civilian Leadership in Public Safety

Join fellow public safety professionals for a summit designed to highlight the role of non-sworn leaders in law enforcement and serve as a unique networking event to exchange best practices and recommendations to navigate organizational culture and make an impact within your jurisdiction. This event will provide actionable insights, practical tools, and invaluable networking opportunities to help civilian leaders navigate the evolving challenges of public safety – designed for and by those serving in executive law enforcement capacities, but in a non-uniformed capacity.

Who Should Attend

Professional Staff/Civilian/Non-uniformed public safety leaders, including Chief Operating Officers, Chiefs of Staff, Chief Technology Officers, Executive Directors, Program Managers, and others. We welcome sworn leaders to attend as well.

Why Attend

Non-uniformed/Professional Staff/Civilian leaders are critical to the success of public safety agencies. This summit is your opportunity to gain insights, share best practices, and build a network of peers dedicated to advancing public safety.

Featured Topics

  • The Role of Civilian Leaders in Public Safety Transformation
    Understand how non-sworn leaders are shaping the future of public safety.
  • Innovative Technologies
    Dive into the transformative potential of AI, predictive analytics, and data-driven strategies.
  • Navigating Organizational Dynamics
    Strategies to address internal challenges, cultural shifts, and political complexities.
  • Building Trust and Inclusion
    Foster transparency and collaboration to strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
  • Leadership and Strategic Planning
    Explore the pivotal role of civilian leaders in driving organizational success and operational efficiency.
  • Real-World Innovations
    Learn from case studies showcasing successful programs led by professional staff leaders.

Key Highlights

  • Panel Discussions
    Featuring experts in AI, community engagement, and law enforcement innovation – along with current members serving in executive leadership roles within law enforcement agencies.
  • Workshops
    Hands-on sessions to tackle organizational challenges and develop leadership strategies.
  • Networking Receptions
    Build lasting connections with peers and industry leaders.
  • Actionable Takeaways
    Leave with practical solutions and new ideas to implement in your agency.

OUR SPEAKERS

Featuring experts in AI, community engagement, and law enforcement innovation.

Jamie Roush

Jamie Roush

Chief Technology Officer

Alpharetta GA Department of Public Safety
Andy Skoogman

Andy Skoogman

Chief of Staff

Minneapolis Police Department
Nicole Taub

Nicole Taub

Chief of Staff

Boston Police Department
Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas

Executive Director for Data, Analytics and Technology

Philadelphia Police Department

Event Schedule

Hands-on sessions to tackle organizational challenges and develop leadership strategies.

