NCPI Leadership

Executive Director

Lynda Schwartz, CAE

For more than 25 years, Lynda Schwartz has served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Policing Innovation (NCPI), a nationally recognized leader in the public safety community. Lynda directs the strategic growth and expansion of NCPI, supporting its ability to address nearly every public safety topic imaginable through the development and delivery of training, technology-enhanced public safety resources and services, and custom solutions for agencies and communities in all 50 states. Under Lynda’s leadership, NCPI has trained hundreds of thousands of officers across the country, directly serving more than half of the nation’s law enforcement agencies.

Lynda has nearly 30 years of experience in public safety, including service as a county deputy (patrol); as a national speaker, instructor and facilitator, particularly in the areas of leadership and community policing; and as a participant in task force and committee activities, addressing such issues as body worn cameras, methamphetamines, youth gun violence, court security, and immigration. Lynda earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Radford University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Lynda holds a master’s certificate in business management from Tulane University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives.

Deputy Director

Adam Wojcicki, CAE

Adam Wojcicki is the Deputy Director of the National Center for Policing Innovation (NCPI).  As Deputy Director, Adam provides operational leadership to staff and serves as NCPI’s chief content manager responsible for the research, development, and production of NCPI’s instructional and programmatic content. Since joining NCPI in 2007, Adam has managed national programs and spearheaded the development of NCPI’s technology-enhanced instructional content, instructional design processes, and production standards. Adam has been recognized for his work in organizational leadership, crime prevention, homeland security, critical infrastructure protection, and most recently, as a subject-matter expert on police innovation, and instructional design. 

Adam began his public safety career as a police officer serving in patrol, supervisory, and leadership-level assignments including patrol sergeant, special operations supervisor, accreditation manager, and appointment as Director of Professional Standards. Adam is a published author, an accomplished public speaker, host of NCPI’s The Difference podcast, and has served as a subject-matter expert for numerous criminal justice programs and initiatives. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in the administration of justice from Bluefield College, a graduate certificate in public safety, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. Adam is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives.

Director of Programs

Sheila Gunderman, CAE

As NCPI’s Director of Programs, Sheila Gunderman leads the delivery aspects associated with NCPI’s national web-based training initiatives, including the development, administration, and growth of multiple learning management systems and platforms.  Additionally, Sheila often manages the delivery of national in-person training and technical assistance initiatives, addressing such topics as crisis intervention, community policing, and violence reduction. Sheila works closely with the team to demonstrate NCPI impact and project NCPI’s voice across the country through content, digital platforms, and via in-person presentations and exhibits. Sheila is a published author, a recognized public safety speaker and subject-matter expert in community policing and web-based learning systems.

Sheila’s early career included teaching and coaching in a public school system. Sheila has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina, is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives, and has been an integral member of NCPI since 2004.

Director of Finance

Michele Semko

As NCPI’s Director of Finance, Shelly Semko leads all financial management aspects of the organization to include extensive finance and administrative requirements associated with NCPI’s program-specific awards and contracts. Since joining NCPI in 2014, Shelly has successfully managed tens of millions of dollars in federal and state awards and works closely with NCPI’s development and program teams to ensure coordination of financial and programmatic resources. She directly manages all budgetary processes, financial reporting, accounts payables and receivables, payroll, procurement, federally required audit oversight, and more. Additionally, Shelly also manages numerous other NCPI administrative aspects including employee benefits and other human resource functions.

Shelly applies more than 35 years of combined expertise in finance, business, education and leadership roles to her work at NCPI. She earned her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education, specializing in curriculum and instruction, from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is a Certified Plan Sponsor Professional with the Plan Sponsor Council of America. 

Senior Instructional Designer

Domenick Chiddo

As NCPI’s Senior Instructional Designer, Domenick Chiddo plays an integral role in project management, design and development of content, and quality control for NCPI’s national programs and initiatives. Since joining the NCPI team in 2019, Domenick has developed numerous training programs on critical topics in public safety, including crisis intervention with vulnerable populations, crime reduction and prevention strategies, bias mitigation, drug-impaired driving enforcement, and effective courtroom testimony. Having designed and developed technology-enhanced courses that communicate complex concepts and information to public safety practioners, Domenick also provides guidance and direction to the other members of NCPI’s Instructional Design team.

