Anita Allen
Albany
Summary
Strategic executive leader in higher education administration and public safety. Aligned institutional strategy with student success initiatives, enhancing safety across multiple campuses. Directed comprehensive safety operations to ensure compliance and risk mitigation while implementing community policing initiatives and fostering partnerships that promote engagement among diverse populations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Police / Executive Leadership
Albany State University & Fort Valley State University
Albany
01.2016 - Current
- Collaborated with university, civic, and business partners to promote campus safety, institutional excellence, and community vitality.
- Manage public safety impacting 6,700+ students and 300+ employees across three campuses.
- Led law enforcement operations across two university campuses to ensure campus safety.
- Oversee safety operations for 12 residence halls and multiple academic facilities.
- Direct and coordinate police emergency management, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance in alignment with federal, state, and local standards.
- Manage multimillion-dollar budgets, grants, and institutional resources.
- Represented 535 municipalities and advocated for statewide policy initiatives as President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Developed community policing initiatives that strengthened relationships between students and staff, enhancing campus engagement.
- Oversaw recruitment and training of police personnel for effective service delivery.
- Organized regular meetings with community leaders to discuss public safety concerns.
- Spearheaded public forums and outreach programs that built strategic partnerships, promoting workforce development and community well-being.
- Mentor and develop staff leaders, strengthening organizational effectiveness and succession readiness.
- Collaborated with divisional commanders to maintain consistency in all operations.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and standards.
- Developed strategies for improving officer morale while maintaining high ethical standards.
- Led initiatives to improve customer service levels throughout organization.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts for new officers including background checks and interviews.
- Facilitated workshops on safety awareness and personal security for the university community.
- Coordinated emergency response plans to address potential safety threats efficiently.
- Evaluated evidence for validity and admissibility and provided testimony during administrative and criminal court hearings.
- Prepared, planned for and coordinated execution of support missions to aid deployed forces and individuals.
- Implemented crime prevention programs that improved campus security measures, contributing to a safer academic environment.
- University System of Georgia
Executive Assistant to the District Health Director
Georgia Department of Public Health (District 8-2)
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Facilitated effective communication between executive leadership, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
- Coordinated scheduling and calendar management for senior leadership team to optimize time and resource allocation.
- Organized meetings by managing logistics and preparing materials, ensuring participants were well-equipped for discussions.
- Scheduled and arranged travel and hotel reservations for meetings, conferences and seminars.
- Supported cross-sector public health, workforce, and economic development initiatives.
- Developed and maintained filing systems for confidential documents and records.
- Performed data entry tasks into various software programs including MS Excel spreadsheets.
- Handled customer inquiries over the phone, ensuring satisfaction and resolution of issues. from customers or clients providing assistance where necessary.
Lieutenant, Investigations
Albany State University Police Department
Albany
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Directed investigative operations and campus safety initiatives to enhance overall campus security.
- Developed training and outreach programs to strengthen campus–community partnerships, fostering collaboration and trust.
- Supervised daily operations of the university police department.
- Developed and implemented law enforcement training programs for officers.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to promote safety awareness.
Lieutenant / Criminal Investigator
Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office
Albany
01.2001 - 01.2013
- Provided operational leadership over jail security, criminal investigations, and specialized community programs.
- Worked investigations throughout prosecution, coordinating evidence, witnesses, and legal partners.
- Executed day-to-day duties with precision, ensuring operational integrity and compliance.
- Spearheaded community engagement initiatives targeting youth outreach, crime prevention, and public education, fostering stronger community ties.
- Acted as Public Information Officer, facilitating transparent communication with media and the public.
Office Manager / Human Resources
Gale Insulation
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Oversaw HR operations, ensuring compliance and effective organizational administration.
- Managed daily office operations for a leading insulation company.
- Coordinated schedules and appointments for staff and management.
- Oversaw inventory management and supply ordering processes.
Education
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) - Practical Theology
Andersonville Theological Seminary
01-2025
Graduate Degree - Theological Studies
North Carolina College of Theology
01-2022
Bachelor's Degree - Biblical Studies
North Carolina College of Theology
01-2015
Associate's Degree - Biblical Studies
Grace Bible College
01-2010
Police Academy Graduate - Criminal Justice
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC)
01-2006
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Thomas University
Skills
- Public Safety Administration
- Crisis response coordination
- Threat assessment strategies
- Advanced investigative techniques
- Budget management
- Executive & Organizational Leadership
- Stakeholder, Board & Community Engagement
- Strategic partnership development
- Program Innovation & Implementation
- Staff mentoring and development
- Public Relations & Media Communications
- Government & Regulatory Affairs
- Campus safety management
Certification
- Certified General Instructor – State of Georgia
- Peace Officer Certification – State of Georgia
- Jailor Certification – State of Georgia
- Executive Leadership Certification – Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
- Public Information Officer (PIO) Certification
- IBM Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
- Public Media Relations Certificate
- Management by Strengths – Georgia Department of Public Health
- Office & Human Resources Certification – Gale Insulation
Leadership Recognition Community Engagement
- President, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
- Chairman, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
- Vice Chairman, POST Council
- Chief’s Legacy Award & Grantsmanship Award – MARBY Foundation
- Director, Women’s Ministry – Victory of Albany
- Founder & Owner, Women’s Empowerment Studio & Training Center
- Initiator, Women’s Empowerment & Mentorship Programs
- Community spokesperson, panelist, and commencement speaker
- Mentor for women in law enforcement and student success initiatives
Timeline
Chief of Police / Executive Leadership
Albany State University & Fort Valley State University
01.2016 - Current
Executive Assistant to the District Health Director
Georgia Department of Public Health (District 8-2)
01.2014 - 01.2016
Lieutenant, Investigations
Albany State University Police Department
01.2013 - 01.2014
Lieutenant / Criminal Investigator
Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office
01.2001 - 01.2013
Office Manager / Human Resources
Gale Insulation
01.2000 - 01.2001
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) - Practical Theology
Andersonville Theological Seminary
Graduate Degree - Theological Studies
North Carolina College of Theology
Bachelor's Degree - Biblical Studies
North Carolina College of Theology
Associate's Degree - Biblical Studies
Grace Bible College
Police Academy Graduate - Criminal Justice
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC)
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Thomas University