Time Session Speakers
4:30PM - 5:45PM Opening Keynote Panel: “The Role of Professional Staff in Public Safety Leadership
Panelists will discuss the evolving role of professional staff, highlighting their impact on agency success and public trust.
Ben Haiman (Moderator)
Blake Norton
Arif Alikhan
Amy Bishop
Brian Maxey
Ganesha Martin
5:45PM - 7:15PM Welcome Reception
A networking opportunity to kick off the conference and allow attendees to connect with one another. Light refreshments and appetizers will be provided.
Time Session Speakers
8:30AM - 8:40AM Opening Remarks and Conference Overview
Welcome by conference hosts and a brief overview of the day’s agenda, key themes, and goals.
Ben Haiman
8:45AM - 9:35AM AI in Policing: Innovations, Challenges, and the Path Forward
This panel will delve into the role of artificial intelligence in modern policing- current capabilities and future considerations - examining how AI technologies are reshaping crime prevention, response strategies, and community engagement.
Christian Quinn (Moderator)
Liz Daitz
Loren Atherley
9:35AM - 10:05AM Presentation – “Navigating the Media: A Conversation for Public Safety Executives”
This presentation will provide prospective on how to formulate a comprehensive agency communication strategy, crisis communication response plan, and leverage the media to improve external relations.
Josh Margolin
10:25AM - 11:20AM Workshop 1: Navigating Organizational Culture and Politics
Interactive workshop addressing strategies for professional staff to discuss navigating complex organizational dynamics. Individual table groups will work through a variety of audiences that professional staff members have to engage with, thinking about recommendations, challenges, and opportunities with each.
Arif Alikhan (Moderator)
Krista Ashbery
Amy Bishop
11:20AM - 12:05PM Leadership Presentation: "Championing Professional Staff Leadership: Elevating the Future of Public Safety"
In this session, a leader in law enforcement will share insights on the transformative impact of professional staff leaders in shaping the future of public safety. Drawing from their own experiences in empowering professional staff leaders within their agency, the Chief will explore strategies for fostering collaboration between sworn and professional staff, addressing challenges, and leveraging the unique strengths of diverse leadership teams.
Kevin Davis
Peter Newsham
1:05PM - 2:25PM Case Studies – “Real-World Innovations by Professional Staff Leaders”
This session spotlights the groundbreaking contributions of professional staff leaders who have designed and implemented impactful initiatives to advance law enforcement agencies. Through dynamic micro-sessions, attendees will hear first-hand accounts of successful programs that address pressing challenges, foster innovation, and/or create measurable improvements within public safety organizations.
Kevin Thomas
Jamie Roush
Jenna Savage
Nola Joyce
2:45PM - 3:35PM Panel Discussion: “Building Bridges: Trust and Transparency in Public Safety”
Explore how professional staff leaders influence organizational culture within public safety, address internal and community trust, and foster a more transparent environment. This session focuses on lessons learned.
Bob Boik
Peter Vielehr, PhD
3:50PM - 4:30PM Civilians Leaders in Federal Law Enforcement
This session explores the unique challenges and opportunities of civilian leaders serving within Federal Law Enforcement agencies.
TBD
4:30PM - 5:15PM Leadership Series: “Strategic Leadership in Public Safety”
What is the role of a chief of staff or chief operating officer in public safety? What is the value of these key positions? Hear from current and former individuals about the unique nature of their roles and positions in shaping public safety.
Matthew Bromeland (Moderator)
Ganesha Martin
Brian Maxey
Andy Skoogman
Nicole Taub
Time Session Speakers
8:30AM - 9:15AM Presentation Session – “Enhancing Police Training: Professional Staff Leadership”
This session aims to showcase the contributions of professional staff members to enhance police training. It highlights initiatives from various agencies, focusing on efforts to transform the culture within police training environments.
Gary Cordner (Moderator)
Luann Pannell
Rebecca Rodriguez
Ronald Teachman
9:15AM - 10:00AM Panel Discussion – “Retaining and Empowering Top Professional Talent”
Best practices for recruiting, supporting, and retaining professional staff in law enforcement. This session is focused on human resource aspects of policing.
Tara Hall (Moderator)
Ashleigh Wojslawowicz
Tanya Meisenholder
Sara Allen
10:15AM - 11:15AM Understanding Analytics and Evidence Based Practices to Improve Public Safety
This session explores how data analytics and evidence-based practices can drive informed decision-making in public safety. Participants will learn how to leverage analytical tools, research findings, and real-world case studies to improve operational effectiveness, enhance community trust, and optimize resource allocation. The discussion will highlight best practices for integrating data-driven strategies into policing, crime prevention, and policy development to achieve measurable public safety improvements.
TBD
11:15AM - 12:00PM Leadership Lecture & Group Workshop: “Strategic Planning & Transformational Leadership in Law Enforcement Organizations”
This session will begin with a primer on organizational development principles for leaders, and then include a table-based workshop where participants will develop a strategic plan to implement a transformational program or project to address a common challenge faced by law enforcement.
Elizabeth Daitz
Krista Ashbery
Staci Yutzie

Venue & Travel Information

Plan your visit with essential details.

event Venue

Kimpton The Forum Hotel
540 Massie Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Airports

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) | 8.6mi
Richmond Airport (RIC) | 80mi

Room Block

A room block has been reserved at $189 per night + taxes. Details will be sent to registered participants.

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