Jermaine Galloway, also known as the Tall Cop, has dedicated over 20 years to substance abuse prevention and education after a collegiate basketball career and earning a BA in Sociology. He served 18 years in law enforcement, tackling roles in alcohol enforcement, crime scene investigation, and DUI task forces. In 2007, he founded “Tall Cop Says Stop™,” offering extensive training across the U.S. and Canada. His “High in Plain Sight” program is recognized for its focus on drug and alcohol prevention strategies, training over 825,000 professionals and community members.
Lewis C. Merletti, a distinguished figure in the field of security, embarked on his career with the United States Secret Service in 1974, bringing his extensive military training and experience to the agency. Over his 25-year tenure, Merletti notably served as Assistant Director in the Office of Training and Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protection Division. His leadership extended to significant roles during crises, such as the Waco Siege investigation and protecting U.S. Presidents during critical times. Post-Secret Service, Merletti furthered his commitment to safety as the Senior Vice President of Security for the Cleveland Browns, where he was responsible for comprehensive security measures, reflecting his enduring dedication to national and public safety.
Susan Payne is the Founder and Former Executive Director of the Safe2Tell non-profit prevention initiative, developed as a response to the Columbine tragedy in Colorado. Susan, a 28-year law enforcement veteran, has assisted many states in establishing best-practice intelligence-gathering and information-sharing initiatives to focus on violence prevention and early intervention.
Dr. Jessica Leigh Hamilton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers University—New Brunswick Campus, joining the faculty in January 2021. She first received her B.A. in Psychology and History from Swarthmore College. She was awarded her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Temple University after completing her clinical internship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Hamilton obtained additional postdoctoral training in sleep medicine on an NIH-funded T32 fellowship.
Jose L. Medina is currently a 27-year veteran of law enforcement and a 20-year owner of Awareness Protective Consultants, doing business as Team APC-Medina Tactical Dynamics. Jose has an extensive background in training and consulting for various groups, such as law enforcement, schools, and corporate industries. Jose Medina created and led his police department’s SWAT team, made immediately after the Columbine shooting in 1999. Part of Jose’s work function as a Tactical Team Leader and Training Coordinator was to establish good working relationships with private businesses in the town he worked, as well as neighboring cities and towns, concerning active shooter situations and potential workplace violence events.
Doug Wyman is a retired police chief with 32 years of law enforcement experience, having encountered a range of situations, both professionally and personally. His journey, marked by tragedy and triumph, attributes his resilience and recovery to his faith, crediting God with guiding him through suffering and calling him to assist others. In his post-law enforcement life, Wyman is dedicated to sharing his story and lessons learned with new generations of police officers, focusing on the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and Post Traumatic Growth.
Bart Barta is a retired law enforcement commander with over 31 years of experience. He is also a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) certified law enforcement instructor who has trained more than 12,000 first responders nationwide to interact successfully with people with autism. Bart is recognized as a subject matter expert in autism and law enforcement contacts, and in 2017, he contributed to the development of an autism curriculum for officers in the state of Florida.
Marina Anderson joined the Department of Children and Families’ Human Trafficking Team in 2015, after starting her career there in 2002 as a Child Protective Investigator specializing in child sexual abuse in Duval County, Florida. She became a Field Support Consultant in 2014 and is recognized for her expertise in safety methodology, training, and mentoring. Marina has received numerous recognitions and certifications in human trafficking and is involved in several human trafficking coalitions and task forces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida.