JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams announced three promotions and movement in his executive staff on Tuesday.
Director Tom Hackney will play a key role in the implementation of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's body camera program.
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He is moving laterally to assume responsibilities for the Department of Personnel and Professional Standards, overseeing all recruiting, training, personnel matters, Internal Affairs and IT and Crime Analysis units.
“As we recruit and build a force that knows how to function optimally in our 21st century realities, Tom will use his years of success with some of the most challenging investigations to help us build and train the best force out there,” Williams said.
Williams announced in July that JSO could begin using body cameras on a trial basis as soon as April 2017.
Hackney became the face of the Lonzie Barton investigation, providing the public with regular updates regarding the missing toddler last summer.
He was honored in Tallahassee by Attorney General Pam Bondi during National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Ron Lendvay, Chief of Homeland Security and Narcotics/Vice, was appointed to the rank of Director. He will assume responsibility for the entire Department of Investigations and Homeland Security. He joins Sheriff Williams' executive team as one of five directors.
“Ron is imminently qualified to assume the top position over investigations and all our specialized units, including homeland security. He is an excellent leader and I look forward to his continued contributions to my staff and the success of our detective divisions and specialized investigative units,” said the Sheriff.
Lendvay has been with JSO 22 years and recently graduated from the Naval Post Graduate School with his Master's in National Security Affairs.
Michelle Cook is moving laterally from the Department of Personnel and Professional Standards directorship to head up the Department of Patrol and Enforcement.
“Michelle will be only the second woman in the history of the City to lead the officers working in Patrol and Enforcement, with a solid group of commanders under her. She will shepherd the continued implementation of our ‘generational changes’ here at JSO, as our work force continues to respond to crime and prevent crime, while building solid partnerships with citizens in our community,” the Sheriff added.
Leonard Propper, currently Assistant Chief for Special Events, has been appointed Chief of Community Affairs & Special Events.
This division includes the agency’s aviation, canine, DUI and civil process units, as well as Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL) and Emergency Preparedness.
He replaces Chief Robert Connor, who will move laterally to Homeland Security and Narcotics/Vice, replacing Lendvay and bringing with him 25 years of police experience at JSO.
Lt. Andre Ayoub has been appointed Assistant Chief, and will assume responsibility for JSO’s Special Events section, in the position formerly held by Propper.
These appointments and promotions are effective Saturday, September 17, 2016.
George Chakhtoura has also been appointed Senior Executive for Technology, with responsibilities for JSO’s Information Systems and Crime Analysis.
“Planning for the continued success of an organization, through the strategic development of its leaders, is the single most important function of any ‘CEO’ or agency head,” the Sheriff said.
“I want to congratulate Ron and Leonard on their well-earned promotions, as well as Andre on his appointment to my staff. I’d also like to welcome George to JSO. I congratulate all my appointed staff who are making changes within the organization, as we tap their talents to take JSO to greater levels of operational excellence in service to our citizens and community,” said Williams. "I also want to thank Ray Walden, my friend and colleague of many years, for his service to this great city and this agency and wish him all the best in health and happiness in the years ahead.”