Meet Our Team
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Marcia K. Thompson, Esq.
Founder & President of Creer Un Espace, LLC
Creating Space for Growth, Equity, and Leadership
Marcia’s extensive background in training and leadership development is evident through her roles as Assistant Professor and Department Chair at Aurora University, Lead Faculty + Instructor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and Lecturer/Assistant Professor at Bowie State University. She has developed and taught courses on crucial topics such as implicit bias, civil rights, human rights, gender equity, racial equity, and conflict resolution.
Her expertise extends to law enforcement, where she has served as a Guest Lecturer and Curriculum Developer for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute, Faculty (Adjunct) at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), and a Facilitator, Lecturer, and Curriculum Developer for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). In these roles, she has created curricula on procedural justice, resiliency, leadership competencies, and community policing.
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Beyond academia and law enforcement, Marcia has provided employment law education to corporations and government agencies, offering training and guidance on recruitment, hiring, retention, respectful workplaces, and diversity-related topics. Her experience includes serving as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for an international company and as Director of Support Services for the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD), where she oversaw leadership training. As an Ombudsman for the entire U.S. Capitol, she provided education, outreach, facilitation, and leadership development.
As a seasoned national speaker, Marcia offers various mechanisms for engagement, including custom presentations, keynote addresses, motivational speaking, and retreats. All speaking engagements are tailored to the audience and the theme of the events or organizational needs.
At the core of Marcia’s approach and the work of Creer Un Espace are the Four P’s of Organizational Success:
- Policies: Acutely examining policies to ensure equity and effectiveness.
- Processes: Analyzing and improving processes for fairness and efficiency.
- People: Focusing on employee development, belonging, and talent management.
- Proof/Data: Utilizing data to understand organizational strengths and identify areas for improvement and growth.
Marcia K. Thompson is dedicated to helping organizations create sustainable change by focusing on these critical elements, fostering inclusive environments, and developing effective leaders.
Catherine Sanz
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Catherine Sanz is a highly accomplished Law Enforcement Consultant with extensive experience spanning over four decades in federal law enforcement, non-profit leadership, and consulting. Her expertise encompasses leadership development, training, recruitment, retention, promotion, policy development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and asset forfeiture.
Currently, Ms. Sanz is providing her expert guidance to law enforcement agencies. Her current work includes assisting the Chicago Police Department with the development of an Americans with Disability outreach, compliance and policy, as well as the creation of an Equity Office and program development in compliance with their consent decree.
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From 2012 to 2022, Ms. Sanz served as the President for Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (WIFLE) In these roles, she led the day-to-day operations of the woman-owned and operated non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting gender equity in law enforcement. Her responsibilities included coordinating leadership training for women in law enforcement, engaging federal agency leadership to highlight best practices in diversity and inclusion, and collaborating with agencies to enhance their recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and promotion of women and minorities. Ms. Sanz also administered a scholarship program for young women interested in law enforcement careers. Notably, in 2015, the White House Policy Office tasked WIFLE with developing a paper on creating greater gender diversity in law enforcement, and Ms. Sanz was the primary researcher and author of “Transforming Law Enforcement by Changing the Face of Law Enforcement, 21st Century Policing; Guide to Recruiting, Hiring, Retaining and Promoting Women and Minorities”.
Ms. Sanz is actively involved with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), serving on the Human and Civil Right Committee, which focuses on civil rights, hate crimes, procedural justice, and community relations. She also served on the IACP Diversity Panel to assist in developing policies that foster diversity and family-friendly practices and has volunteered on IACP teams for model policy updates in areas such as responding to mental illness, arrest, use of force, pregnancy, and sexual harassment. Furthermore, she assisted in the development and implementation of the 30 X 30 project in the federal sector to increase the representation of women in federal law enforcement. Ms. Sanz also serves as a mentor for the Department of Homeland Security Women in Federal Law Enforcement Mentoring Program.
Prior to her consulting and WIFLE roles, Ms. Sanz held significant positions. At AECOM/URS Corporation she served as a Program Manager and Subject Matter Expert, focusing on business development, proposal development, and team building. She also acted as an Exercise Coordinator for Virginia Department of Emergency Management exercises for various disaster scenarios. At Potomac River Group she was a Program Manager for a Department of State (DoS) contract providing training in border security equipment and response worldwide and a Deputy Program Manager for an export control training and equipment contract.
Ms. Sanz had a distinguished 21-year career with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) formerly the U.S. Customs Service. As Assistant Director (SES) for Mission Support for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), she administered a $1.4 billion budget and managed 300 employees across various support units, including budget, logistics, workforce, training, policy, and emergency preparedness. She briefed OMB and Congressional Appropriations staffs on budgets and coordinated pandemic response training. Earlier in her ICE career, she served as Unit Chief of Asset Forfeiture, where she established the new Asset Forfeiture Program for ICE after the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. She was also detailed to the Department of the Treasury as Assistant Director of the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture (TEAOF), where she managed hundreds of millions of dollars of seized property and funds and developed asset forfeiture policy and budgets. Ms. Sanz also served as a Program Manager for Asset Identification and Removal Groups and as a Group Supervisor leading investigations. Her prior experience includes roles as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration a Physical Techniques Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (and a Police Officer with the Federal Protective Service.