Domenick’s prior experience in K-12 education—as a classroom teacher, curriculum and assessment writer, and program coordinator—provides a foundation for his work as an instructional designer. Domenick holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in digital age learning and educational technology from Johns Hopkins University.

Project Manager

Jim Daly

Since 2001, Jim Daly has worked with NCPI as either a part-time instructor, consultant, content developer or project manager. He has served as a Project Manager since 2018, teaching a wide variety of public safety courses across the country on topics such as community policing, search warrants, leadership, and countering violent extremism. He also works closely with public safety agencies and practitioners nationwide, offering technical assistance, project management for national level NCPI programs, and promotes NCPI programs in conference workshops and exhibits, addressing topics ranging from victim notification and support services and crisis intervention teams.

Having retired from the Arlington County (VA) Police Department, Jim is a former police executive with more than 27 years of experience in law enforcement and executive level leadership in the areas of operation, criminal investigations, and emergency management. Over the course of his career, Jim has established subject matter expertise in crisis and emergency management. His record includes establishing the Pentagon Staging Area for responding agencies during the 9/11 response, helping establish the post-Katrina Emergency Operations Center in New Orleans as a member of Arlington Task Force 1, operating as Arlington County’s Emergency Support Function 13 (Law Enforcement and Security) lead, serving on the National Capital Region’s Incident Management Team and serving as the Logistic Section Chief for the Arlington County’s COVID-19 Response. Jim holds a bachelor’s from the Virginia Military Institute and a master’s in administration (Public Administration) from Central Michigan University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Professional Executive Leadership School.

Information Systems Specialist

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott has served as Information Systems Specialist at the NCPI since 2022, managing web-based infrastructure and focusing on web development for NCPI’s organizational and program-specific webpages. Mark also supports multiple NCPI Learning Management Systems that deliver on-demand online training and resources to public safety practitioners across the country.  Mark is a technical resource to the entire NCPI staff.

Mark has more than 21 years of experience in Information Systems, mostly as a systems engineer working in operations almost entirely at Fortune 500 companies. His specialty was managing large server farms, large project management, and developing incident and disaster recovery plans. He also taught technology at the high school and college level. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Virginia Commonwealth University.    

Instructional Technology Specialist

Jessica Huff

As an NCPI Instructional Technology Specialist, Jessica Huff works to both develop and deliver engaging web-based training and resources for public safety nationwide. Since joining the team in 2023, Jess develops courses from start to finish: researching existing literature and the latest innovations; collaborating with subject-matter experts nationwide; and creating technology-enhanced engaging and effective web-based learning experiences. In addition to developing these resources, Jess also works to ensure their delivery by supporting NCPI’s learning management systems and web-based training platforms.

With over 10 years of experience in instructional design in public schools, both in a classroom setting and supporting her colleagues in their use of technology resources, as well as the private sector, Jess has designed content for many unique learning audiences and experiences. Jess holds certifications in web-based accessibility and user experience, and has a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Finance Coordinator

Sherry LaBorne

As NCPI’s Finance and Operations Specialist, Sherry LaBorne supports payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and financial records management, as well as several key NCPI operational aspects, spanning information technology, program and event support, marketing and exhibiting initiatives, and much more. Additionally, Sherry has been instrumental in the growth and administration of two, national-in-scope learning management system platforms that provide web-based training and resources, as she directly supports system users and assists in data management and reporting.

Sherry’s experience in business finance and her bachelor’s in business administration from Christopher Newport University have greatly supported her expanding role at NCPI since she joined the team in 2016.

Instructional Designer

Carolyn Naoroz

Dr. Carolyn Naoroz is an instructional designer at NCPI, developing and designing content for training programs and resources. Taking a course from initial concept through the instructional design process, course development and technical build, and evaluation, Carolyn works with public safety organizations and subject-matter experts across the country to provide the high-quality training NCPI is known for.

