Stacey Lanier Cotton
Covington
Summary
Strategic professional with extensive experience in relationship building and partnership cultivation. Proven leader with a track record of managing high-performing teams and driving organizational success. Expertise in expanding networks and implementing innovative strategies for employee development. Skilled in educating teams and fostering acceptance of new initiatives.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Business Development and Strategy
Premier Petroleum
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Spearheaded company’s strategic entry into hospitality sector, overseeing multiple concurrent projects with budgets exceeding $18m and ensuring timely delivery aligned with business objectives.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration with architectural contractors and hotel management, promoting efficient resource utilization and cost oversight while maintaining superior standards in guest experience.
- Oversaw completion of 253-room Hilton Hotel at Atlanta Airport, ensuring project met budget and timeline requirements.
- Managed construction of Courtyard by Marriott in Covington, GA, from inception to delivery, aligning project outcomes with strategic goals.
- Functioned as owners' representative on hotel projects for Marriott and Hilton flags.
- Researched and negotiated acquisition of future hotel and development sites, supporting long-term growth strategy.
Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
Covington
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Oversaw sworn and non-sworn personnel in daily law enforcement operations, ensuring effective service delivery for Covington Police Department.
- Managed preparation and maintenance of departmental budget and staffing, while developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance operational effectiveness both within department and citywide.
- Led community policing initiatives to enhance public safety and trust.
- Developed strategic plans to address crime trends and improve response times.
- Coordinated training programs for officers on best practices and legal updates.
Adjunct Professor
American Intercontinental University
Atlanta
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Delivered Criminal Justice classes and social services curriculum, fostering student engagement and critical thinking.
- Delivered engaging lectures on subject matter to diverse student groups.
- Developed course materials and assignments aligned with academic standards.
- Facilitated class discussions to encourage critical thinking and participation.
Adjunct Professor
Mercer University
01.2001 - 01.2014
- Instructed students in Criminal Justice and social services related curriculum.
- Developed engaging course materials for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking skills.
- Mentored students in academic writing and research techniques.
Director of Public Safety
City of Covington Police Department
Covington
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Executive Officer for the City of Covington Police, Fire, and 911.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts among public safety departments to strengthen citywide collaboration.
Supervised strategic plan implementation to improve city operations and services.
Supported agency-specific development initiatives to ensure alignment with citywide priorities. - Led public safety initiatives for community engagement and crime prevention.
- Developed training programs for police personnel on safety protocols and procedures.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts during critical incidents and natural disasters.
Program Co-Coordinator
Mercer University
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Created and implemented curriculum to teach young leaders in public safety effective leadership strategies.
- Instructed students on planning and instituting leadership initiatives within their agencies, fostering practical leadership experience.
- Developed Public Safety Leadership program for college credit, enhancing leadership skills in aspiring public safety professionals.
Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
Covington
12.1997 - 01.2008
- Led Covington Police Department, overseeing sworn and non-sworn personnel in daily law enforcement operations to ensure community safety.
- Managed departmental budget and staffing, making strategic command decisions on personnel deployment during emergencies and routine operations.
- Directed all operations within the City of Covington Police Department.
- Developed and implemented departmental policies and procedures.
- Oversaw community policing initiatives to strengthen public trust.
Assistant Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
Covington
06.1997 - 11.1997
- Led accreditation efforts to maintain agency's national accreditation status and developed comprehensive departmental policies and procedures.
- Oversaw human resource functions within department, including hiring, discipline, and dismissals, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
- Assisted Chief of Police with daily operations, ensuring efficient office management.
- Supported leadership as Assistant Team Leader for Covington/Newton County SWAT Team, coordinating training and operational readiness.
Lieutenant / Support Services Commander / Accreditation Manager
City of Covington Police Department
Covington
08.1993 - 06.1997
- Commander of Support Services division managing all support functions of police department.
- Sustained nationally accredited status for agency through development and implementation of comprehensive departmental policies and procedures.
- Successfully retained nationally accredited status for Covington Police Department in 1995.
- Executed recruitment and hiring processes for agency personnel, ensuring a skilled workforce.
- Managed personnel promotions and assignments for the department.
- Created updated field training program and affirmative action plan, along with revised job descriptions to enhance operational effectiveness.
Education
Master of Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
Troy University
Troy, AL06-2008
Master of Public Administration - Public Management
Troy University
Troy, AL12-2000
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Mercer University
Macon, GA05-1999
Associate degree - General Degree
Dekalb College
Clarkston, GA01-1996
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Special Event Creation/Management
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- MS Word
- Outlook
- Word
Accomplishments
- GACP Outstanding Chief of the Year, 2012
- CALEA Egon Bitner award, 2012
- Rotary District 6910 Guardian of Ethics Award, 2015
- Rotary Club of Covington Rotarian of the Year, 2011-2012
- Dr. Curtis McClung GACP Award of Excellence Runner up, 2003, 2014
- IACP/Motorola Webber Seavey Award Winner for Excellence in Law Enforcement, 2002
Instructor Experience
- International Instructor, US Embassy, Republic of Georgia, International Academy Budapest, Hungary
- General Police Instructor
- Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Certified Firearms Instructor
Adjunct Professor Experience
- American Intercontinental University Atlanta, 2011-2014
- Mercer University, 2001-2014
- Mercer University Public Safety Leadership Institute, Program Co-Coordinator, 2006-08
Volunteer Experience
- Rotary Club of Covington, President, 2016-2017
- Newton County DFACS Board, Chairman, 2012-Present
- Newton/Walton Child Advocacy Center, Chairman, 2006-2016, founding member
- Leadership Georgia, Class of 2006
- Rosalyn Carter Institute, Care Giving in the Community Expert Panel Member, 2002
- Project ReNeWal, Board of Directors, 1998-2002
- Leadership Newton County, Class of 1994
- Leadership Newton County Steering Committee, 1995, Chair, 1996, Advisor 1996-02
- Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
- First Baptist Church of Covington, Member
References
Available Upon Request
Professional Boards And Affiliations
- Georgia Board of Public Safety, 2019-Present
- International Association of Chiefs of Police, Life Member
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Board of Directors Financial Review Committee, 2018-2020
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Board of Directors, 2018-Present
- Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis, Governor Appointment, 2015
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Life Member
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board, President, 2009-10
- Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition Board of Directors
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative, Training, Corporate Committees
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Chair, 1st Curtis McClung Excellence Award
- Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., Team Leader/Assessor
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference Committee, 2006-08
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Elections Committee
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Special Advisor to the Executive Board
- Ninth Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program to Israel, 2001, Head of Delegation
- Metropol Board of Directors, 2000-04, Chairman, 2003-04
Continuing Education
- FBI National Academy, 188th Session, 1997
- University of Georgia Public Management, 1995
- POST General Instructor
- POST Firearms Instructor
- POST Defensive Tactics Instructors
Timeline
Vice President of Business Development and Strategy
Premier Petroleum
01.2023 - 01.2025
Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
01.2013 - 01.2023
Adjunct Professor
American Intercontinental University
01.2011 - 01.2014
Director of Public Safety
City of Covington Police Department
01.2008 - 01.2013
Program Co-Coordinator
Mercer University
01.2006 - 01.2008
Adjunct Professor
Mercer University
01.2001 - 01.2014
Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
12.1997 - 01.2008
Assistant Chief of Police
City of Covington Police Department
06.1997 - 11.1997
Lieutenant / Support Services Commander / Accreditation Manager
City of Covington Police Department
08.1993 - 06.1997
Master of Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
Troy University
Master of Public Administration - Public Management
Troy University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Mercer University
Associate degree - General Degree
Dekalb College