Ms. Sanz holds an MA in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University and a BS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. Her skills include leadership, bias awareness, recruitment, training, policy development, mentoring, proposal development, and public speaking. She has also presented at numerous conferences and published articles on women in law enforcement. Her dedication to community service was recognized with the HAPCOA Bronze Medal in 2019. Ms. Sanz is a long-standing member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Malcolm D. Adams
Senior Advisor
With over 51 years of experience in law enforcement, Malcolm D. Adams brings a deep understanding of law enforcement practices, training operations, and accreditation standards. His extensive career includes significant leadership roles in federal law enforcement training and policy compliance.
Mr. Adams served as the Chief of the Office of Compliance and Oversight at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) from 2000 to 2021. In this role, he oversaw policy compliance, training programs, and operational inspections for DHS and other federal agencies. His responsibilities included providing independent reviews of FLETC operational programs and support components, identifying best practices, and systemic out-of-compliance processes. He also led a team of experts in training accident investigations, improving safety and developing best practices. Notably, Mr. Adams managed accreditation for 13 FLETC programs and led re-accreditation for the FLETC academy. Under his leadership in accreditation, FLETC was considered “the gold standard” in Federal law enforcement accreditation. He also secured over $2 million for simulator upgrades and coordinated national and international training efforts, including for the Botswana National Police Crisis Negotiation Team. Mr. Adams mentored over fifteen staff who promoted to senior management positions.
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Prior to his distinguished service at FLETC, Mr. Adams served for 27 years with the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office, reaching the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure, he gained experience in all aspects of operational patrol and detective operations, including investigations and specialized units. He led and supervised multiple specialized units, such as Crisis Negotiation, Community Policing, Patrol Operations, and Bombs and Explosives. He was honored as Police Officer of the Year in 1981for his work in reducing home burglaries.
Currently, Mr. Adams is a Law Enforcement Consultant specializing in police training reviews. He is an expert in assessments of policy compliance, law enforcement training, law enforcement accreditation, training operations, and internal work unit audits and inspections. He has reviewed the training and academy operations for a state law enforcement agency and two large metropolitan police agencies. Mr. Adams is also a frequent guest speaker and presenter at law enforcement summits and academies, including Florida State University and the University of North Florida. He has provided workshops at the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training Academy.
Mr. Adams possesses expertise in policy compliance and inspections, training and accreditation, and legal and organizational oversight. He has provided independent reviews of law enforcement programs, guided policy development, and led investigations. He has testified in Federal and state court multiple times. His skills include senior leadership, compliance with policies, LE accreditation, investigation of training accidents/mishaps, servant leadership, written communication, work unit inspections, and leadership coordination. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and the Federal Executive Institute (2004). Mr. Adams has also published articles for Police Chief, Sheriff, and the FLETC Journal.
Chief Jason P. Armstrong, Ret.
Senior Advisor
Jason P. Armstrong is a nationally respected public safety reform leader and retired police chief with over two decades of experience transforming law enforcement agencies and strengthening community trust. He currently offers consulting and speaking services on leadership, community engagement, and organizational transformation, delivering actionable insights and tailored solutions.
Mr. Armstrong is best known for his tenure as Police Chief in Ferguson, Missouri, where he led federal reforms to enhance transparency and deliver results. Tasked with rebuilding public confidence, he built partnerships to rebuild trust and drive sustainable change and aligned strategies with evolving community needs. Following his time in Ferguson, Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chief of Police in Apex, North Carolina, where he led reforms improving culture, staff well-being, and operational efficiency and designed community policing models to build trust and strengthen relationships.
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Across his 23-year career, Mr. Armstrong has developed expertise in leadership development, community engagement, and organizational transformation. He served in progressive leadership roles at the Forest Park Police Department in Forest Park, GA, including as Interim Police Chief, excelling in operations and community engagement and leading programs like the Citizen’s Police Academy to boost public collaboration.
Mr. Armstrong holds a Master of Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University (2016) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University (2001). He has also completed the USA Leaders Program with the Obama Foundation (2023). His professional training includes Critical Incident Management, Strategic Planning & Policy Development, Fiscal Management and Finance, Human Resource Management, Effective Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Crisis Intervention Training, among over 3,500 hours of documented continual learning.
Mr. Armstrong is affiliated with professional organizations such as the Special Olympics of North Carolina (2023), Criminal Justice Innovation Lab, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government (2023), North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (2021), International Association of Chiefs of Police (2018), and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (2017). He has received several awards, including the NCCU 40 under 40 award, IACP 40 under 40 award, and CSU Distinguished Alumnus Service Award.Mr. Armstrong brings his extensive experience and proven approach to his consulting and speaking work, partnering with leaders, teams, and organizations to deliver sustainable, values-driven solutions in the areas of leadership, accountability, and community engagement.
Christi L. Gullion, PhD.
Senior Advisor
Dr. Christi L. Gullion is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a position she has held since 2022. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in 2022. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Gullion obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota in 1994.
