Chief Jeri Williams

Ms. Williams served as Chief of Police for the Phoenix Police Department, the first female to lead the city’s force, from 2016 to 2022. During her tenure with the department, she advanced a number of progressive strategies, including key areas such as community engagement and professional standards. Previously, she served nearly six years as Chief of Police in the City of Oxnard, California. Ms. Williams has received extensive accolades for her dedication to law enforcement, including being named one of Arizona’s Most Intriguing Women by the Arizona Centennial Legacy Project and recognized as California’s Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year for her leadership and outstanding accomplishments. In 2016, President Obama appointed Ms. Williams to a membership position on the Medal of Valor Review Board. She has also served as the first female President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Since 2023, Ms. Williams has acted as Principal for Impresa Strategy, a business consulting and advisory services firm. Ms. Williams holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Arizona State University and a M.A. in Education from Northern Arizona University.