External Advisory Board

Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Program

Our Vision

The External Advisory Board for the M.A. in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Program stands as a vital nexus, strategically forging and enhancing collaborative relationships among our esteemed alumni, diverse federal and state law enforcement agencies, allied public safety organizations, governmental bodies, and key private sector stakeholders. Our paramount objective is to empower the Program Director and the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media to cultivate a program of unparalleled distinction. We are dedicated to fostering innovative paradigms that not only meet but anticipate the evolving, complex demands confronting contemporary public safety agencies and the communities they are sworn to protect, thereby shaping the next generation of visionary law enforcement leaders.

Distinguished Advisory Board Members

Stephen J. Hoptay, Jr., Ed. D. ’07, Ed.S. ’04, MAE ’91 - Founding Chair
Captain (ret) - New Jersey State Police
Former Vice President for Asset Protection- Wakefern Food Corp.

Anthony Dolan, MA '25
Police Officer - Maplewood Police Department

Damon Brooks, M.P.A.
EdD (c) - Emergency Management - St. John's University
Captain (ret) - New York City Police Department

Rhudell Snelling, Ed.S. '22, Ed.D. (c)
Detective (ret) - Jersey City Police Department
Director of Public Safety - Jersey City Public Schools

LaQuan Dyce, Ed.D. '21
Adjunct Assistant Professor – New York City College of Technology
Founder – Legwell Insurance Group

Christine Ruggerio, M.A. '24
Lieutenant (ret) - Paramus Police Department

Jeniffer Fernando
Correction Officer - New York City Department of Correction

Michael Sylvester
VP Operations - New York Botanical Gardens

Thomas Finlayson, M.S.
Lieutenant (ret) - New York City Police Department
Trademark Authenticator - Major League Baseball
Special Assistant to the President - NOBLE New Jersey

Jill Frometa, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (c)
City Research Scientist - New York City Police Department

Matthew Velger, MTPO, OSINT
Owner - Black Ice Consultants, LLC
Police Officer - New York City Police Department

Raul A. Pereles Jr., Ed.D. (c)
Learning and Organizational Development Manager
Public Health Solutions