Dr. Gullion’s research interests encompass several key areas within criminal justice, including Policing, Police leadership and supervision, transparency, and accountability. She also focuses on Officer health and wellness, as well as Police reform and organizational transformation. With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Gullion is recognized as a national leader in police reform. Her background includes serving as a Federal Grant Project Lead for the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Collaborative Reform Initiative – Technical Assistance for police departments in Baltimore, MD, Calexico, CA, and Milwaukee, WI (2014-2017). She was also a Vice President (2015-2018) and Senior Director (2014-2015) of Law Enforcement Consulting at Hillard Heintze LLC in Chicago, IL. In these roles, she led police agency assessments, served as a subject-matter expert and provided technical assistance (TA) to many agencies across the U.S.. Her work included leading teams providing TA to departments such as Baltimore, Beloit, Calexico, Commerce City, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, and the University of Rhode Island Public Safety Department. Dr. Gullion also served as a Federal Consent Decree Monitor Team Leader for the Los Angeles, CA and Detroit, MI Police Departments for the U.S. DOJ Civil Rights Division. Her consulting and monitoring activities covered areas including accountability, arrests, community policing, crime analysis, criminal investigations, discipline, Early Intervention Systems, internal affairs, recruitment, hiring, retention, search and seizure, supervision, use of force, leadership, and organizational transformation.
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Dr. Gullion’s current research endeavors at UTA include working on a grant proposal submission to the National Science Foundation with the Department of Engineering at UTA to collect qualitative data on officer stress and combine it with calls for service data. This project aims to create a computer simulation model to predict day-to-day police operations and inform optimal patrol officer deployment. She is also working on a grant funded by the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety at Arizona State University (ASU) examining overdose, suicide, and homicide hotspots in Arizona, and previously worked on a grant funded by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and UTA focusing on police officer sleep habits to inform mental health and wellness programs. Other past grant work includes evaluating Project Safe Neighborhoods funded by the Department of Justice, assessing proactive prosecutorial responses to domestic violence, and evaluating a Crime Gun Intelligence Center Initiative. She has collaborated with local police agencies like the Fort Worth Police Department and Irving Police Department on projects related to VR training and hot spots policing.
Her peer-reviewed publications reflect her research interests, with work appearing in journals such as Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, Violence Against Women, Justice Quarterly, Crime & Delinquency, Justice Evaluation Journal, and Police Quarterly. Key topics in her publications include explorations of recurring Early Intervention (EI) alerts and systems, an examination of recurring police use of force incidents among newly hired officers, and analyzing predictors of repeated police misconduct. She has also published on homicide hotspots in Chicago and perceptions of procedural justice for sexual victimization. Her research in progress includes studies on police views and experiences with sleep patterns, predictors of police officer stress, burnout, and coping, and the temporal distance between EI alerts and interventions. Additionally, she has contributed to technical reports for the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office and reports as part of consent decree monitoring.
Dr. Gullion is a frequent presenter at academic conferences and invited speaker. She has been an invited speaker on Early Intervention (EI) Systems at ASU’s annual police accountability symposium and the University of Texas El Paso’s annual police accountability symposium. She has presented her research on topics such as EIS, interventions for at-risk officer behavior, and factors impacting police use of force at conferences including the American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).
In addition to her research, Dr. Gullion teaches a variety of courses at UTA, including Ethics and the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Theoretical Criminology, Cybercrime, Research Methods in Criminal Justice, and Crime & Public Policy. She has also taught at Sam Houston State University and several community colleges, covering courses such as Administration of Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Policing, Issues in Criminal Justice, and Juvenile Justice.
Dr. Gullion is actively engaged in service to her profession and university. She was elected to the American Society of Criminology (ASC), Division of Policing (DoP) Executive Board for 2024-2025. She serves on the editorial review board for Policing: An International Journal and is a peer reviewer for several other journals and publishers. At UTA, she has served on doctoral and master’s student committees, mentored students, and participated in faculty search committees. She has also contributed to developing Tenure & Promotion requirements and review processes for faculty. In 2020, she co-led a Police Reform Research Team as part of the Community Peace Coalition, conducting research to assess community experiences with police agencies.
Timothy Alan Knight, PhD, MA, MFT (c.)
Senior Advisor
Dr. Timothy Alan Knight is a nationally respected expert in public safety reform, social justice policy, and systems-level interventions rooted in equity and accountability. With over four decades of experience across law enforcement, municipal oversight, academia, and therapeutic practice, Dr. Knight brings an unmatched depth of perspective to matters of justice transformation, organizational leadership, and human development.
A 23-year veteran of law enforcement and former homicide investigator, Dr. Knight has conducted high-stakes investigations and led public accountability processes at the intersection of law, ethics, and community trust. In California, he served as a Policy Analyst for the City of Oakland’s Citizens’ Police Review Board, where he investigated officer-involved shootings and systemic misconduct. As Chief of Staff to Oakland’s elected City Auditor, he oversaw internal investigations, managed whistleblower protections, and shaped transparency initiatives across law enforcement and municipal agencies.
Dr. Knight’s impact extends nationally. As a legal and policy consultant, he has supported attorneys and municipalities in civil rights litigation—particularly 42 U.S.C. §1983 cases—by providing expert analysis of police practices, leadership structures, and institutional risk. In Chicago, he played a pivotal role in designing the equity infrastructure within the Chicago Police Department, aligning departmental operations with justice-centered frameworks, trauma-informed training, and community-driven reform.
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Dr. Knight is also a clinician-in-training, completing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (expected Spring 2026). As a member of the International Honor Society for MFT, he demonstrates both academic distinction and clinical integrity. His training focuses on trauma recovery, attachment dynamics, and relational systems, all of which inform his work in de-escalation strategies, behavioral health partnerships, and crisis response training for public servants.
His earlier roles include Employee Development and Equity Manager for the City of Carmel, Indiana; Director of Operations for a national housing nonprofit; professor of urban leadership and theology; and co-founder of a mentoring initiative for Black youth. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Social and Community Services, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a focus on theological social ethics, and a Bachelor of Theology.
Advanced certifications in Executive Leadership, Change Management, Diversity and Inclusion, and Performance Leadership from Cornell University strengthen Dr. Knight’s portfolio of work. His research interests span moral development, communal trauma, and systemic justice. As a deeply principled practitioner, he integrates pastoral wisdom, clinical insight, and rigorous inquiry to support the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities.
Gururaj Kumar
Senior Advisor
Gururaj Kumar has 20 years of experience in developing and facilitating trainings and conflict resolution processes for diverse audiences. His proven abilities in designing organizational development processes help people manage change in the workplace as well as having a deep understanding and practical application of conflict resolution, training, and organizational development theory. Gururaj is a conflict resolution specialist focusing on mediation, facilitation, and negotiation.
Currently, Gururaj serves as a National Advisor: Conflict Management & Organizational Services (CM/OE) at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) since 2020. In this role, he provides intake, case management, and delivery of enterprise-wide conflict management and organizational effectiveness services. He acts as the main point of contact to assist TSA senior leaders, managers, supervisors, employees, and other stakeholders in addressing workplace issues to support organizational health. He has conducted over 500 hours of executive, staff, and team coaching to support leadership development, individual growth, and team effectiveness. Gururaj also conducts small and large group facilitation and team strengthening sessions using tools like the Team Performance Model (TPM), DiSC, and Five Dysfunctions of a Team to improve individual and team awareness, clarity, and problem-solving to address workplace issues. He facilitates multiple Leadership Summits, a customized approach to help leaders openly discuss challenges, explore possibilities, and identify tangible steps to bridge the current and desired states. Furthermore, he developed a national facilitator guide and leads dialogue sessions on race & social justice and workplace bias for leaders and staff. Notably, he worked with senior leadership to design and conduct a four-day critical incident response retreat for leaders and managers at an airport after a racial incident, culminating in a problem-solving workshop to develop action plans.
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Prior to his current role, Gururaj was a Communication and Solution Specialist at TSA in Chicago, IL, from 2018 to 2020 providing alternative dispute resolution services to over 2,300 employees and management at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. He collaborated with various program offices to resolve complex issues and identify options to address personnel and organizational challenges. Gururaj worked with leadership and teams to develop and implement programs and initiatives that improved communication and resolved issues through Conflict Coaching, Mediation, Facilitation, Conciliation, Team Building, and identifying appropriate conflict management resources. He also served as a resource on civil rights laws, regulations, and EEO processes to provide interest-based problem solving, ADR, and mediation solutions, and conducted trainings on effective communication, conflict resolution, and coaching.
Since 2012, Gururaj has been a consultant providing organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and conflict resolution services to various public and private organizations. His experience includes conducting team retreats for the Census Bureau and Afton Chemical focusing on cross-cultural dynamics, collaboration, and conflict management, and delivering sessions on Collaborating Across Boundaries for the Census Bureau. He also organized, coordinated, and served as a lead facilitator for the Collaborative Leadership Seminar (CLS), Crisis Leadership Workshop (CLW), and Management Development: Leading Organizations as a Visiting Program Director (VPD) for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Center for Leadership Development. He has delivered sessions on influence, collaboration, working across boundaries, conflict resolution, collaborative problem-solving, team decision-making, and servant leadership for organizations like the DOJ, EPA, and VA. Additionally, he delivered a leadership development session on Resiliency and Jugaad for the National Counter Terrorism Center.
His consulting work includes facilitating dialogue and skills-building workshops on diversity awareness and workplace inclusion. His clients span education, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. He provides expertise in organizational climate assessment, instructional design, and training strategy and planning in areas of diversity awareness, workplace inclusion, and organizational change management. Furthermore, he has been a Senior Conflict Management Practitioner since 2009, conducting leadership coaching, mediation, group facilitation, team building, and group interventions for organizations such as the Social Security Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, National Archives, and USAID. He has also provided experiential training on managing conflict and interest-based problem solving. He also provided leadership coaching, climate assessment, organizational development, retreat facilitation, team building, and workplace conflict management expertise to various clients.
From 2011 to 2018, Gururaj served as an ADR Advisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As one of 35 disaster reservists, he provided confidential workplace alternative dispute resolution services during federal disaster response and recovery efforts, offering conflict coaching, listening, problem-solving, training design and delivery, organizational assessment, mediation, conciliation, group facilitation, and advising federal officials. He also served as a Strategic Advisor/Trainer for Fundación Operación Gaya Internacional in Costa Rica from 2010 to 2018, providing conflict resolution process design, facilitation, and strategic communication expertise. Earlier in his career, he was the Director of Training and Policy Program at the ICONS Project, University of Maryland, where he delivered leadership development trainings across the country. He also served as the Director of American University Mediation Services (2003-2007), where he developed positive working relationships, provided conflict management services, conducted mediations, designed and facilitated dialogues, and delivered tailored trainings.
