Leadership APB

This episode is sponsored by  ASP: Protecting Those Who Protect, as well as Coreforce: Put the Human in Technology. Protect What Matters.

For more info visit ASP and  Coreforce.

Law enforcement leaders are continually challenged to meet growing needs with limited resources, but maximizing your budget is about more than simply finding the next big grant.

In this episode, we break down how agencies can prepare before funding opportunities open. We will discuss common mandated requirements that can determine whether an agency is grant-ready, along with practical ways to avoid the last-minute scramble that often weakens an application. We will also explore how creative thinking about who can apply, what can be funded, when to prepare, where to look, and how to approach each opportunity can expand an agency’s funding strategy.

From major federal awards and smaller local grants to partnerships and 501(c)(3) opportunities, this conversation will help law enforcement executives and leaders think beyond traditional funding sources. Tune in to learn how thoughtful preparation and a broader approach to grants can help your agency secure needed resources while preserving existing budget dollars for other critical priorities.

Chris Twitchel is currently a grant administrator with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and owner of Blue Life Consultants.  Chris is a retired Captain with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office and a former Chief of Police. His law enforcement career spans over 30 years including 14 of those years in executive leadership. Chris is also an Adjunct College Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice with Columbia College and Drury University.

Chris is a 2014 graduate of Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in history, 2015 graduate of Lincoln University with a Graduates degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. He is an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy recipient and speaker at the 2023 FBI-LEEDA Conference. He is a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #287 in Quantico, Virginia.

Chris has a passion for training law enforcement in multiple areas including officer well-being, leadership and assisting law enforcement with grant funding assistance. In his free time, he spends time with family, his two adult children and three grandchildren on his century family farm at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

This episode is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T: The Network not just for anyone, helps everyone as well as Motorola Solutions: Solving for Safer. 

For more info visit FirstNet, Built with AT&T and Motorola Solutions.

Law enforcement professionals spend their careers responding to adversity, supporting others through crisis, and preparing for moments they hope will never come. But what happens when the crisis becomes your own?

In this episode, Wooster Police Chief Matt Fisher shares his remarkable journey after a ruptured brain aneurysm nearly took his life. From a fight for survival through rehabilitation and ultimately a return to full duty, his experience offers a deep personal look at resilience, not as a concept, but as something lived. It is a conversation about perseverance, gratitude, the people who surround us, and the perspective that can emerge when life changes without warning.

Chief Matthew Fisher has served as Chief of Police for the Wooster Police Department in Ohio since 2011, following a career with the agency that began in 1998. During his tenure, he has served in a variety of leadership and specialized assignments and has also contributed to the profession as an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy instructor and adjunct professor of Criminal Justice. Chief Fisher is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the FBI National Academy Session 240, and previously served as President of the Ohio Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates.

Chief Fisher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from The College of Wooster and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 30 years and have an adult daughter, Alexis.

This episode is sponsored by Justice Federal Credit Union: Serving Justice Across the Nation. For more info visit Justice Federal Credit Union 

Recruiting the next generation of law enforcement professionals requires more than filling vacancies—it requires casting a wider net. In this episode of the FBINAA APB Podcast, Recruitment: Casting a Wide Net, retired Chief Carmen Navarro Gercone joins the conversation to discuss how agencies can move beyond traditional recruitment models and embrace a broader view of diversity. From life experience and education to culture, faith, service mindset, communication skills, and community connection, this episode explores how out-of-the-box thinking can help public safety leaders attract candidates who bring fresh perspectives, strengthen agency culture, and better serve today’s communities.

Carmen Navarro Gercone, NA Session 252, is a retired law enforcement executive with 32 years of experience in public safety and the criminal justice system. Rising from deputy sheriff to 1st Assistant Executive Director/Chief, she led more than 1,200 deputies and 120 civilians while emphasizing community responsibility, officer development, and wellness. Now back in the police academy to reconnect with the realities facing today’s recruits, Carmen brings a rare blend of executive leadership, humility, and lived experience to conversations about recruitment, mentoring, and modern policing. Raised in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park and shaped by personal loss, resilience, and service, she remains committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities it serves with empathy, kindness, and compassion.

Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome the FBINAA’s 2026 - 2027 National President, Assistant Chief Jim Gallagher. This episode gives listeners a first look at President Gallagher’s leadership, vision, and priorities for the year ahead, while setting the stage for the important conversations and initiatives to come.

Dr. Jim Gallagher, Ed.D., is a 31-year law enforcement professional and the 2026-2027 National President of the FBI National Academy Associates. He currently serves as Assistant Chief with the Maricopa Community Colleges Police Department, overseeing operations, investigations, and administration across 10 colleges and 37 campuses serving more than 200,000 community members. Jim brings a rare blend of executive leadership and scholarship to his role, holding a terminal doctorate in Organizational Leadership along with advanced degrees in public leadership. His career includes leadership roles with the Phoenix Police Department, Chief of Police for the Central Arizona Project Police, and Director of a regional, multiagency law enforcement training academy. A graduate of the 245th Session of the FBI National Academy, Jim remains committed to bridging research and practice through teaching, applied research, and service. Outside of his professional work, he is a lifelong learner, comic book enthusiast, and, by his own admission...still training to be a superhero.

This episode is sponsored by Verizon Frontline: The advanced network and technology for first responders. We're there before the call, through the response and beyond the recovery. 

In this episode of the FBINAA Leadership APB podcast series, "The Power of Why," we explore one of the most underutilized forces in leadership and life, purpose. Joined by legendary leader and FBI National Academy graduate Paul Butler, this candid, unscripted conversation dives into how understanding your "why" fuels resilience, sharpens decision-making, and inspires those around you to perform at their highest level. In a profession often driven by duty and discipline, this episode challenges listeners to reconnect with the deeper meaning behind the mission. Whether you're leading an organization or serving on the front line, this powerful discussion will leave you refocused, reenergized, and ready to lead with intention.

Paul Butler is an internationally renowned speaker who has trained and entertained audiences in Europe, Africa, South America, and across North America.

He holds a bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in Culture and Communication, as well as an associate's degree in criminal justice. He excels in the areas of motivation, leadership, customer service, and attitude empowerment. During his 27 years of law enforcement, he has been a public servant, training officer, sergeant, crisis negotiator, chief of police, and chief deputy. These opportunities have given him a unique perspective on a vast array of situations and circumstances that many people find themselves in every day.

These experiences have helped him to develop the answers to questions and cures to problems most people are facing at work and in life on a continual basis.

Paul became the chief of police for the Aynor Police Department at 22 years of age, making him the youngest police chief in the history of South Carolina. Born and raised on a small farm, his parents served as examples of hard work, common sense, personal responsibility, and respect for self and others. This has played heavily in his success in life and within each organization in which he has served.

This episode is sponsored by 5.11 Tactical. 5.11: Always Be Ready

In part Two of our organizational culture series, this month’s FBINAA Leadership APB Podcast Series examines one of the most difficult challenges facing law enforcement executives: inheriting a toxic culture or responding when a once-healthy culture goes off the rails. Through candid discussion and real-world insight, we explore how leaders can recognize cultural warning signs, confront entrenched dysfunction, and act decisively without losing the trust of their people. The episode focuses on “U-turn leadership”, practical strategies to stabilize the organization, reset expectations, and intentionally rebuild a culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and mission. The conversation is designed for executives who must right the ship while still moving it forward.

Paul Holley serves as the Director of Strategic Law Enforcement Partnerships for the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office under the leadership of Attorney General Lynn Fitch. In this vital role, he is responsible for cultivating and maintaining critical partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Mississippi.

Mr. Holley brings a unique perspective to public safety, having served as both a prosecutor and a full-time law enforcement officer. A graduate of the 285th session of the FBI National Academy, Mr. Holley continues to demonstrate his commitment to professional excellence and leadership within the law enforcement community. He currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Mississippi Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINA).

Mr. Holley earned his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University and his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College: School of Law. He resides in Rankin County, Mississippi, with his wife, Leslie, and their two children, Maddy and Max.

This episode is sponsored by TOUGHBOOK by Panasonic Connect: Rugged Reliable, Ready for Anything.

Creating a culture of excellence within a law enforcement organization is not accidental; it is a direct reflection of leadership, accountability, and daily behaviors. In this first installment of a two-part series, we will examine what organizational culture truly is, and more importantly, what it is not. 

In this episode, we will challenge the notion that culture is defined by mission statements or policy manuals. Instead, it is shaped by what leaders’ model, what they tolerate, and how they develop their people. From coaching and mentoring to discipline and recognition, culture is built, or eroded, through consistent leadership actions.

Sheriff Ashley Henson serves as the 50th Sheriff of Paulding County, Georgia, assuming office in January 2025. A lifelong resident of Paulding County, he has over two decades of experience within the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, having served in key operational and leadership roles including Uniform Patrol, K-9, SWAT, and Public Information. His career reflects a steady progression of responsibility, combining tactical expertise with a strong emphasis on organizational leadership, communication, and accountability.

In addition to his operational background, Sheriff Henson has played a significant role in shaping internal culture through policy development, professional standards, and community engagement. A graduate of Leadership Georgia, he remains actively involved in regional leadership and advisory initiatives. Sheriff Henson holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a master’s degree in sociology from the University of West Georgia and continues to prioritize leadership development, mentorship, and service within his organization and community.

This episode is sponsored by Verizon Frontline - Verizon Frontline – the advanced network for first responders on the front lines. It’s your mission. It’s your Verizon.

Fuel the Badge is a high-impact episode of the FBINAA Leadership Podcast Series for law enforcement leaders and operators who refuse to leave performance to chance. This episode cuts through diet myths and supplement hype to deliver science-backed strategies that enhance energy, focus, resilience, and on-duty decision-making. Featuring expert insights from Dr. Benjamin Stone, a leading authority in metabolic science and human performance. This episode will help translate complex physiology into practical, field-ready guidance. From shift work and tactical readiness to vetted performance supplements, Fuel the Badge equips modern operators to perform stronger, think clearer, and lead longer—when it matters most.

Benjamin Stone holds a BS in biomedical sciences from the University of
Arkansas and a PhD in Cardiovascular Genomics and Metabolism from Oxford
University. As a former Senior Lecturer at the University of Oxford, his research
and teaching have focused on metabolic health, human performance, and cardiac
disease prevention specifically in high risk/high stress public safety occupations. 
In 2015, he co-founded Sigma Tactical Wellness and led the company as CEO until
its acquisition by Telemed2U in 2025, establishing it as the national authority in
advanced cardiac screening for first responders. As a speaker, Dr. Stone is known
for translating complex science into actionable strategies that improve health,
performance, and leadership within public safety organizations.

This episode is sponsored by Justice Federal Credit Union.

For more information visit: Justice Federal Credit Union.

From championship games to parades and Mardi Gras scale celebrations, major events demand more than routine security plans; they require vision, innovation, and precision. In this episode, we break down how top law enforcement leaders can elevate event preparation through smarter vantage points, drone integration, advanced technology assets, and creative thinking that goes beyond traditional protocols. Discover how agencies can stay ahead of emerging threats, strengthen coordination, and deliver safe, seamless experiences for the communities they serve.

Larry Dyess has been in Law Enforcement for 32 years. He began his career with the New Orleans Police Department in 1992 as a Reserve Officer. He transferred to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, (a 1,500-person department), as a full-time officer, where his duties consisted of Patrol Deputy, Personal Violence Detective, Robbery Squad Sergeant, Spokesperson for the department, Commander of the Personal Violence Section, and District Commander where he currently serves over 80 personnel. He attended the FBI National Academy in 2016 and was elected as the President of his Section, 263. After graduation, he remained active in the Louisiana Chapter, rising to the level of Chapter President in 2020. He was elected to the FBI National Academy Associates National Board in 2020 and currently holds the position of 2nd Vice President, representing 13 National FBINAA Chapters as well as representing Africa and the Middle East. As a National Board Member, he is currently the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee and Co-Chair of the Finance Committee, and Director of the FBINAA Foundation. Larry Dyess is married to Lena Dyess, his wife of 29 years. Lena has supported all his efforts in his law enforcement career as well as his time on the FBINAA National Board. Larry and Lena are the proud parents of three children, Lenna, Allen, and Brianna and three grandchildren. Larry and Lena are active members in their local community serving as committee members of their church as well as civic organizations. They enjoy spending time at their vacation home on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, and international travel. Hobbies outside the job include boating, fishing, kayaking and riding bikes together.

This episode is sponsored by 5.11 Tactical: Always be Ready.

For more information visit: 5.11 Tactical.

A new year is upon us and so are so many great opportunities. Whether it is reconnecting with friends, family, colleagues, or preparing to kick off the busy conference season. The great thing about this new season is that you don’t have to do it alone. Did you know…the FBINAA is a member & leadership driven association. The FBINAA has so many member benefits to offer that can help ensure your next meeting, your next conference, your next social mixer is engaging and memorable.

Jennifer Watson has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with the
past nine years dedicated to serving the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). As Director of Member Services, she leads initiatives focused on member engagement, strategic planning, communications, and community-building for a global network of law enforcement leaders. Known for her ability to connect people to purpose, Jennifer blends data driven strategy with relationship centered outreach, leveraging both online and in-person platforms to foster authentic, engaged communities that support organizational mission and long term impact.

As the Retail Operations Manager, Jaxi Stout ensures a smooth, cheerful process
for all in-store and online purchases made through the FBINAA. With over eighteen
years of experience in retail management, she provides exceptional service with a
smile to the students, graduates, and staff of the FBI National Academy. Leveraging her keen eye for merchandising, she enjoys keeping the newest product on display for at-a-glance browsing and a seamless shopping trip. Beyond her ability to lead, coordinate, and manage the daily operations of the store is her true passion: building lasting connections based on genuine interactions. Serving those who serve, excellence for the one percent.