Lesia Finney
Mooresville,NC
Summary
Strategic and community-focused law enforcement executive with 27 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing complex public safety operations. Proven ability to lead accredited police organizations, manage budgets, and direct 24/7 operational environments with a strong emphasis on safety, accountability, and service excellence. Demonstrated success in advancing community policing models within diverse and highly engaged populations, including campus environments, while fostering collaborative partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
Experienced in developing and implementing strategic plans, ensuring compliance with Clery act and regulatory standards, and integrating modern security technologies such as access control and surveillance systems. Recognized for building trust through transparent leadership, promoting trauma-informed and student-centered approaches, and cultivating inclusive, high-performing teams. Committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and thriving campus community. Dynamic Chief of Police with expertise in law enforcement training, resource management, and community collaboration. Proven track record in enhancing safety and trust within campus communities while managing complex operations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Chief of Police
Queens University Police Department
Charlotte, N.C.
07.2017 - Current
- Provided operational oversight by supervising daily patrols, investigations, and security for special events, ensuring a secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Hired, trained, and evaluated personnel, mentoring future law enforcement leaders to strengthen departmental capabilities.
- Maintain high law enforcement service levels, despite nationwide law enforcement shortage.
- Managed budget for salaries, supplies, and annual expenses, aligning resource allocation with departmental priorities to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Oversaw security cameras, access control, and physical security systems.
- Ensured compliance with Clery Act requirements by managing reports and training staff on campus safety protocols.
- Directed parking operations to ensure efficient vehicle flow and compliance with regulations.
- Developed partnerships with internal and external community stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust within the community.
Coordinator of Community Oriented Policing/ Executive Officer to the Chief
Wake Forest University Police Department
Winston Salem, N.C.
10.2011 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with neighborhood associations, Winston Salem Police Department, and WFU students to establish partnerships that improved community living experiences.
- Coordinated public engagement initiatives, including 'coffee with a cop' and 'chat with chief', to foster stronger connections between the department and the community.
- Lead safety presentations on 'Shots Fired on a College Campus, safely transporting deposits' through the WFU Professional Development Center
- Partner with Women and Gender Studies scheduling of Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes (Supervise Rad Coordinator and main instructor)
- Coordinate Resource Officer Program and Activities by collaborating with all departments in Campus Life (Develop monthly programs for Resource officers to utilize in their residence hall)
- Led orientation activities for students, employees, and faculty; created Police web page for Human Resources' onboarding process and developed Safety information page for new student orientation.
- Assembled annual report by gathering information and creating assessment tools to measure yearly results.
- Supervises Victims Assistance, Overseas travel and Van safety Personnel
- Revised and created new Recruitment and Hiring process which involves a search committee of WFU community partners to retain a diverse workforce
- Contributed to various special projects for campus police, enhancing safety and community engagement.
- Assisted in development of Safe Campus Cell Phone App
- Assisted in design and development of the WFU Campus Police website and browser
- Led marketing initiatives for Live Safe cell phone app to promote campus safety and increase user adoption.
- Winston Salem, N.C.
Corporal
Wake Forest University Police Department
Winston Salem, N.C.
10.2006 - 01.2011
- Directed and coordinated efforts to ensure safety of university community members
- Supervised 16 police officers, 3 reserve officers, 4 communications officers, and 5 gate security officers, ensuring effective daily operations and safety protocols
- Initiated and coordinated swift response to all emergencies
- Coordinated personnel scheduling to maintain optimal officer coverage and response readiness daily
- Recorded resource officer activities using software to ensure consistent communication in residence halls.
- Created educational materials for resource officers to enhance community engagement and awareness
- Developed and executed streamlined graduation procedures for department operations
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Western Carolina University
Cullowee, North CarolinaSkills
- Crime prevention
- Crisis management
- Emergency management
- Incident investigation
- Investigative skills
- Compliance management
- Risk assessment
- Policy writing
- Budget management
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Community engagement
- Strategic planning
- Strategic leadership
- Team leadership
- Mentorship development
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Collaborative approach
- Public relations strategy
Community Engagement And Collaboration
- Alcohol Coalition: Provide statistics and collaboration on preventive programs
- Assessment: Collaborate on initiatives to tell the story of Campus Life
- Parking and Transportation: Liaison between police department and parking and transportation office to provide pertinent information. Collaborate on parking citation appeals.
- Police Advisory Board: Represent department and provide information to committee for discussion and concerns. Recruit student representatives to provide diverse perspective from community
- Student Success Team: Ensuring that all students are successful
Key Attributes
· Exceptional multitasker with a team-oriented approach
· Effective communicator, both orally and in writing
· Skilled at building positive relationships at all levels of an organization
· Quick learner, adaptable, and highly efficient in decision-making
· Thrives in high-stress environments, maintaining focus and poise under pressure
· Task-focused with a high level of efficiency in task completion
· Vibrant and extroverted personality, especially in public relations
· Approaches every challenge with a positive, solutions-driven mindset
Certification
Advanced Law Enforcement
Timeline
Chief of Police
Queens University Police Department
07.2017 - Current
Coordinator of Community Oriented Policing/ Executive Officer to the Chief
Wake Forest University Police Department
10.2011 - 01.2017
Corporal
Wake Forest University Police Department
10.2006 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Western Carolina University