MATTHEW J. PLATKIN

Attorney General

Matthew J. Platkin was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as the state’s 62nd Attorney General on February 3, 2022, and confirmed to that role with bipartisan support by the New Jersey Senate on September 29, 2022.

As New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Platkin has prioritized the safety of New Jersey residents, focusing on combating violent crime and implementing innovative public safety strategies. He has specifically targeted gun crimes and auto thefts, resulting in significant reductions in both areas during his tenure. He has also spearheaded efforts to change how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies by connecting individuals to resources, underscored by the innovative ARRIVE Together program.

The Attorney General leads a department that touches upon nearly every aspect of life in New Jersey. Its sweeping responsibilities include investigating and prosecuting crimes, representing the State’s interests in court, enforcing strong consumer protection and civil rights statutes, regulating important industries and overseeing over 38,000 law enforcement officers throughout the state. Attorney General Platkin believes that at the center of this work is public trust. With that goal in mind, he has made it a priority to utilize available resources and authority to root out public waste and abuse, eradicate corruption, hold regulated businesses and industries accountable, defend civil rights, end bias and discrimination, and increase transparency concerning law enforcement conduct.

Since his appointment, Attorney General Platkin has established several new offices within the Department of Law and Public Safety. These include the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office, the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance and specialized units within the Division of Criminal Justice dedicated to prosecuting human trafficking and complex financial crimes. He has spearheaded the creation of the Reproductive Rights Strike Force and partnered with the Governor’s Office and Legislature to protect access to reproductive healthcare.

Before becoming Attorney General, Platkin served as Chief Counsel to Governor Murphy from January 2018 to October 2020. As Chief Counsel, he oversaw an office of attorneys that advised the Governor on all legal matters, including legislation, executive orders, administrative regulations, and litigation.

In addition to his work in public service, Platkin also worked in private practice, having served as a partner at Lowenstein Sandler in the White-Collar Criminal Defense and Business Litigation practice groups.

Previously, he worked as an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City, where he focused on internal investigations and civil and criminal matters before the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Department of Financial Services, and various regulatory agencies.

Prior to law school, Platkin began his career as a policy advisor at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C., working with members of Congress on job growth and economic recovery. He also served as an organizer in San Antonio, Texas.

Platkin was born and raised in New Jersey, growing up in Morris County, and graduated from Madison High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, and his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where he was an editor of the Stanford Law Review. He lives in Montclair with his wife, Sophia, and son, Robert.

YOLANDA MELVILLE

Senior Counsel to the Attorney General & Director of Community Engagement, Office of the NJ Attorney General

Yolanda N. Melville serves as Senior Counsel and Director of Community Engagement, the position charged with serving as a liaison to stakeholders across the state to connect them with the Office’s initiatives. Yolanda was previously a Partner at Cooper Levenson, P.A., where she represented municipal and corporate entities as solicitor/general counsel, handled litigation in the federal and state courts, and led the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Yolanda clerked for the Honorable Susan F. Maven in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. She received her B.A. in English and Government from the College of William and Mary, M.S. in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University and J.D. from Howard University Law School, where she was the managing editor of the Human Rights and Globalization Law Review.

RON GONZALEZ

Chaplain, Montclair Police Department
Counseling Pastor, Christ Church

After a 26-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, Ron transitioned in 2000 to full-time ministry at Christ Church with locations in Montclair, Rockaway, and Clifton, N.J. As a Counseling Pastor, Ron provides oversight to the lay counseling ministry, pastoral care and chaplaincy ministries. He is a certified Grief Recovery Method specialist. Ron earned a master’s degree in theology from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY. He also serves as a police chaplain with the Montclair Police Department, NJ Department of Corrections, and NJ Human Services Police.

GARY HOLDEN

Founder & Director, Police Chaplain Program, NJ State Police Chaplain

Rev. Gary W. Holden is the Founder of The Police Chaplain Program and emergency chaplain coordinator for the Chapel of Four Chaplains. Chaplain Holden completed the Law Enforcement Adjunct Instructor Training Program implemented by the U.S. Department Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Office of Training Management.

He is on the executive team, curriculum team, facilitator and director of chaplain programs with Resilient Minds on the Front Lines (www.resilientminds.us). He is the lead instructor for The Chaplain Programs.

Chaplain Holden is a member and is trained in Pastoral, Group, Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Advanced Group Crisis Intervention, Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis, CISM Application with Children and Managing School Crisis: From Theory to Application with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and is an approved instructor. Chaplain Holden was awarded the prestigious Susan E. Hamilton, PHD Award by the ICISF at their World Congress in 2015, for his development of and work with police chaplaincy. Chaplain Holden is a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Center for Crisis Management. He is a counselor and chaplain with the New Jersey Disaster Response Crisis Counseling (DRCC) Team. Chaplain Holden is a member of the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security Interfaith Advisory Council.

He served as a chaplain after 911 at Ground Zero in NYC working with the New York City Police and Fire Departments and the Port Authority Police Department. He received The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion award for sacrificial service. Chaplain Holden was also involved in chaplain work with The Battleship New Jersey Museum in Camden, NJ. and is a regular speaker at patriotic events and services.

Chaplain Holden serves as chaplain with The NJ Office of the Attorney General Division Criminal Justice. He is a Chaplain with the New Jersey State Police and the Cumberland County NJ Prosecutor’s Office. He coordinates the staff chaplain program for the NJ Department of Corrections. He founded the Public Schools Police Chaplain Resource Program. Chaplain Holden is a Master Resilience Trainer for the NJ Resilience Program.

WALTER SANTOS

Chaplain, Lacey Township Police Department
Pastor, Lacey Christian Assembly

Walter J. Santos has served as a Chaplain for the Lacey Township Police Department since 2021. He currently serves as a Pastor of the Lacey Christian Assembly in Forked River. Pastor Santos is a longtime gospel singer and percussionist/studio musician, traveling throughout the United States and abroad to churches, drug programs, prisons, and jails to sing and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also serves as a United States Secret Service Chaplain, Red Cross Spiritual Care Advisor, United States Homeland Security Chaplain and NJ Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) Chaplain.

Pastor Santos is also a Certified Drug, Alcohol and Addictions Counselor and obtained his Health Coach Certification from the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education, Villanova University College of Nursing.

JEFFREY SUTHERLAND

Cape May County Prosecutor
President, County Prosecutors Association of NJ

County Prosecutor, Jeffrey H. Sutherland was sworn into office on December 21, 2017.

Prior to being appointed Prosecutor, Mr. Sutherland was a practicing attorney for over 28 years and previously owned and managed a law firm with offices in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. He previously served as a municipal prosecutor in several communities in Atlantic County, New Jersey. He also served on the Cape May County Board of Elections and the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics – District Fee Committee for District I.

On September 1, 2019, New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner appointed Prosecutor Sutherland to a two-year term on the Supreme Court Criminal Practice Committee and in September 2021 Prosecutor Sutherland was re-appointed to a second two-year term. In January 2023, Chief Justice Rabner appointed Prosecutor Sutherland to the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform to review and assess the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2014 that was implemented on January 1, 2017.

Prosecutor Sutherland currently serves as President of the County Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey, and he is a member of the National District Attorney’s Association.  While in law school he was an exchange student at the University of Nairobi Law School in Nairobi, Kenya.

ED KERR

Chief, Spring Lake Police Department
President-Elect, NJ State Association Chiefs of Police Association

Edward Michael Kerr, Jr. is the eldest of three children born to Edward Kerr, Sr. and Bridget Kerr. 

Chief Kerr and his wife Megan presently live in Spring Lake with their five children – Maggie, Maura, Edward, Tess, and Patrick.

Ed was raised and educated in Clifton, NJ and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford in 1992.  He then went on to play College Football for the State University of New York at Albany.  During his college years he was a member of the Albany chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and was elected as an off campus student representative for the university.  He graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

In 1994 Ed applied and was accepted as a Class I Special Police Officer in Spring Lake.  After college he was hired by the Brielle Police Department and subsequently graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy where he received the Academic Award.  He was hired as a full time Patrol Officer in Spring Lake in 1999.  He served as the DARE officer at HW Mountz Elementary School and St. Catharine’s Elementary School for ten years.  He was also the juvenile officer and volunteered his time as a basketball coach at HW Mountz for seven years.   In 2009 and in a few years that followed, Ed began participating in the Police Unity Tour, riding his bicycle from New Jersey to Washington DC to honor fellow fallen officers.   In the spring of 2010 Ed was promoted to Sergeant followed by his appointment to Chief of Police in February of 2011.

In just two weeks Ed will be sworn in as the President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.  He is a member of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association and represents the Chiefs on the State of New Jersey Human Relations Council.  He is a member and past president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore as well as a member of the Jersey Shore Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh.  In June of 2014 Ed graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy.  Also in 2014 he was awarded the Protect and Serve Award by the Irish Echo Newspaper for actions taking in response to Super Storm Sandy.  He has received the 200 Club of Monmouth County Valor Award, is a 2-time recipient of the PBA Local 50 Lifesaving Award, and has received both the Lifesaving and Meritorious Service Award from the Borough of Spring Lake.

DAVID LEONARDIS

Training and Outreach Liaison, NJ Division of Criminal Justice

Dave Leonardis is the Training & Outreach Liaison for the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, Prosecutors Supervision & Training Bureau. In that role, he is responsible for specialized training for law enforcement officers, as directed by the Attorney General and the Director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. His duties also include law enforcement and community outreach for the State of New Jersey. Dave works with law enforcement and government agencies, as well as community and faith-based organizations in order to enhance community relations on a local and State level. He is currently the Vice-President of the NJ Bias Crime Officers Association. Mr. Leonardis received the 2019 Community Outreach Award for the Division of Criminal Justice from Governor Phil Murphy and the 2019 Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to a Special Project. Dave was formerly the State Chief Resiliency Officer for the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Resiliency Program. He holds the title of Vice-President for the New Jersey Bias Crimes Officers Association and delivers Bias Awareness training to members of the community and law enforcement throughout New Jersey. In addition, he coordinates the DELTA Leadership Course for the State of New Jersey.

Dave was the Chief for the Outreach and Special Projects Bureau at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness (OHSP). He was responsible for overseeing special projects and developing private sector outreach programs. In that role, he has developed statewide outreach programs and partnerships with operators of malls, sports/entertainment venues, hotels, casinos, airports, motor coach, motor truck, taxi, limousines associations, correctional facilities, military bases and faith-based groups. He helped implement the NJ Interfaith Advisory Council for OHSP. For his outreach efforts, he received the 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from the NJ Retail Merchants Association and NJ Food Council, the Peace Island Institute (Turkish-Muslim organization) Government Achievement Award in 2012 and the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Public Outreach in 2013.

Prior to being the Chief for Outreach and Special Projects, he was the OHSP Training Bureau Chief, responsible for development and delivery of counter-terrorism and domestic preparedness training programs. Prior to that position, he was the Chairman of the Domestic Security Preparedness Planning Group, which was part of the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force, under the Office of the Attorney General. The Planning Group was responsible for developing homeland security plans for the State of New Jersey.

Dave served 29 years with the New Jersey State Police before retiring at the rank of Captain and the Executive Officer of the Investigations Section. Dave had a variety of criminal investigation assignments during his career with State Police, including Narcotics, Organized Crime, Arson, Cargo Theft & Robbery, Official Corruption and others. He was cited for his work involving terrorism-related cases that received national attention: the Brinks Armored Car Robbery in Nyack, New York, where four police officers, security guards were killed by members of the Weathermen Underground and the Black Liberation Army. He was also cited for his work on the Trooper Lamonaco homicide investigation and the capture of members of the United Freedom Front, a domestic terrorist group responsible for Trooper Lamonaco’s death. The United Freedom Front were on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Ten Most Wanted List for a series of bombings and bank robberies that occurred prior to and after the murder of Trooper Lamonaco. All members of the group were captured in what turned out to be the largest manhunt since the Lindbergh kidnapping.

Dave served as the Commandant of the New Jersey State Police Training Academy where he received the “Team/Partnership Achievement Award” from Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, the Meritorious Award from New Jersey State Police Superintendent Carson Dunbar and the “Employee Recognition Award” from Attorney General John Farmer for his work in re‑engineering the Academy’s curriculum and in-service training program. He was cited by the federal monitors overseeing the Consent Decree on Racial Profiling for his part in designing a training plan to develop a positive organizational culture and structure.

Mr. Leonardis received a B.S. from William Paterson College and a Master’s Degree in General Education from Seton Hall University. He was an adjunct professor in the Criminology Department at The College of New Jersey, and taught at Seton Hall University’s Education and Human Resource Departments and currently teaches in the Monmouth University Criminal Justice Graduate program.

DANIELLE LORUSSO

Chief Resiliency Officer, NJ Division of Criminal Justice

Sergeant Danielle Lo Russo began her career in law enforcement with the Wildwood Police Department as a Class II officer in 1993.  In January 1994, she was recruited by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and assigned to the Narcotics Strike Force as a detective, and was detailed to the DEA’s Atlantic City Resident Office from 1994 to 1997.

In July 1997, Sgt. Lo Russo accepted a detective position with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, and was assigned to the Narcotics Strike Force (now the Guns, Gangs and Drugs Task Force).  Sgt. Lo Russo has specialized in narcotics enforcement, remaining in this assignment until August 2016.  She has extensive experience performing as an undercover officer, purchasing significant quantities of narcotics in the furtherance of investigations.  Sgt. Lo Russo has participated in numerous large-scale investigations, and has been assigned as the initial case agent, and as a wire monitor for investigations involving the interception of wire, electronic and oral communications.

From 1997 to 2004, Sgt. Lo Russo was a member of Gloucester County’s Prosecutor’s Office Entry Team.  As an operational team member, she planned and participated in the safe, successful service of over one hundred diverse search and arrest warrants.  From 1998 to 2005, Sgt. Lo Russo was the Marijuana Eradication Coordinator for Gloucester County.

From 2005 to 2009, Sgt. Lo Russo was assigned to the DEA’s, Camden Resident Office, as a Task Force Officer. During that time, she participated in dozens of investigations resulting in the arrest and prosecution of over 100 individuals, the seizure of approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine, 5 kilograms of heroin and U. S. currency in excess of one million dollars.

Since 2007, Sergeant Lo Russo was a negotiator with the Gloucester County Special Weapons and Tactics team.  In this role, her responsibilities are to analyze information and intelligence relating to dynamic, developing incidents, as well as to directly interact with individuals to ensure a non-violent, safe resolution.  She was a SWAT team squad leader.

In 2009 Sgt. Lo Russo was promoted as an Administrative Sergeant / Commander of the Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.  She is responsible for the management of personnel, equipment, vehicle, policy compliance and budgetary planning as well as assisting the Operations Sergeant with day-to-day enforcement and investigative activities.

In August, 2016, Sgt. Lo Russo was selected to develop and implement the Prosecutor’s new Community Relations Unit, serving as the new Unit’s first supervisor.  Danielle is uniquely qualified for this challenge, as she has a strong history of coalition building in support of the Prosecutor’s mission.  Her numerous law enforcement contacts around the State will certainly aid her as she accepts this new challenge.

Sergeant Lo Russo holds an Associates Degree from Gloucester County College.  She has been recognized on numerous occasions for her work and was the recipient of the 1999 Albert J. Mallen, Sr. Award, as well as being awarded the Gloucester County Officer of the Year in 2000 & 2018 NJ Women in Law Enforcement, Officer of the year. Sgt. Lo Russo is a graduate of Top Gun Class #3, and has supported the course for many years both as a Bad Girl and as a Squad Coordinator.

In May 2019, after she retired, she was hired by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General to work for the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES) as a county coordinator for Operation Helping Hand to provide individualized assistance to counties with their OHH programs.  In September 2020, she became NJ CARES’ first OHH Peer-to-Peer Learning Coordinator.  In addition to providing support to the 21 counties as it relates to their county programs, she now also offers trainings to law enforcement and OHH partners as it relates to understanding and addressing addiction and best practices in implementing OHH.

DR. KATE TUMELTY FELICE

 Resiliency Facilitator & Professor, Rowan College of South Jersey

Dr. Kate Tumelty Felice is an education and psychology professor and Coordinator of Education Programs at Rowan College of South Jersey. She is also faculty in education for Fairleigh Dickinson University, and in Integrative Health for Northeastern University.

She began her career in law enforcement as a major crimes and narcotics detective. She then transitioned into education with a proactive focus on kids’ wellness. She trains in and incorporates trauma-informed mindfulness with nutrition, nature, and movement, for kids, veterans, and first responders to increase long-term resiliency.

She has implemented holistic wellness programs in schools and organizations, and provided subject matter expertise, in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma-informed protocol and best practices, Neuroplasticity and Learning, and Positive Psychology and Resilience. She speaks nationally on innovative education, wellness and resiliency, and other aspects of learning and wellness.

She is a Master Resiliency Trainer for the States of New Jersey and Georgia, and has advised the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, as a subject matter expert in the field of resiliency. She serves on various advisory boards and organizes multi-agency community serving events.

ROB CZEPIEL

Chief Executive Officer, Resilient Minds & Former Deputy Director, NJ Division of Criminal Justice (Retired)

Robert Czepiel Jr. Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit company called Resilient Minds on the Front Lines (RMOTFL) (resilientminds.us). The company conducts resiliency/wellness, chaplaincy, ACES/Handle With Care, financial resiliency, peer-to-peer, ethics & resiliency for real estate agents, ethics & resiliency for lawyers, and leadership training nationwide. RMOTFL had conducted resiliency training in over 17 states for the first responder and other communities. In 2021 and 2022, RMOTFL was awarded a grant by the Burke Foundation to train Law Enforcement Officers and Educators together on ACES and Handle with Care.

In June of 2021, Rob retired from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) as an Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Director.  Rob was a career prosecutor at the county and state levels in New Jersey for over 25 years. Mr. Czepiel was employed at DCJ in the Official Corruption Bureau and Prosecutor Supervision and Training Bureau (PS&TB) as the lead legal instructor, Deputy Chief of Training, and Chief of the Bureau. His responsibilities included updating, training, and creating the curriculum for law enforcement officers and prosecutors on numerous legal courses offered by the Division of Criminal Justice, CLEAR Institute, and the New Jersey Police Training Commission.

Rob lectured and taught on such topics as search warrants, internal affairs, warrantless searches and seizures, trial tactics, ethics, criminal code, use of force, conducted energy devices, less than lethal devices, grand jury presentations, constitutional law, court testimony, corruption investigations, money laundering investigations, white collar investigations, witness preparation, cultural diversity and de-escalation, implicit bias, implicit bias training for prosecutors, special needs population and de-escalation, leadership, and resiliency. Rob had oversight responsibility of the week-long courses on Top Gun (Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Investigations), Arson Investigations, DELTA (Leadership Training), and Unit (Undercover) training.

 As Chief of the PS&TB, Rob had oversight authority of the 21 County Prosecutor’s Office(s) through the Director of the DCJ, immunity petitions, forfeiture applications, citizen’s complaints, CED deployment reviews, DV weapons returns, bid waivers, expungements, statewide initiatives, prosecutor and police training, and municipal prosecutor oversight. In August of 2019, Rob was named the Chief Resiliency Officer for the State of New Jersey.  In this position, Rob created the training curriculum, the “Train the Trainer” program, models to train all law enforcement officers, and the policy/directive signed by the Attorney General. Rob was also responsible for planning the two-day Resiliency Summit that occurred in October 2019. In March 2020, Rob was appointed Deputy Director with the supervision of the Cyber and Financial Crimes Bureau, PS&TB, Forfeiture Unit, Brady Giglio reviews, New Jersey Resiliency Program for Law Enforcement Officers, Ethics, Office of Homeland Security Prosecutions, Bureau of Banking and Security Prosecutions, Community Outreach, and the Police Training Commission.

Previously, Rob was employed as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office for several years. Combined, his experience included the prosecution of complex white-collar crimes in the field of public corruption; street crimes such as homicides, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and drug distribution cases; family matters such as domestic violence and juvenile delinquency cases; and appellate matters. Rob has appeared before the Superior Court of New Jersey both Law and Appellate Division(s) and the Supreme Court of New Jersey and successfully tried numerous high-profile cases to verdict. He was the recipient of the 2008 Excellence in Legal Support Award by the New Jersey Office of Attorney General for the trial and conviction of the former Chief of Staff of the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission for multiple counts of Official Misconduct. He is the recipient of the 2004 DCJ “Chief’s Award” for the investigation and prosecution of a former assemblyman for allegations of campaign fraud. He is a recipient of the 2013 Attorney General Award for efforts done to keep the DCJ Academy open after Hurricane Sandy.  In 2019, Rob received a PROCOPS award for the New Jersey Resiliency Program for Law Enforcement; Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in an Outstanding Contribution to a Special Project; and the DCJ Director’s Award for Excellence in Leadership and Management.  He served New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Jury Selection and Family Practice member.  In 2019, he served on the Third Circuit Panel on Out of Court Identification Procedures and numerous state-wide initiatives and panels.  Since 2010, Rob has been an adjunct professor of law at Widener University School of Law and Rowan College at Burlington County. In 2022, Rob also became an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University for their master’s degree program in Police Administration.  In April of 2022, Rob was selected to train the National Police of Sweden, the Chamber of Commerce, and the general public on issues related to RICO, money laundering, and financial fraud cases with other subject matter experts through the Rutgers Center on Policing. Rob has also taught numerous Continuing Legal Education courses. He is a graduate of Widener Law School and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1997.

CHRIS FLETCHER

Chief, Maple Shade Police Department

Chief Christopher Fletcher started with the Maple Shade Police Department in 1995. He served in a variety of roles within the agency until his promotion to Chief in early 2020. While serving as the Captain in 2014, Chief Fletcher gathered the clergy in Maple Shade and began meeting with them regularly to discuss issues of mutual concern building a sense of trust and respect along with way. This eventually led to the development of a core group interested in partnering with the police department. In 2015, the Maple Shade Police Chaplain Corp was established serving as a bridge between the community and the police. A non-profit was also established by the Chaplain Corp and the Chief to fund our activities including purchasing a variety of uniform items. The Chief serves as the liaison to the Chaplain Corp and they continue to care for the community of Maple Shade to this day.

DIANA PELLEGRINO

Founder & President, Resilient Minds

Diana “Dee” Pellegrino was born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. She graduated from St. Mary Regional High School in South Amboy, received an Associate of Science Degree from Middlesex County College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Kean University.  Diana was among the first civilian 911 dispatchers for the City of Perth Amboy and an EMT on the First Aid Squad. After she graduated from College, Diana began her career in Marketing and Advertising with The News Tribune Newspaper in Woodbridge, NJ. She became the Marketing Director for the Asbury Park Press and the Gannett NJ Newspaper Group. After 13 years with Gannett, she became the Marketing and Promotion Director, and Sales Manager for a group of six radio stations owned by Press Communications.

Diana was responsible for the creation and execution of hundreds of events at both the Newspaper group and the radio stations. Some events were as large as 70,000 attendees! She coordinated a National Tour for Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich, creating LIVE cooking shows across the Country.

In 2016 Diana and her husband Michael opened DPM Shore Solutions, LLC, an advertising, marketing and event agency specializing in OOH (out of home) advertising at the Jersey Shore, predominately Seaside Heights, NJ. Diana creates events on the beach and boardwalk such as Broadway Meets the Beach, Memorial Day Kickoffs and specialized celebrity events.

Diana has always been very involved in the community. She has volunteered and worked with many organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Police Unity Tour, Ocean County Opioid Task Force, Special Olympics, and various Animal Shelters. Diana sits on the Board of Inspire-NJ, the Ocean County 200 Club and is a member of the Ocean County Business Association. She is a Certified Life Coach, NJ Real Estate Agent, and a Real Estate Investor.

One of Diana’s passions in life is to support pet rescue organizations. She lives with her husband Michael and their two Resilient Rescue Dogs, Bella and Wookie. She has 10 Nieces and Nephews that she adores and spoils on a regular basis.

KEITH GIBBONS

Senior Chaplain, Westfield Police Department

Deacon Keith Gibbons, is proud to be a lifelong resident of Westfield, NJ where he and his wife, Teresa, raised 5 children, first responders among them. Deacon Gibbons was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in 2005 and has served ‘The Mission’ at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in many ministries.

Deacon Gibbons currently serves as Senior Chaplain of the Westfield Police Department, Master Resilience Trainer for Union County, and Chaplain Training Coordinator for Union County. He is also a 200 Club Union County Chaplain and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Westfield Veterans Fund and Westfield Food Pantry.

TED WINSLEY

Chaplain, Voorhees Police Department & Cherry Hill Police Department
Co-Pastor, The Family Church

Theodore T. Winsley Sr., “Pastor Ted” – as he is affectionately called, pastors, alongside his wife, Dawn, a non-denominational, multi-ethnic, Bible-based church located in Voorhees, New Jersey called The Family Church. Pastor Ted’s vision is to help others find freedom through an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves to be used by God to disciple and mentor others. He is a passionate preacher who teaches biblical truths in a way that transforms lives. His influence extends beyond the four walls of The Family Church. He has been chaplain to the players of the Philadelphia Eagles since 2001 and is also the chaplain for the Voorhees & Cherry Hill Police Departments. Pastor Ted serves on several boards: Cherry Hill, NJ & IHOC (Interfaith, homeless, outreach, counsel). He is also on the front lines as a facilitator for the Certified Resilient Minds and trains across professions on how to cope with trauma. Pastor Ted has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Delaware State University, a Pastoral Certificate, and an Associate’s Degree from Vision International University, and is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership at Liberty University. Pastor Ted has been married to Dawn, his college sweetheart, since 1993. He is the proud father of two children, Tierra and Theodore II, and grandfather to Jonathan. Pastor Ted is also the author of, “View from the End Zone: Four Tests You Must Pass to Win in Life”.

DAWN WINSLEY

Chaplain, Voorhees Police Department & Cherry Hill Police Department
Co-Pastor, The Family Church

Dawn Winsley is the co-pastor of The Family Church, located in Voorhees, NJ. In addition, she co-founded a non-profit organization, Family Matters Community Development Corporation, which services disadvantaged youth in tutoring and mentorship. This non-profit organization also includes a community food bank that services families in need. She services the communities of Voorhees and Cherry Hill, NJ as a police chaplain. In addition, Dawn serves alongside her husband as Chaplain for the players of the Philadelphia Eagles, where she ministers to the wives.

Dawn has earned a Biblical Studies Certificate as well as a School of Ministry Certification in Pastoral Studies through Vision International University. She has worked in education for over 30 years and was also a college professor. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special & Regular Education (1st thru 12th grades) and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration.

Pastor Dawn has been happily married for over 28 years to Pastor Ted and is the mother of two children, Tierra and Theo, and grandmother to Jonathan.

MICHAEL PELLEGRINO

Founder, Resilient Minds & Former School Resource Officer, Ewing Police Department (Retired)

MICHAEL PELLEGRINO is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and attended Mercer County Community College studying Fire Science. He also attended Caldwell College and Martin School of Business in Philadelphia, PA.

Michael Pellegrino graduated from the Trenton Police Academy and started his law enforcement career in August of 1994. Upon completion of the academy, he was assigned to the Patrol Division. During that time, he also served as a Traffic Officer. He was then assigned as the Department’s School Resource Officer, and became certified to teach DARE and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) to the elementary school students of Ewing.

He also served as a School Resource Officer at Fisher Middle School and Ewing High School where he continued to strengthen the bonds between the police department and the young community members. He served as a detective in the Youth and Family Services Bureau where some of his duties included overseeing Megan’s Law and the Domestic Violence Response Team. During that time, he was assigned to the Mercer County Special Investigations Unit.

He later became an instructor for Ewing Township’s much-loved pre-Kindergarten program, “Safety Town.” He also was a part of Ewing Police Medal of Honor and was the Mercer County 200 Honoree for rescuing a trapped elderly couple and their special needs son from a motor vehicle accident, along with fellow officers Jeffrey Caldwell and Fred Dow. He received recognition for his valor and received the NJ State PBA Unit Citation Award, the National Law Enforcement Police Officer of the Month Award, the Carnegie Medal of Honor Award, and the Knights of Columbus Exceptional Service Award.

He served on the Ewing PBA’s Executive Board as the Sergeant of Arms and as the State Delegate. He ascended to the position of 2nd Vice President within the NJ State PBA Executive Board and served as the Chairman of the Good and Welfare Committee. He also served on several other Committees including the PAC Committee, New Delegates Committee. He was also a Trustee for the Survivor and Welfare Committee and was the past Chairman of the Mercer County Conference of PBAs. He also served as the past Chairman of the Peer Liaison Committee, which assisted many New Jersey Police Officers with mental health and mental strength. He served on the Blue Mass Committee for the Diocese of Trenton as well.

He is involved with the Mercer County’s Sunshine Organization and every year assists with their “Operation Dreamlift” trip to Disney World.

He has been a rider with the Police Unity Tour since 2002. He is currently on their Executive Board. He was Ewing Police’s “Officer of the Year” for 2018. He retired from Ewing Police Department after 25 years of Service. He serves as an Usher for his Church. He retired as an Agent to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri in 2021. He held the position of Chief Resiliency Officer for a Mercer County. He is a Master Resiliency Trainer for the FBINAA. He received the Pablo Santiago award from the Rosado Family owner of the Trenton McDonald’s Corporation for Service to the Community.

He and his wife own DPM Shore Solutions which is an Advertising, Marketing and Event Company. He is also a life coach who is skilled in investment real estate. He is the founder of Resilient Minds On The Front Lines. He resides with his wife, Diana, and their fur babies Bella and Wookie.

JONATHAN MERKI

Senior Chaplain, Millville Police Department (Retired)

Jonathan Merki currently serves as lead chaplain for Millville Police, Fire and EMS, where he has served for the past nine years. His community involvement includes co-leading the local Ministers’ Fellowship, and serving the local Chamber of Commerce as a community liaison. Jonathan’s primary responsibility and privilege is serving as lead pastor for Millville Church of the Nazarene, where he has served for 31 years. He is married to Rondalyn, an educator and excellent baker. Together they have a daughter and son, both married, and two amazing granddaughters.

BARRY VASQUEZ

Chaplain & Mercer County Chaplain Coordinator, NJ State Police Chaplain, and Senior Pastor, Living By Grace Fellowship

Rev. Barry Vazquez is a Licensed and Ordained Minister, Founder/President and Senior Pastor of Living By Grace Fellowship, Inc. (www.lbgf.org). Rev. Vazquez is a National and International Conference Speaker on Biblical Studies to Central, and South America and parts of Africa.

He holds a B.S. in Law and Justice from the College of New Jersey with a minor in Spanish. He is a recipient of a Master’s in Divinity and Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Woodbridge Christian University of Virginia. He has also graduated from Advanced Christian Training School and School of Ministry, as well as Faith International Training Center – Intensive Bible Training, Sayreville, NJ. He has since been part of the Faculty and staff there for several years.

He was Inducted into the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1990/1991. He was also inducted in the Marquis Who’s Who in America 2022.

PHILIP ARONOW

Former First Assistant Prosecutor, Burlington County Prosecutor’ Office (Retired)

Philip S. Aronow recently retired as First Assistant Prosecutor with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, which is supported by 40 municipalities and six New Jersey State Police Stations. Phil was previously an Assistant Attorney General and served as Bureau Chief of the Prosecutors Supervision & Training Bureau (PS&TB) with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). He initially joined DCJ as part of the newly formed New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Initiative to bolster domestic counter-terrorism efforts following the events of 9-11, and eventually became the Chief of that Unit. He was also charged with statewide training as part of the Facial Scrub and Human Trafficking Initiatives.

As a prosecutor, Phil handled many high-profile cases on behalf of DCJ and was later assigned to prosecute violent gang activity such as narcotics and firearms trafficking and related crimes such as shootings and homicides as part of the Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. He served as Liaison to the New Jersey State Parole Board and led various multi-jurisdictional task forces targeting fugitives charged with violent crimes. He still serves as Co-Counsel to the statewide County Narcotics Commanders Association and as a Faculty Member and Coordinator with the TOP GUN Training Program for the interdiction and prosecution of gang, gun and drug cases. He is one of the founders of the DELTA Leadership & Supervisors Training Program and the U.N.I.T. School for undercover officers. Phil was also the Project Director on behalf of the Attorney General’s Office for the series of Fugitive Safe Surrender Programs held across New Jersey over a period of five years, which was nationally recognized by the United States Marshals Service with a combined total that exceeded 18,000 fugitives who surrendered and clearance of some 50,000 active warrants.

As Chief of PS&TB, Phil had responsibility for the supervision, coordination, and training of the County Prosecutor’s Offices and law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including the New Jersey Police Training Commission and the DCJ Academy. He is certified in Mental Health First Aid Training as well as a founder and Master Resiliency Trainer for the New Jersey Law Enforcement Resiliency Program. Phil oversaw community outreach and community justice efforts as part of the Attorney General’s Initiatives for 21st Century Policing, Bias Crimes, Veterans Diversion, Police Chaplains and continued with those efforts on a county level. FAP Aronow spearheaded Juvenile Justice Alternative Initiatives for at-risk and disadvantaged youth and led the Burlington County Partnership for Youth Success and the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst STARBASE 2.0 Initiative for implementation of STEM and literacy-based programs with public, private and military partners.

Most recently, Phil was named to the Board of Directors for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (1-800-GAMBLER). He is also a Training Facilitator on the Law Enforcement Resiliency and Wellness Program for Resilient Minds on the Front Lines, LLC, and the New Jersey Resiliency Program for Law Enforcement for the Office of the Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute and is a scheduled Panelist and Speaker on Law Enforcement Resiliency and Wellness at the 2023 County Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey Annual College.

JON TAYLOR

Head Chaplain, NJ State Police Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church

Born in Warrenton, North Carolina, he is the youngest of five children born to late Mr. Edward Taylor, Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor. Raised and educated in New Jersey, He has taken on the responsibilities of life by becoming an employee of a respectable Cooling System Company where he was employed with this company for 35 years. He later married his wife of 38 years, Leola P. and from this union there are four children: Andrae, Monét, Jarelle Sr. and Shanell.

He has two daughters-in-law Samantha Taylor, and Cheryl Taylor, one son-in-law Kyle Sanders, five grandchildren; July, Jarelle Jr., Jaylen, Reagan Elise Inez and Aubrey Arnold.

He became a member of Spotlight Holy Temple Church in 1978, under the leadership of the late Bishop Joe G. Sykes. He served in many capacities, which included Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Secretary of the Elder’s Council, Personal Aide to Bishop Sykes and President of the Spotlight Holy Temple Church Bible School. He acknowledged his call to the ministry, and after being ordained, decided to further his theological education by attending the Rehoboth Full Gospel Bible Institute of Philadelphia, PA where he later graduated. After the passing of the late Bishop Sykes, he was appointed Pastor of Spotlight Holy Temple, where he served for 13 years.

Pastor Taylor acknowledges that God’s grace has allowed him to accomplish these things. In 2001 he founded and became pastor of New Beginning Christian Worship Center, Inc. His mission is to unite the body of Christ and to reach the multitude of hungry souls. The ultimate goal is to have people establish a walk uniting and strengthening their union with Christ. He will strive to do this by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the vision that he has received from God.

In August 2007 Elder Taylor was called to the edifice of Friendship Baptist Church to temporarily serve as Pulpit Fill (interim Pastor). Pastor Taylor has been instrumental in bringing the church together with spiritual harmony. In January 2009 Elder Taylor was called by God and elected by the Friendship Baptist Church to become its Pastor. Elder Taylor accepted with great humility. He is committed to serving as the Pastor in evangelism, witnessing, preaching and teaching. He is committed to be an instrument in renewing and building a great body of believers as his tenure continues at Friendship Baptist Church.

His ministry enables him to work with the City Church Fellowship Group, Concerned Pastors association of Trenton, NJ. He is a member of the Coalition for a New Community, The Covenant Partner’s Association of Trenton, NJ the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of NJ and the Middlesex Central Baptist Association of NJ, Inc.

Pastor Taylor is a certified counselor of Marriage Savers, Inc. He also received training in Church Management and Tax Financial Services (Clergy, Tax & Law).

In 2011 Pastor Taylor was appointed by Rev. Guy Campbell of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc. to the Constitution and By-Law Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.

In November 2012, he was elected 3rd Vice Moderator of Area III of the Middlesex Central Baptist Association, Inc. These organizations are responsible for bringing together the area churches in an effort to bridge the gap of denomination that is so prevalent within the church community.

Presently, Pastor Taylor is President of the Trenton Capital City Community Coalition (CCCC). He serves with the Interfaith Advisory Council for the State of New Jersey. He is a member of Faith of New Jersey and a member of My Internal Family.

He has received accolades from: The U.S. Department of Justice “Federal Bureau of Investigation” for recognition of outstanding service to the local community and of enduring contributions to the advancement of justice, the Director’s Community Leadership Award 2016 – signed by James B. Comey, Director of FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division “Certificate of Appreciation” – FBI Central Jersey Resident Agency – In recognition of outstanding service to law enforcement agencies, Mercer County community leaders and enduring contributions to the advancement of Justice. 2016 – signed by Timothy A. Gallager, Special Agent in Charge Newark Field Office, William P. Hyland, Supervisory Sr. Pres. Resident Agent, Trenton Resident Agency and Michael J. Doyle, Supervisory Special Agent, Central Jersey Resident Agency.

All his endeavors are Faith Base Community Relationship. Pastor Taylor remains steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of God.

SAMER ABBOUD

Detective, Bias Crimes Unit, NJ Division of Criminal Justice

JONATHAN GREEN

Lead Community Mediator, NJ Division on Civil Rights

Jonathan G. Green, J.D. (he/him) serves as Lead Community Mediator for the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, Community Relations Unit. His experience is in mediation, education, and social services, focusing on human and civil rights. In 2017, Jonathan was certified in circuit civil mediation by the Florida Supreme Court, and is currently certified in community mediation. Jonathan earned his Juris Doctorate (Southern University Law Center 2016). Also, he obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (Troy University 2012) and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (University of South Alabama 2009). Jonathan has been a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., since 2005.