Gururaj is also an Adjunct Professor at Champlain College since 2013, teaching graduate-level courses in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies. He has also taught at American University since 2007, including a graduate course on cross-cultural mediation and undergraduate courses on Peace and Conflict Resolution and Law and International Organizations.
His educational background includes an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution with a concentration in Facilitation, Mediation, and Negotiation, and a Graduate Certificate in Managing Organizational Change from American University, as well as a BA in History and Psychology from the University of Michigan. He also completed a Fellowship in International Peace and Development Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Rotary Peace Center, and received training in conflict resolution at the International Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, The Hague, Holland.
Gururaj holds several certifications and has received professional training, including MBTI Certification, EQi Certification , DiSC Certification, ACC Certified Coach (International Coaching Federation, Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Training (Centers for Disease Control), and an ASTD Executive Coaching Certificate He has also presented on topics such as “Cultural Competence in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution” and “Leading through Conflict: Cross Cultural Analysis and Skill-Building for Third Party Intervention” at various conferences and programs.
Grande Hamilton Lum, J.D.
Senior Advisor
Grande Hamilton Lum is a nationally recognized expert in conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, and public policy, currently serving as Senior Lecturer of Law and Director of the Gould Negotiation and Mediation Program, Director of the Gould Alternative Dispute Research Initiative, and Martin Daniel Gould Center for Conflict Resolution at Stanford Law School. In this role, he teaches courses in negotiation, mediation, and public policy, manages a team of lecturers, and conducts research in dispute resolution, negotiation, civil rights, and mediation.
Mr. Lum brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career that spans academia, government, and the private sector. He served as Director of the Community Relations Service (CRS) at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2012 to 2016, a presidential appointment confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate. During his tenure, he guided the agency during critical national events involving race and law enforcement and expanded services in areas such as Transgender and Law Enforcement interaction and anti-Muslim hate crime prevention. He also increased the agency’s budget and staff positions.
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Prior to his role at the DOJ, Mr. Lum held significant leadership positions, including Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Menlo College (2018-2022), where he determined the academic vision, oversaw program development, curriculum, accreditation, and budget management, and initiated the creation of the institution’s first graduate programs. He also served as Director of the Divided Community Project at OSU Moritz College of Law (2016-2018), focusing on how communities can constructively respond to civil unrest. Earlier in his career, he was Clinical Professor and Director of the Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (CNDR) at UC Hastings College of the Law (2008-2010), leading the Center to its first top ranking in the US News Report.
Mr. Lum is the author of several influential books, including “America’s Peacemakers: The Community Relations Service and Civil Rights”, which was recognized with the 2020 Outstanding Book in the Field of Alternative Dispute Resolution Award by The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution. He is also the author of “Tear Down the Wall: Be Your Own Mediator in Conflict” and “Negotiation Fieldbook: Simple Strategies for Every Negotiation”.
His expertise is further demonstrated by his extensive involvement with various organizations. He is a Senior Partner with the Rebuild Congress Initiative, a collaboration of the Harvard Negotiation Project and Issue One, focused on strengthening democratic institutions. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Divided Community Project at OSU Moritz College of Law and is a Board Member of Not In Our Town, an organization dedicated to stopping hate and building inclusive communities. He is also a Board of Advisors Member for The Difference Engine at Arizona State University and an Advisor to the USF Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice.
Mr. Lum holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, including the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution’s Lawyer as Problem Solver Award. He is a frequent speaker and has published numerous articles on negotiation, conflict resolution, and public policy.
Chief Danielle Outlaw, DCSO
Senior Advisor
Danielle Outlaw brings over 20 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, public safety, and security to her current role as Deputy Chief Security Officer at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). Appointed in September 2023, she contributes to the enhancement of security operations for a bi-state agency with an approximate annual budget of $887M and over 3700 police and civilian staff, overseeing a vast network of critical infrastructure including airports, bridges, tunnels, seaports, bus terminals, and the PATH rail system. Her responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of security policies, multi-hazard risk assessments, and emergency management initiatives. She also assists in coordinating cross-functional security efforts and plays a key role in incident response planning and security breach investigations, collaborating with various law enforcement partners. Furthermore, she supports strategic security planning by identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
Prior to joining PANYNJ, Ms. Outlaw served as the Police Commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department from February 2020 to September 2023, where she directed and led over 7200 employees with an approximate annual budget of $788M. During her tenure, she focused on strengthening relationships with all Philadelphia communities and engaging community stakeholders to develop and implement necessary policies and budgets. She also collaborated with local, state, national, and international law enforcement partners. Notably, through the implementation of cutting-edge policy reforms, new forensic technology, enhanced training, and data-driven strategies, Philadelphia experienced double-digit decreases in gun violence in targeted areas city-wide. By the end of 2022, multiple police districts saw reductions in homicides and non-fatal shootings. Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney commended her courageous leadership, commitment to public safety, and significant strides in policing reforms and data-driven strategies.
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As the Chief of Police for the Portland Police Bureau in Portland, OR, from September 2017 to December 2019. Upon hire, she immediately implemented classification-specific in-service training and formalized the use of the Incident Command System (ICS). By September 2019, through data-driven strategies, Portland saw significant decreases in crimes against persons, property, and society compared to the previous year. She successfully managed security for large-scale demonstrations, and, in October 2019, the Portland Police Bureau received a rating of Substantial Compliance in all paragraphs of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement.
Ms. Outlaw also held several leadership positions with the Oakland Police Department, including Deputy Chief of Police (August 2015 – September 2017 and May 2014 – August 2015), Interim Deputy Chief of Police (May 2013 – May 2014), Captain of Police (December 2013 – May 2014), Acting Captain of Police – Inspector General (March 2013 – May 2013), Acting Captain of Police – Internal Affairs Division (IAD) Commander (March 2012 – November 2012), During her time in Oakland, she led various bureaus, implemented crime reduction strategies utilizing data and technology, spearheaded hiring reform efforts, transitioned the department to a regional communications system, established the department’s first Health & Wellness Unit, restructured the Force Review Board, and significantly improved compliance with the Negotiated Settlement Agreement. She also served as a Police Accountability Consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division.
Ms. Outlaw holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She is a graduate of the National Executive Institute 41 of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Police Executive Leadership Institute of the Major Cities Chiefs’ Association and the Senior Management Institute for Police of the Police Executive Research Forum
Her skills encompass crisis management, organizational change management, ethical & collaborative leadership, strategic planning, business acumen, internal controls & accountability, presentation and communication, policy establishment & implementation, and stakeholder engagement & management. She is described as a proven executive with profound knowledge in police reform and accountability, public safety programs, emergency response, budget planning & management, and media & public relations. Ms. Outlaw is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Juvenile Justice Committee, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E.). She is also involved in civic engagement as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated. Ms. Outlaw has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her leadership and contributions
Chief Murphy J. Paul, Ret.
Senior Advisor
Chief Murphy J. Paul, Jr. (retired) offers 33 years of dedicated law enforcement experience. He concluded his distinguished career with 6 years as the Chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department (Retired January 2024), following 28 years of service with the Louisiana State Police (LSP), where he retired at the rank of Deputy Superintendent.
During his tenure as Deputy Superintendent at the LSP (2012-2017), Chief Paul held significant responsibilities, including the management of personnel and operations within the Bureau of Investigations. His oversight encompassed Gaming Operations, Criminal Investigations (including Officer Involved Shootings), the State Fusion Center, and Special Investigations. He also served as the Budget Unit Head with responsibility for a fifty-five-million-dollar budget and ensured efficient resource allocation. Earlier in his LSP career, he served as Deputy Superintendent for Support/Training (2012), where he managed the Training Academy, Technical Support Division, Fleet Operations, Aviation Unit, and the State Police Crime Lab. He also had oversight over the LSP Shooting review board. Chief Paul also held the position of Command Inspector for Criminal Investigation (2010-2012), where he managed the budget and operations for nine field offices and Federal Task Force participation. He also served as the Commander of Internal Affairs (2008-2010), establishing statewide policies for complaint tracking and administrative investigations and overseeing the Early Identification System (EIS). Prior to that, he was a Captain in the Bureau of Investigation, Narcotics (2006-2008), managing nine field offices and implementing statewide narcotics enforcement policies and initiatives.
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As the Chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department (2018 – 2024), Chief Paul served as the chief law enforcement officer for the capital city of Louisiana, which has 230,000 residents and a police department with 883 positions and a 103-million-dollar budget. He is recognized as a transformational leader who ushered in a new era of public safety by demonstrating a commitment to innovative, evidence-based public safety strategies. Chief Paul introduced training, standards of accountability, and transparency to address systemic issues in policing. He implemented community–centered, change-focused, innovative solutions to advance policing in Baton Rouge. Key initiatives during his leadership include:
- Leading the construction and implementation of the Baton Rouge Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).
- Launching the Connect Blue Community Camera Share Program.
- Enhancing the Public Safety Common Operations Platform (PSCOP), providing a public-facing Crime Trend dashboard.
- Creating the Police and Criminal Justice Foundation.
- Establishing a Chief’s Advisory Council.
- Implementing Use of Force policies and training aligned with best practices and overseeing related administrative hearings.
- Addressing complex issues related to practices of inequity and discrimination and presenting internal and external solutions.
- Developing and nurturing positive relationships with a diverse Baton Rouge community, including community leaders, elected officials, higher education institutions, faith-based leaders, the business community, community members, local media, and state, local, and Federal law enforcement partners.
Throughout his career, Chief Paul actively served on numerous influential boards and commissions, including:
- Louisiana Governor’s Drug Policy Board
- Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA)
- Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy (RCTA)
- High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) executive board
- International Association of Chief’s of Police (IACP) Board of Directors (2021-2023)
- FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Board
- IACP Policy Center Advisory Group (2020 to Present)
Chief Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and completed the FBI National Executive Institute He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University of New Orleans, Louisiana.
His exemplary leadership and service have been recognized with numerous commendations and awards, including:
- City of Baton Rouge Mayor-President “Extraordinary Leader of the Times 2024”
- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives NOBLE “Attorney General Eric Holder Leadership Award 2023”
- Louisiana/Mississippi Network Coalition Distinguished Leadership Award
- Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus & LLBC Foundation “Champion Award” 2023
- United Christian Faith Ministries “Man Up Award” 2023
- Congressman Troy A Carter “Extraordinary Leadership in Extraordinary Times 2023”
- NAACP Louisiana “Man of the Year” award 2023
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Beta Lota Lambda Juneteenth Celebration “Trailblazer Award 2022”
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity LKK “2019 Citizen of the Year”
- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives NOBLE “Robert Lamb Humanitarian Award 2018”
- Certificates of Appreciation from Gulf Coast HIDTA, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Chief Murphy J. Paul, Jr.’s extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to best policing practices make him a highly respected expert in the field of law enforcement.
Chief, Yogananda D. Pittman, PhD.
Senior Advisor
Dr. Yogananda Pittman is a committed, decisive, and exceptional leader with over 25 years of law enforcement experience, currently serving as the Director of Public Safety at the University of California at Berkeley Police Department (UCPD) since February 2023. In this role, manages and directs a full-service police department. Her key responsibilities include developing and implementing campus and/or organizational policies, managing UCPD operations (including financial, human resources, and information systems), serving as an influential leader making final organizational decisions, and contributing to public safety in an academic environment within an urban city. She navigates a highly political environment, forms relationships with campus members, advises campus events & crisis management teams, and directs field command during campus emergencies, often collaborating with partner divisions, city and county agencies, and other campus stakeholders.
Prior to her role at UC Berkeley, Dr. Pittman dedicated over two decades to the United States Capitol Police (USCP), including 10 years at the Senior Command Staff Level. She served as the Acting Chief of Police from January through August 2021, taking on the responsibility of leading security for the entire Congressional Complex after the attack on January 6th. During this critical time, she provided direct oversight of over 1,834 sworn law enforcement officers and 400 civilian personnel, committed to being a transformative leader representing the USCP with integrity and transparency to Congress and oversight committees. She implemented numerous initiatives and recommendations related to the January 6th attack and leveraged partnerships to provide trauma counselors for officers and their families. She also assisted the FBI in the prosecution task force to identify and arrest rioters and effectively communicated the Department’s needs for additional resources. For her honorable service after the January 6th attack, she was a 2023 Congressional Gold Medal Recipient.
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Before serving as Acting Chief, Dr. Pittman held the position of Assistant Chief of Police for Protective and Intelligence Operations where she was responsible for operational and administrative planning for the Protective Services Bureau (personal protection of Congressional Leadership and threat investigations) and the Security Services Bureau (security site surveys, national security information storage, and physical security systems). She also directed the hiring process for the Director of Intelligence and redesigned the Intelligence and Interagency Coordination Division, implemented the Regionalization Office Field Operations, and partnered with the Metropolitan Police Department for advanced computer Forensics Investigation courses. As Deputy Chief she supervised over 400 personnel and managed key operations including the Command Center, Communications, Emergency Planning, and Special Events, leading the Department’s continuity and contingency planning. Her earlier career at the USCP involved providing protective details, supervising officers, and leading security efforts for significant events.
Dr. Pittman is a lifelong scholar and holds a Doctor of Public Administration (PhD) from West Chester University, where she was recognized as the 2024 most outstanding doctoral student by the College of Business and Public Management. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Marist College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Morgan State University and graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy
Recognized for resolving challenging issues with integrity, Dr. Pittman is known for her fair, transparent, and consistent leadership and her ability to develop and implement innovative, effective programs. She has demonstrated abilities in innovation and change management, collaboration and partnership with the community, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. She possesses subject matter expertise in modern policing principles and is a skilled communicator able to engage multiple agencies.
Her distinguished career has earned her numerous honors and awards, including:
- 2023 Congressional Gold Medal Recipient
- 2022 Recognized by Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) as influential in Law Enforcement
- 2022 Honored by the International Police Association
- 2022 Honored by the NAACP of Dorchester County Maryland
- 2022 Honored by the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
- 2020 Women in Federal Law Enforcement’s (WIFLE) Outstanding Advocate Award
- Selected by West Chester University as 150 Most Influential Women
Dr. Pittman is a member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Her extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and dedication to public safety make her an asset in her current role at the University of California at Berkeley.
Williamson N. Wallace, III J.D.
Senior Advisor
Williamson N. Wallace, III, is a highly experienced and versatile professional with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in law enforcement, education, consulting, and the legal field. Mr. Wallace specializes in custom training development and delivery, vulnerability and preparedness assessments, and investigations. He also serves as a Policy & Training Consultant, working with the Chicago Police Department from 2021 to 2025 and facilitating training on topics such as Sexual Harassment, De-Escalation, and Implicit Bias for Nevada Hand since 2021.
Mr. Wallace’s extensive experience in law enforcement includes serving as a Deputy Sheriff for the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and a Police Officer for the Holland City Police Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Notably, he operated as a Hostage & Critical Incident Negotiator and Community Police Officer in Holland. His military service includes being a Sergeant in the North Carolina Army National Guard and a Specialist in the United States Army, where he is a Gulf War Veteran.
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In the realm of education and training, Mr. Wallace is an Instructional Designer for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) since 2024, where he oversees the continuing professional education program for over 18,500 Michigan law enforcement officers. He is also a Senior Adjunct Faculty member at Grand Valley State University from 2003 to 2023, teaching a variety of criminal justice courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His commitment to training extends to his former role as Director of Criminal Justice Training at Grand Valley State University for multiple periods between 2003 and 2022, where he managed a large staff and oversaw the daily operations of the Police Academy, implementing innovative training to address 21st-century policing needs. He also served as a Leadership Training Classroom Facilitator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from 2012 to 2015.
His administrative and operational experience includes serving as the Public Safety Special Projects Manager at Grand Valley State University, CECI and as the Assistant Federal Security Director for the TSA from 2013 to 2015, where he provided operational leadership for security personnel at multiple airports. He also held the position of Transportation Security Manager for the TSA.
Mr. Wallace holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Western Michigan University – Thomas M. Cooley Law School, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and attended the Georgia Military Institute. He is a Licensed Attorney in the State Bar of Michigan and a Licensed Professional Investigator Agency in Michigan.
Throughout his career, Mr. Wallace has been actively involved in criminal justice community service, including serving on the Kent County Advocates & Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) Advisory Council and the Holland Police Community Relations Commission. He is also a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Wallace is a recognized expert and has presented at numerous conferences and events and has published articles and book chapters in the field. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a valuable asset in the areas of public safety, training, and legal consultation.
Kenton W. Rainey
Senior Advisor
Kenton W. Rainey is a highly accomplished public safety professional with over four decades of dedicated service in law enforcement, transitioning from a distinguished career in various leadership roles, including multiple Chief of Police positions, to his current work as a consultant. His expertise lies in community-oriented policing and problem-solving (COPPS), the implementation of geographical area policing structures, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for police response to mental health crises. Mr. Rainey is also a recognized leader in organizational change and police reform.
From January 2023 to March 2024, Mr. Rainey served as an Independent Police Monitor for the San Leandro, CA Police Department. In this role, he reviewed and provided recommendations for improvement concerning in-service training, use of force incidents, and police pursuit investigations.
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Prior to consulting, Mr. Rainey held the position of Chief of Police at the University of Chicago overseeing public safety for both internal and external stakeholders on and around the university campus. His duties included budget oversight, developing strategic goals, implementing service delivery strategies, and managing personnel matters. During his tenure, the University of Chicago Police Department achieved a 45-year low in violent crimes in 2019. The department also received the City of Chicago National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Officer of the Year award in 2018, and he implemented less lethal weapon systems and developed a geographical policing structure (PSA) to fully integrate the COPPS philosophy in 2017.
As the Chief of Police for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Police Department, he held responsibility for public safety, security programs, and emergency management for this major transit agency serving approximately 400,000 daily commuters. With a department of 300 employees and a $60 million budget, his responsibilities included budget oversight, strategic planning, and representing the Transit District to the media and communities. Significant accomplishments at BART include being requested to testify before President Obama’s “21st Century Policing Task Force” on body-worn cameras in 2015, BART PD receiving the Transit Security Administration “Gold Standard” for security enhancement in 2013 and facilitating the implementation of the “Axon Flex” body camera program in 2012. He successfully lobbied for the authority to issue prohibition exclusion orders to unruly riders in 2012 and developed and implemented a geographical policing structure (PSA) in 2011 and the “Memphis Model” Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program in 2011.
Mr. Rainey was the Airport Police Commander for the San Antonio Police Department), where he oversaw public safety at San Antonio International Airport. He also served as Chief of Police for the Fairfield Police Department, managing a full-service agency of approximately 220 employees. During his tenure in Fairfield, part 1 crimes decreased by 9%, violent crimes by 16%, and property crimes by 8%. He implemented a geographical policing structure and the “Memphis Model” CIT program in 2007, established partnerships with federal agencies to address gang violence, and implemented CCTV systems in key areas. He was recognized as the 2009 Solano County Child Abuse Prevention Council Officer of the Year.
Mr. Rainey’s career also includes serving as Patrol Operations Captain for the Whittier Police Department (April 2004 to April 2007), where he was instrumental in reducing Part 1 Crimes by 17%, traffic accidents by 11%, and calls for service by 3%. He developed and implemented the COPPS philosophy and the “Memphis Model” CIT program in 2004 and expanded the Code Enforcement Unit. As Superintendent of Patrol Operations for the Dayton Police Department), he managed a large division and was instrumental in the reduction of homicides, robberies, and violent assaults. He received the Outstanding Service Recognition Award from LEAD in 2003 for implementing community policing and facilitated the implementation of the CIT program and a geographical policing structure. Mr. Rainey began his distinguished career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department (December 1979 to May 2002), retiring as a Captain. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the CIT program and the department’s policy against biased-based policing and received the Community “Hero” Award in 2000 for implementing community policing. He also has publications on community policing.
Mr. Rainey holds a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix (2001), a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Long Beach (1993), and an Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Moorpark College (1980). He is also a NOBLE Fellow in Leadership and Organizational Change (2000) and has completed certificate programs at UCLA and PERF. Mr. Rainey is a recognized expert and has served as a guest lecturer and panel expert at numerous universities and professional organizations. His extensive experience and dedication make him a valuable resource for organizations seeking expertise in public safety and community relations.