Carolyn has devoted over a decade to utilizing research, policy, and training to support and improve the law enforcement profession. Prior to joining NCPI, she served as the Uniform Lesson Plan Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Body-Worn Camera Management Analyst for the Richmond Police Department, and as a doctoral research assistant with the National Institute of Justice. Carolyn holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration with a focus on Criminal Justice Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s in criminology and criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University, and a BFA in Dance from Fordham University.

Program Manager

Amy Sheets

Amy Sheets joined NCPI in 2017 as the Virginia VINE Program Manager, which provides automated victim notification for offender custody status in all of Virginia’s local and regional jails. Since taking on this role, Amy has led the implementation of several system enhancements including directing victims to available services and resources and protective order notifications. Amy also delivers training to law enforcement, advocates, court personnel, and others on the system, and leads the development and delivery of statewide public awareness initiatives. She currently serves on the National VINE Advisory Committee.

Prior to coming to NCPI, Amy worked for community and state government in a number of capacities, first as a public affairs officer for a locality and later as the communications director for the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Music. She is experienced in communications, emergency management, and event planning. Amy earned her bachelor’s in English at Mount Holyoke College and attended graduate school at Wake Forest University. 

Project Manager

Jeffrey Steger

Jeff Steger has worked with NCPI since its inception in 1997, serving in multiple roles including instructor, facilitator, subject-matter expert, and project manager. Currently serving as a Project Manager, Jeff supports national project implementation and delivery.  Often called upon to schedule and coordinate courses, instruct and facilitate courses, work directly with law enforcement and communities across the country addressing critical issues, and promote NCPI programs at conferences, Jeff applies more than 50 years of local law enforcement experience to his work.

Jeff retired from the Arlington County Virginia Police Department as a Master Police Officer. He worked with public and private school systems directing the coordination, planning and program implementation of a wide variety of programs that focused on youth, substance abuse, crime prevention and community policing.  He has also worked extensively with federal and state agencies, universities, and local governments promoting innovative criminal justice concepts and in more than 25 years of service with NCPI has addressed topics such as homeland security, community policing, leadership, crime prevention, and much more in communities nationwide. Jeff holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Carson-Newman University.

Digital Content and Engagement Specialist

Brittany Van Dao

Brittany Van Dao has been a member of the NCPI team since 2023 and currently serves as the Digital Content and Engagement Specialist. In this role, Brittany manages NCPI’s social media presence, coordinates national and statewide marketing campaigns for the organization and for specific programs, and manages other NCPI outreach and communication initiatives. Brittany also supports NCPI’s ability to demonstrate impact through design and production of print and digital media reporting and promotional products. Her efforts also play a role in enhancing NCPI’s visibility at industry conferences, where she proudly represents the organization’s focus on advancing public safety nationwide.

Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies from George Mason University, a master’s degree in teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a certificate in instructional design. With over 11 years of experience in public schools as both an educator and instructional coach, she expanded her role beyond the classroom, delivering training and resources to support fellow educators. An advocate for innovation, Brittany applies her education and experience toward her work at NCPI.

Learning Technology Specialist

Sejal Zindren

Sejal Zindren has served as a Learning Technology Specialist at NCPI since 2022. In this role, Sejal develops interactive web-based experiences and leverages her expertise in technology and problem-solving to create new courses and resources. Sejal also supports national-in-scope web-based learning management systems, tests and launches new training programs and resources for public safety practitioners and assists users with technical solutions and guidance. She coordinates conference exhibits and produces visually engaging assets, including videos, webpages, infographics, and email campaigns that elevate NCPI programs’ visibility.

With over 12 years of experience in education, instructional technology, and visual design, Sejal’s career is rooted in learner-centered education. As a former art educator, she crafted and adapted curricula to meet the evolving needs of students while training educators on technology integration. Sejal holds a BFA from Washington University and a master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also trained in instructional design, digital design, LMS administration, design thinking, and web accessibility.

NCPI President | Chief of Police (retired)

Douglas A. Goodman, Jr.

Jay W. Malcan, Ph.D.

Sheriff (retired)

J. Joseph McLaughlin Jr.

Sheriff, Newport News Sheriff's Office

Gabe Morgan

Sheriff (retired)

Anthony W. Roper

Chief of Police, Solebury Township (PA) Police Department

Kelley Warner

Chief of Police (retired)

Kelvin L. Wright