OUR NATIONAL REACH. OUR LOCAL IMPACT.
A Chapter Built on Leadership and Service
Founded in 1976, just over a decade after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) emerged during a pivotal period in American history. As the nation worked to translate civil rights protections into meaningful institutional change, NOBLE established a professional voice for Black law enforcement leadership.
Its founding represented more than the creation of a professional association. It reflected the importance of leadership representation, equal opportunity, and public confidence in the institutions entrusted with enforcing the law.
Today, NOBLE continues its legacy through a network of more than 4,800 members across 58 U.S. chapters, with an international presence extending to Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. This collective expertise positions NOBLE as a strategic partner across the justice system, providing executive insight and innovative solutions to complex public safety challenges affecting the communities we serve.
Explore NOBLE’s Regional and Chapter Directory: https://noblenational.org/noble-region-and-chapter-directory/
ABOUT OUR CHAPTER
The Greater Cleveland Chapter of NOBLE represents more than 40 national and local members serving in public safety organizations throughout Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Summit counties.
The Chapter strengthens its regional influence through strategic partnerships with Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus, the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Hispanic Police Officers Association, Black Shield, and Cleveland Community Police Commission.
These relationships foster executive engagement, professional collaboration, and coordinated approaches to advancing public safety across Northeast Ohio.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
THREE PRINCIPLES. ONE SHARED MISSION.
01
CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
We advance executive leadership readiness through strategic succession planning, CEO-level mentorship, and partnerships with executive search firms, positioning emerging leaders for senior leadership opportunities across the public safety profession.
02
ADVANCING PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
We advance professional excellence through mentorship, advanced education, professional credentials, and continuous learning opportunities, including conferences, webinars, and executive speaking engagements.
03
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS & PUBLIC TRUST
We foster meaningful engagement between public safety professionals, youth, and underserved communities through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives that promote mutual understanding, strengthen relationships, and build lasting public trust.
2026–2027 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
These priorities guide how we develop leaders, grow our chapter, engage young people, and strengthen public trust.
01
STRENGTHENING THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PIPELINE
We strengthen the public safety leadership pipeline by identifying
high-potential professionals who demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, initiative, and leadership capacity. Through executive mentorship, succession planning, and targeted development opportunities, we prepare emerging leaders for increased responsibility and advancement into executive roles.
02
EXPANDING MEMBERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION
Broaden NOBLE’s membership through strategic engagement with law enforcement agencies, specialized public safety organizations, and allied professionals. Strengthen organizational representation by creating pathways for diverse professional expertise to contribute through committee service, board leadership, and strategic initiatives.
03
EXPANDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
Empowering young people is essential to building safer communities. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we introduce youth to careers in law enforcement, develop their leadership potential, and foster positive relationships between officers and the community.
04
ADVANCING COMMUNITY TRUST & RESTORATIVE ENGAGEMENT
NOBLE seeks to unite public safety agencies, allied organizations, and civic leaders in addressing divisions between law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. Through restorative dialogue and coordinated initiatives, these partnerships aim to strengthen professional support, rebuild mutual trust, improve police-community relations, and advance accountability in public safety.
Victor McDowell, Jr., M.A., SHRM-CP, CLEE
President Greater Cleveland Chapter of NOBLE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to NOBLE Greater Cleveland
As President of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), I am honored to welcome you to our website.
Through advocacy, mentorship, and professional development, we provide our members with the support and resources they need to excel in their careers and serve their communities with integrity and excellence.
We invite you to explore our website, engage with our initiatives, and partner with us in fostering humility in policing while promoting fairness and justice for all.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our Executive Board for their unwavering commitment, our volunteers for their dedication, and our partners, Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police—including the CL3-Team Alliance—for their efforts in fostering critical conversations between law enforcement and youth.
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Executive Board Members
Meet the leaders helping advance the mission of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of NOBLE.
Shawn T. Payne
Chapter First Vice President
Law-enforcement and security-operations leader with more than twenty years of experience, currently overseeing operations at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
Craig Ali
Chapter Second Vice President
Lorain County Sheriff’s Office deputy with more than twenty-five years of law-enforcement, corrections, justice-system, and higher-education leadership experience.
NOBLE
GREATER CLEVELAND
Reginald Lanton
Chapter Recording Secretary
Cleveland Division of Police sergeant with nineteen years of progressive experience, including detective, academy instructor, and public-information roles.
LaKisha Smith
Chapter Corresponding Secretary
Cleveland Division of Police officer with nearly eighteen years of service and current responsibilities as a training coordinator in the 5th District Missing Persons Division.
Shanetta Harris
Chapter Treasurer
Public-sector finance professional with more than a decade of experience in budget administration, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary stewardship.
Yvette LaPrade
Chapter Financial Secretary
City of Maple Heights finance specialist with extensive experience in municipal operations, payroll, financial management, and public service.
Shonisha Boley
Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms
Criminal-justice professional with more than eleven years of federal and state law-enforcement experience and specialized crisis-intervention training.
Pastor Michael Murphy, Sr.
Chapter Chaplain
Senior Pastor of Prevail Church with more than forty-four years of ministry experience and a long record of chaplaincy, mentorship, grief support, and service to law enforcement.
JOIN THE CHAPTER
Your Voice. Your Impact. Your Legacy.
YOU MUST BE A NATIONAL MEMBER BEFORE YOU CAN BE A CHAPTER MEMBER.
Become part of a network committed to leadership, service, professional growth, and stronger communities.
Greater Cleveland Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives