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LEADERSHIPMATTERSA SEMINAR FOR LODGE LEADERS2025
EventOverviewLeadership Matters continues to be oneof our most popular training events,designed specifically to aid new andaspiring lodge officers in conducting thebusiness of their lodge more efficiently. Political Action and much more. Many of the training sessions are taught bynational executive board members, committee chairs, and seasoned staff. We havefound that this form of instruction provides the attendee with the uniqueopportunity to not only learn but to meet one on one with the leadership of theFOP.Officially starting Thursday, February 20th at 9:00 AM, a bonus session is scheduledfor Wednesday, February 19th starting at 3:00PM for those who wish to arrive early.Event sign-in will start Wednesday, February 19th at 12:00 PM, as well as one hourprior to each day’s session and will continue throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lap top computer or other electronic device,as all training material will be available electronically. A copy of Robert's Rules of Order in Brief will be given only upon request, asindicated on the registration form. Vendors will be on site promoting their programs and providing materials that areof benefit to members. FOP merchandise will be available for sale Thursday and Friday during event hours. This event does fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.For more information, contact Stephanie Simpson at ssimpson@fop.net.Date: February 20-22, 2025Location: Sheraton Music CityNashville, TennesseeCost: $500 Registration FeeRegistration Deadline: February 3, 2025Event Features:Attendees will experience three (3) days ofclasses focusing on Administrative, Executiveand Financial training as well as sessions onLeadership, Labor, Member Outreach,
Leadership Matters 2025Registration FormDate: February 20-22, 2025Location: Sheraton Music City, Nashville, TNRegistration Fee: $500 per person | Registration deadline is February 3, 2025. Attendee Information:Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________ State: ________________________ Zip: ____________________Phone: __________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________Lodge: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Position: President Secretary Treasurer Other _________________________________(Please select one)Is this your first time attending: Yes No Check here to request a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order in Brief *Please note: A copy will only be provided if this box is checked. Send Registration Forms and Payment To:Forms can be sent in by mail or email. If sent by email, complete and save before sending. Confirmation will be emailed upon receipt of theregistration form and payment.National Fraternal Order of PoliceAttention: Stephanie Simpson701 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214Email: ssimpson@fop.net | Phone: 800-451-2711 Method of Payment:Please note: A convenience fee of 3% will be added by the card processing company to all credit card transactions. No part of this fee goes to theNational Fraternal Order of Police.(Please select one) Check Amex Discover Mastercard VisaName on Card: ______________________________________________________________________________________Credit Card #: _______________________________________________________________________________________Exp. Date: ________________ Security Code: ________________ Total Payment: $____________________Billing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________City: _______________________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: ___________________Email for Payment Receipt: __________________________________________________________________________Total Enclosed: $______________________________________________________________________________________
HotelInformationSheraton Music City777 McGavock PikeNashville, TN 37214615-885-2200Group Room Rate: $160 + TaxDeadline for booking rooms at the group rate is January 20, 2025.Parking: $10 per dayThis includes self parking and day parking for attendees not staying at the hotel.There is no validation for parking.The hotel does provide shuttle service to and from the airport.You must register for the event first After your registration form and payment havebeen received, you will receive an emailconfirmation from the National Officecontaining a link for making your hotel reservations online. The hotel prefers that allreservations be made through this link. Roomsmust be booked one at a time; multiple roomscannot be booked at the same time.The room block will fill up quickly. Rooms arefirst-come, first-served, so early registration isrecommended.
HotelLayoutAttendee Check-In will be in the Hermitage Lobby area beginning Wednesday, February 19th at 12:00 pm.Hands-On Membership Database Training will be available in Edgewood on Thursday and Friday.Lunch will be served buffet style in the Main Lobby and can be eaten in the McGavock Ballroom and Belle Meade Room.FOP Benefits Vendors will be set up in the Hermitage Lobby. Please stop by the tables and see what great benefits are available to FOP members.FOP Merchandise will be available for purchase in Belmont on Thursday and Friday. National FOP Headquarters: The building will be open for tours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding lunch hour). Everyone is invited to come by for a tour and take pictures.Hospitality Room: Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the McGavock Ballroom.
Class AgendaWednesday, February 19 - Bonus Session12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Early Seminar Check-In (Hermitage Lobby) Arriving early? Want to get a head start on classes? Extra classes are being offered onWednesday afternoon. The official start of the event is Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. How to Prepare Your Lodge to Be a Collective Bargaining Organization* (Hermitage C) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Roger Mayberry, NFOP Director of Labor Services Michael Coviello, NFOP Associate General Counsel Basic Robert’s Rules of Order* (Hermitage D) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Rob Pride, Chairman of National Trustees FOP Legal Defense Plan* (Hermitage E) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Michael Yon, Hylant Group and Steve James, NFOP Sergeant-at-Arms4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Break4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. 7 Basics to Negotiations* (Hermitage C) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Roger Mayberry, NFOP Director of Labor Services Michael Coviello, NFOP Associate General Counsel Breaking Burnout: Re-Igniting the Flame* (Hermitage D) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Rick Snyder, NFOP Chaplain Introduction to Leadership Matters for New Attendees (Hermitage E) Keith Turney, NFOP Director of Education & Outreach6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (McGavock Ballroom)Note: * indicates a class offered multiple times.
Class AgendaThursday, February 207:30 a.m. Seminar Check-In (Hermitage Lobby)8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hands-On Membership Database Training* (Edgewood) Also offered on Friday, February 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This is a come-when-you-can, one-on-one format, it is NOT an all-day class. NFOP Membership Department9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony & Presentation of Colors (Hermitage Ballroom) Metro Nashville Police Department Color Guard Introductions & Announcements (Hermitage Ballroom) Patrick Yoes, NFOP President9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. State of the FOP (Hermitage Ballroom) Patrick Yoes, NFOP President Success by Design (Hermitage Ballroom) Patrick Yoes, NFOP President12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (McGavock Ballroom/Belle Meade Room)1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lodge Secretary Duties, Responsibilities and Administration (Hermitage B/C) Jimmy Holderfield, NFOP Secretary1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Be Their Voice (Hermitage D/E/F) Joe Gamaldi, NFOP Vice President and James Smallwood, NFOP Treasurer2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Lodge Leadership (Hermitage D/E/F) Darrell Basco, LA State President Mike Essig, NY State President Stephen Schulz, CO Executive Director6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Hospitality (McGavock Ballroom)Note: * indicates a class offered multiple times.
Class AgendaFriday, February 218:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hands-On Membership Database Training* (Edgewood) Also offered on Thursday, February 20 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This is a come-when-you-can, one-on-one format, it is NOT an all-day class. NFOP Membership DepartmentBreakout Classes - Treasurers Track9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. You’ve Been Elected Lodge Treasurer…Now What? (Hermitage B/C) James Smallwood, NFOP Treasurer10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tax Affairs of an FOP Lodge (Hermitage B/C) Bob Krone, NFOP Staff Accountant12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch (McGavock Ballroom/Belle Meade Room) 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. QuickBooks - Basics (Two Rivers) Attendees need to bring a laptop with QuickBooks already installed. Izabela Poludniak and Jim Robbs, Sassetti QuickBooks - Advanced (Cheekwood) Attendees need to bring a laptop with QuickBooks already installed. Margaret Rizzo, SassettiBreakout Classes - Administrative/Executive Track9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 7 Basics to Negotiations* (Hermitage D/E) Also offered on Wednesday, February 19 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Roger Mayberry, NFOP Director of Labor Services and Michael Coviello, NFOP Associate General Counsel Recruitment and Retention (Hermitage F) Rich Shailor, Recruitment Committee Chairman10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. BreakNote: * indicates a class offered multiple times.
Class AgendaFriday, February 21(continued)Breakout Classes - Administrative/Executive Track (continued)10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. How to Prepare Your Lodge to Be a Collective Bargaining Organization* (Hermitage D/E) Also offered on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Roger Mayberry, NFOP Director of Labor Services and Michael Coviello, NFOP Associate General Counsel Succession Planning and Mentoring (Hermitage F) Adam Crawford, Succession Planning Committee Chairman11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Break11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Basic Robert’s Rules of Order* (Hermitage D/E) Also offered on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Rob Pride, Chairman of National Trustees Diversity Awareness Training (Hermitage F) Robert Gaddy, Diversity Committee Chairman12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch (McGavock Ballroom/Belle Meade Room)1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Navigating the Political Landscape: A Playbook for Increasing Political Influence (Hermitage B) Mark Nelson, Legislative Committee Chairman FOP Member Benefits (Hermitage C) Jack Simington, Program Development Committee Chairman FOP Legal Defense Plan* (Hermitage D/E) Also offered from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Michael Yon, Hylant Group and Steve James, NFOP Sergeant-at-Arms The Hidden Impact: How “Defund Police” Affects Correctional Officers and the Criminal Justice System (Hermitage F) Leslie Baxley, Correctional Officers Committee Co-Chairman Richard Mehner, 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. BreakNote: * indicates a class offered multiple times.
Friday, February 21Breakout Classes - Administrative/Executive Track (continued)2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Basics on Non-Profit Foundations (501c3) and Fundraising for Lodges (Hermitage B) Mike Essig, NY State President What FOP Leaders Need to Know About Officer Wellness (Hermitage C) Sherri Martin, NFOP Director of Wellness Services Breaking Burnout: Re-Igniting the Flame* (Hermitage D/E) Also offered on Wednesday, February 19 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Rick Snyder, NFOP Chaplain Beyond the Badge: Always Keep Your Options Open (Hermitage F) Dr. Charles Russo, American Public University System3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Break4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FOP Legal Defense Plan* (Hermitage B) Also offered from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Michael Yon, Hylant Group and Steve James, NFOP Sergeant-at-Arms Disaster Area Response Team Training for When Disaster Strikes (Hermitage C) Jason Smith, DART Committee Chairman Executive Directors Forum (Hermitage F) Stephen Schulz, CO Executive Director6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Hospitality Room (McGavock Ballroom)Note: * indicates a class offered multiple times.Class Agenda(continued)
Class AgendaSaturday, February 229:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Preparing for and Managing a Line-of-Duty Death: A Guide for Police Departments and Labor Unions (Hermitage Ballroom) John Hoyt, NFOP 2nd Vice President10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. National Police Week (Hermitage Ballroom) Matt Hagen, Memorial Committee Chairman11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Break11:30 a.m. – Close Round Table with Executive Board (Hermitage Ballroom) NFOP Executive Board Members**Certificates will be sent out via email after completion of the online survey.General Information: Note: * indicates a class offered multiple times.FOP Merchandise: Available in the Belmont Room on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.National FOP Headquarters Tours: The building will be open Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding lunch hour). Everyone is invited to come by for a tour and totake pictures.** Photo Alert** Pictures taken during the seminar could be used in FOP media such asthe Journal, brochures, website, social media, etc.
ClassDescriptionsThis class is designed for new or aspiring lodge leaders who areinterested in learning the basics of Robert’s Rules to assist themin running a lodge meeting. This is NOT an advanced class forparliamentarians or those already familiar with Robert’s Rules.This will give attendees the basic knowledge, skills, and tools touse when chairing lodge or committee meetings.Basic Robert’sRules ofOrderThis class introduces the fundamentals of negotiations,emphasizing its presence in daily life, from purchasing items tocomplex deals. Key topics including building rapport, setting cleargoals, understanding your boundaries, and preparing fordifferent scenarios. Participants will learn how to develop a BestAlternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA), avoid commonpitfalls like aggression or negotiating against oneself, andcommunications skills. The class emphasizes preparation,flexibility, and integrity as essential tools for successfulnegotiations.7 Basics toNegotiationsRoger Mayberry &Michael CovielloRob PrideBasic instruction on the rules and accountability on creating anon-profit foundation (501c3) and discussion on fundraising forthe foundation and for your lodge.Basics onNon-ProfitFoundations(501c3) andFundraisingfor LodgesMike Essig
ClassDescriptionsGiven the unique times and challenges within our profession,many find something is still missing. Rightfully, we have placed afocus on Physical Health and now the FOP is leading the way onMental/Emotional Health and Wellness, but what about SpiritualHealth?Join us for a thought provoking reflection on where we can findour source of strength to be able to BETTER LEAD in thesechallenging environments.BreakingBurnout: Re-Igniting theFlameRick SnyderGoing from a 19 year old who dropped out of college to becomea sworn officer to running one of the largest criminal justiceprograms in higher education in the US was not a path that wasplanned. By taking advantage of opportunities, tools available,and doors others are willing to open for you, when the timecomes to "hang up the duty belt" you too may be surprisedwhere you land. Beyond theBadge:Always KeepYour OptionsOpenDr. Charles RussoHow to turn up the volume and amplify the lodge voice,leveraging social and traditional media platforms.Be Their VoiceJoe Gamaldi &James Smallwood
ClassDescriptionsThis is a roundtable discussion, moderated by Stephen Schulz, forExecutive Directors in their respective state or local lodges, todiscuss their particular roles and responsibilities within theirlodges. Members who are considering the creation of anexecutive director may also benefit from this class.ExecutiveDirectorsForumStephen SchulzThis program is focused on diversity awareness at all levels of theFraternal Order of Police. Attendees will gather valuableinformation to take back to their own states and lodges that willaid them in fostering a more diverse organization.DiversityAwarenessTrainingRobert GaddyWhen disaster strikes, without hesitation our first respondersspring into action. Without consideration of their own familiesand homes, that are often damaged or destroyed, they respond.It is the mission of DART to assist those officers and theircommunities by providing immediate assistance to officersstanding on the thin blue line.Disaster AreaResponseTeamTraining forWhenDisasterStrikesJason Smith
ClassDescriptionsRepresentatives will be available for any lodge secretary oradministrator who would like instruction on the membershipdatabase. This is a come when you can, brief, one-on-one sessionwith a membership representative to answer any questionsabout the membership database and/or membershipprocedures. Hands onMembershipDatabaseTrainingMembershipDepartmentBenefits are only valuable if your members know about them!This is a challenge. The FOP has implemented benefits andservices that members and their families would not have accessto on their own. These benefits can help lodges retain currentmembers and attract new ones. Check for QR codes to easily findthe benefits the FOP offers.FOP MemberBenefitsJack SimingtonDon’t let an administrative, civil, or criminal lawsuit affect yourfinancial or job security. This session will provide guidance aroundthe necessity of protecting you and safeguarding your family’sfuture with affordable, comprehensive coverage through the FOPLegal Defense Plan. This session will leave you with a clear visionof the dedicated claim services, experience and expertise of lawenforcement cases, the attorney selection process, and theinvaluable cost of obtaining legal defense protection before alawsuit happens.FOP LegalDefense PlanMichael Yon &Steve James
ClassDescriptionsThis session is designed to introduce new attendees to all thatLeadership Matters has to offer. Participants will be offereddirection on which seminars are of most value to their currentrole within the FOP and be provided with a path for continueddevelopment. An emphasis on networking among the diversegroups that make up the FOP will be covered. Attendee’s willreceive the unique ability to get a head start on the weeksactivities.Introductionto LeadershipMatters forNewAttendeesKeith TurneyThis course focuses on preparing a lodge to become a collectivebargaining organization. It covers strategies such a developing aplan, identifying leadership, educating members, and leveragingthe resources of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Participantswill learn how to organize bargaining efforts, gather relevant data,and draft proposals. Emphasizing the importance od preparation,the class also provides guidance on creating objectives, securingmember support, and observing real negotiations, ensuringlodges are well-equipped for successful negotiation. How toPrepare YourLodge to Be ACollectiveBargainingOrganizationRoger Mayberry & Michael CovielloIn this eye-opening presentation, Leslie Baxley and RichardMehner will explore the far-reaching consequences of the“Defund Police” movement beyond the streets and into thecorrectional facilities. With statistical analysis on the dangers ofworking behind the walls and how to present this information toyour state and local legislatures to utilize this information tochange and enact laws.The HiddenImpact: How“DefundPolice” AffectsCorrectionalOfficers andthe CriminalJustice SystemLeslie Baxley &Richard Mehner
ClassDescriptionsA summary of local lodge leadership and their functions. Theclass will discuss pitfalls and ways to engage the membership.Local LodgeLeadershipDarrell Basco, Mike Essig &Stephen SchulzAttendees will gain knowledge of their role as lodge secretary asrequired by the Constitution & By-Laws. Topics covered willinclude minute scribing, record retention, communications,trademark regulations, membership requirements, compliance,and general duties. An introduction to the new AssociationManagement System (AMS) replacing the current database (VUE)will be given. A Q&A session will be held.LodgeSecretaryDuties,ResponsibilitiesandAdministrationJimmy HolderfieldLearn about National Police Week, including its history, anoverview of events and the role of the FOP in planning andpreparation. This informative session will include key tips andresources for those who are attending for the first time or wish tooptimize their experience.NationalPolice WeekMatt Hagen
ClassDescriptionsThis course provides police departments and labor unions withessential strategies for preparing for and effectively managing aline-of-duty death. Topics will include developing a line-of-dutydeath response plan, coordination between police departmentsand unions, communication with the affected family andcommunity, funeral arrangements, and ongoing support forsurvivors. The class will also explore best practices in ensuringthat fallen officers are honored with dignity and that their familiesreceive the long-term care and support they deserve.By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with theknowledge to handle a line-of-duty death with professionalism,compassion, and respect, while safeguarding the emotional andorganizational stability of their department and union.Preparing forand Managinga Line-of-DutyDeath: AGuide forPoliceDepartmentsand LaborUnionsJohn HoytElected officials play an enormous role when it comes to telling ushow to do our job. From qualified immunity to wages, benefitsand working conditions, legislators craft laws that affect lawenforcement and our lives. Learn effective strategies indeveloping, fostering and maintaining meaningful relationshipswith elected officials at the local, state and national levels.Navigatingthe PoliticalLandscape: APlaybook forIncreasingPoliticalInfluenceMark Nelson
ClassDescriptionsThis class will cover various methods and theories for therecruitment of new members and retention of existing members.You will receive an overview of the versatile and differing natureof the FOP as well as the benefits and unique challenges thisraises when recruiting. There will be an open discussion at theend of this seminar where we can share ideas, recruitmentstrategies, current trends and challenges and ways to keep ourmembers engaged!RecruitmentandRetentionRich ShailorThis class focuses on basic functions of QuickBooks Desktop andOnline – including bank reconciliations, recording deposits,checks, creating budgets and running reports. Will also highlightbest practices related to internal controls. Specificquestions/issues will be addressed to the best of our abilitiesduring the session but may require follow-up after the seminar.Attendees need to bring a laptop with QuickBooks alreadyinstalled.QuickBooks -BasicsSassetti - Izabela Poludniak& Jim RobbsThis workshop is designed for individuals familiar with the basicsof QuickBooks who are seeking more advanced training andinsights on using QuickBooks. Topics will include setting upworkflows and monthly routines, utilizing advanced features andreports, and troubleshooting common QuickBooks issues. Thissession will also cover an overview of converting from QuickBooksDesktop to Online. An open Q&A will follow to address any issuesattendees may be experiencing.QuickBooks -AdvancedMargaret Rizzo
ClassDescriptions"Success by Design" is a comprehensive training class designedspecifically for Fraternal Order of Police leaders. This coursedelves into the dynamics of the service industry and exploressuccessful business models that can be effectively applied torunning an FOP Lodge.Success byDesignPatrick YoesThroughout the course, participants will: Examine Industry Dynamics:** Gain insights into the core principles of the serviceindustry and understand how these principles can be adapted to enhance lodgeoperations.Explore Successful Business Models:** Discover key business strategies and practicesthat drive success and learn how these can be leveraged to create more productiveand efficient lodges.Apply Proven Strategies:** Learn practical applications of successful business modelsto FOP lodges, including strategies to boost member engagement, streamlineoperations, and increase overall effectiveness.Enhance Advocacy:** Develop skills and strategies to improve advocacy efforts onbehalf of members, ensuring that lodges are better equipped to address memberneeds and strengthen their voice."Success by Design" will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to elevateyour lodge’s performance, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and effective organization.The State of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) will provideattendees with a comprehensive overview of the currentlandscape of law enforcement and the vital role the FOP plays inadvocating for officers' rights, welfare, and public safety. Led bythe National President, this presentation will explore recentdevelopments, legislative initiatives, and strategic goals thatimpact our members, their communities, and the future ofpolicing in America.State of theFOPPatrick Yoes
ClassDescriptionsThis course is meant for newly elected Lodge Treasurers as itfocuses on teaching treasurers how to file their lodges’ annual990 tax returns. It also explains the ramifications of a lodge thatfails to file a tax return. Additional topics include fund-raisingconcerns of a lodge and additional tax issues.Tax Affairs ofan FOP LodgeBob KroneJoin National Treasurer James Smallwood as he takes a deep diveinto the day-to-day role of the treasurer’s position. In this course,we will cover a host of procedural aspects like budgeting, accountreconciliation, important protections and checks and balances toensure both you and the order are operating your finances atpeak performance.You’ve BeenElected LodgeTreasurer...Now What?James SmallwoodThe law enforcement profession is in a period of unprecedentedchange. As FOP leaders, we have unique opportunities to supportthe mental health and wellbeing of our members. This seminarwill provide important updates on trends in officer wellness,including new data, developments, and mandates that arespecifically affecting the law enforcement family. We still havework to do. What FOPLeaders Needto KnowAbout OfficerWellnessSherri MartinThe purpose of this course is to provide information to lodgeleaders to aid them with recruiting, coaching, and mentoringyounger members to become future leaders in the organizationwhile using our generational differences to our advantage.SuccessionPlanning andMentoringAdam Crawford
Leadership TeamDarrell Basco State President (LA)Darrell is currently the President of the Louisiana State FOP and the Chief ofthe Pineville Police Department. He has been in law enforcement for 29years.Leslie Baxley Correctional Officers Committee Co-ChairmanLeslie Baxley is the Addiction Service Treatment Coordinator at the ArizonaDepartment of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry as well as the co-chair to the Correctional Officers Committee. With over 12 years ofexperience in the correctional setting, she has a strong sense of gatheringdata and implementing change within her field.Michael CovielloNFOP Associate General CounselMichael E. Coviello, Esq. has been practicing law since 1993 and is theAssociate General Counsel for the Labor Services Division of the NationalFraternal Order of Police. Michael has been representing FOP memberssince 1998 and was the General Counsel of the Florida State Lodge and its Labor Council for four years. He has extensive experience and has been successful in representing FOPmembers in civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration, and collective bargaining matters. Michael has alsobeen a tireless advocate of police officers rights such as privacy and other constitutional and statutoryrights, both in the litigation and legislative arenas. He has also been effective in recruiting and organizingefforts in Florida. Michael graduated magna cum laude from Nova University’s Law School in 1993 andbegan his career in the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, winning awards for his trial skills andcontinued his training in prestigious firms in the Fort Lauderdale area before coming to the FOP.
Adam CrawfordSuccession Planning & Mentoring CommitteeChairmanAdam has been an active police officer for 17 years and an FOP memberthroughout his career. He is currently the State Vice President for WestVirginia and Chairman of the National Succession Planning and MentoringCommittee.Michael Essig State President (NY)Michael L. Essig has spent his entire adult life in service to his community,his country and the law enforcement profession. A thirty-three-year lawenforcement career saw him rise through the ranks, in several agencies.Along the way, he brought his deeply ingrained leadership style of Leadership Teamtransparency, integrity and inclusiveness to roles as varied as union delegate, instructor for developmenttraining and Deputy District Director of Homeland Security for his Congressional District.Not only did he protect and serve the public, Michael has also dedicated himself to protecting andserving the members of the law enforcement profession. He is past president of the NYS FOPFoundation where he became well versed in nonprofit law and accounting. Michael is often called uponto teach others how to run a successful charity and raise funds. That experience has been invaluable tohim in his role as chair of the Ways and Means Committee of the National Fraternal Order of PoliceFoundation. He currently serves as the Chief Executive - President of the NYS Fraternal Order of Policeand is responsible for the day-to-day operations of this eighteen-thousand-member organization. And isalso the Chairman of the FOP Labor Coalition. Additionally, he is proud of his elected official experienceas a Former Town Councilman.
Joe GamaldiNFOP Vice PresidentFOP National Vice President Joe Gamaldi was born and raised on LongIsland, NY. Following high school he attended the University of Hartford,where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice, with minors in PoliticalScience and Sociology. After graduation, Joe was hired by the NYPD in 2005 Leadership TeamRobert GaddyDiversity Committee ChairmanWith over 25 years of law enforcement experience, Robert is a careerveteran and a Captain of the North Carolina University PD. With expert skillsin Tactical Law Enforcement, Drug Interdiction, and Narcotics and CriminalInvestigations, Robert continues to be highly competitive, passionate,persuasive, and articulate. He can achieve results others believed to beimpossible.where he worked as an officer for approximately three years. He then transferred to the Houston PoliceDepartment in 2008, where he is currently an active Lieutenant.Shortly after graduation from the academy, he completed his Master’s Degree from Long IslandUniversity in Homeland Security Management. Joe then went on to serve as a Board Member of theHouston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) FOP Lodge 110 before being elected the Second Vice President,serving in that capacity for five years before being elected President of the Houston Police Officers’Union, where he served for three years. Joe was elected National Vice President of the Fraternal Orderof Police in August of 2019 in New Orleans.Within the National FOP Joe led the committee which developed the first National FOP mobile app. Healso assists running the social media platforms for the National FOP and with mediarelations/responses.
Leadership TeamJimmy HolderfieldNFOP SecretarySecretary Holderfield possesses 45 years of experience and knowledge inFOP operations and leadership from the local, state, and national levels. Hehas held the positions of Secretary and President in Jacksonville Lodge 5-30, President of the Florida State Lodge, National Sergeant-at-Arms, andcurrently National Secretary. He oversees the National operations for theNational Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.Matt HagenMemorial Committee ChairmanMatt has been a member of the FOP since 1999 and has held severalpositions on his local and state lodge boards. He is the immediate StatePresident for Minnesota and is the Chairman of the Memorial Committee.He first attended police week in 2004 and began volunteering with theSteve Young Honor Guard Competition and National Peace OfficersMemorial Service in 2006. He is a Sergeant with a metro sheriff’s office andis in his 26th year of law enforcement.
Leadership TeamSteve JamesNFOP Sergeant-at-Arms, President - National FOP Legal PlanSteve has been on the National Legal Defense Plan Board for 15 years, 10of which he has served as the President of the seven member Board. Steveis responsible for working with the plans’ partners on the day to dayadministration of the Legal Defense Plan. Steve also serves on theExecutive Board as the National Sergeant at Arms. John HoytNFOP 2nd Vice PresidentJohn has lived in the Philadelphia area for more than 30 years. He movedthere to attend La Salle University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degreein Business Administration. He spent two years in corporate America untiljoining the Philadelphia Police Department in 1999. He began his career in patrol, serving in the 12th Police District in West Philadelphia. Over the next 24 years his career wouldtake him all over the city in various assignments. John has worked most of his career in patrol as a Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, working bothuniform and plain clothes duties. He has worked primarily in proactive anti-crime assignments includingthe Philadelphia Highway Patrol Unit, the city’s primary anti-violent crime task force. During that time, hereceived many commendations including the department’s highest, the Medal of Valor. As a Lieutenant,he was in command of the 35th Police District’s bike, narcotics, and tactical officer operations. Betweenhis time as an Officer and Sergeant he also spent time in Special Investigations as a Detective in WestPhiladelphia where he was responsible for shootings investigations, commercial robberies investigations,and identifying and solving street level robbery patterns. John went to graduate school while working thestreet and obtained his Master’s Degree in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph’s University.Continuing his education in 2017, John graduated from the Harvard University Law School Trade UnionProgram. Currently, John holds the rank of Captain within the Philadelphia Police Department.
Leadership TeamSherri MartinNFOP Director of Wellness ServicesSherri Martin serves as the National Director of Wellness Services for theFraternal Order of Police. A retired career police officer, Sherri hasextensive experience in crisis negotiation and intervention, serving most ofher law enforcement career as a patrol supervisor and lead crisisnegotiator. While a member of the Charleston Police Department in South Carolina, she achieved therank of Lieutenant and was responsible for the development of programs in the areas of officer wellnessand crisis intervention within the community. Sherri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychologyfrom the University of North Carolina and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology fromthe Citadel, where she was chosen by faculty to receive the J. Patrick Leverett Award presented to themost outstanding graduate student in the Psychology program. Additionally, Sherri has experience inclinical therapy, having served veterans suffering from PTSD and Clinical Depression at Ralph H. JohnstonVeterans Affairs Hospital in South Carolina. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor Associate in theState of Connecticut. While completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology at John JayCollege of Criminal Justice, Sherri led the Fraternal Order of Police National Officer Wellness Committeein a landmark survey of police officers on the subjects of critical stress, stigma, and use of wellnessservices. Sherri is a member of the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide, is apublished author, and has served as a contributor to various symposia and conferences on officerwellness and police suicide. She has been a member of the FOP since 1997, and has served in variouspositions of local and state lodge leadership since 2003. She currently serves as the Second VicePresident of the Connecticut FOP State Lodge.Robert KroneNFOP Staff AccountantAfter a 40 year career in Public accounting with an emphasis on not-for-profit accounting, I joined the National FOP as their tax specialist. Myspecialty includes assisting organizations that have lost their tax-exemptstatus.
Leadership TeamMark NelsonLegislative Committee Chairman, OK State PresidentMark is a twenty four year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department.He was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He has served asOklahoma FOP President since 2020 and Oklahoma City FOP Presidentsince 2022. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Theology from OklahomaBaptist College & Institute. Richard MehnerAZ ALC Lobbyist, AZ044 PresidentWaldemar “Richard” Mehner has served as the President of AZ FOP Lodge44 for Corrections for the past 14 years. In addition, he has been the SeniorLegislative Liaison for the AZ FOP Labor Council, representing lawenforcement at the Arizona State Capitol for over a decade. With over 24years of experience in the corrections field, Richard has worked both withincorrectional facilities and Community Corrections (Parole), giving him acomnprehensive understanding of issues in this field.Roger MayberryNFOP Director of Labor ServicesRoger, an FOP member since 1990, served as California State LodgePresident (2000-2022) and National Trustee. He has extensive experiencein collective bargaining, arbitration, and grievance handling. He overseeslabor services in 20 states, representing 160+ collective bargaining units.Roger retired as a Lieutenant from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’sDepartment after 30+ years with a background in field services,court/custody, and academy training.
Leadership TeamRob PrideNFOP Chairman of the TrusteesRob Pride has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police since 1994.He is a Colorado native and started his law enforcement career as a reservedeputy at age 19. Over his more than 25-year career, Rob has worked as acorrections officers, patrol officer, gang enforcement, narcotics detective, general investigations detective, and currently serves as a sergeant in his patrol division. Rob alsocurrently serves as team leader for his agency’s SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team and also supervises theField Training Unit responsible for training new police officers.Rob was a charter member of his current lodge in Loveland, Colorado, and would later serve that lodgeas Chairman of the Labor Council, State Trustee and a 6-year term as President. He was elected to theColorado State FOP Executive Board in 2008 and has since served in the positions of Sergeant-at-Arms,2nd Vice President and currently as the National Trustee. Rob was elected to the National FOPExecutive Board as Chairman of the Trustees at the National FOP Conference in Nashville in 2017.During his time as an FOP leader, Rob has been an active voice for officer wellness and police suicideprevention. Rob was active in a 5-year effort by the Colorado FOP to pass legislation in their state torecognize PTSD for first responders as a workers’ compensation injury and raise awareness aboutpolice suicide. Rob serves on the Colorado FOP Legislative Committee and has testified beforelegislators on various bills surrounding marijuana laws, drug enforcement laws, improving police tacticsand practices, community relations and several other bills of importance to law enforcement.Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is currently pursuing aMaster’s degree in Emergency Management from Columbia Southern University.
Leadership TeamFoundation, and the NFOP Legal Plan, as well as various state and local lodges across the United States.Jim and Izabela are both DePaul University graduates and collectively have decades of experience inaudit, tax, and client accounting and advisory services. They spend much of their time advising non-profitorganizations on accounting, tax, and internal control best practices.Sassetti, LLCIzabela Poludniak & Jim RobbsPartner/PartnerSassetti LLC has been working with the NFOP formore than 20 years and provides audit, tax, andadvisory services to the NFOP, the NFOP Dr. Charles RussoAmerican Public University SystemDr. Chuck Russo is the Department Chair of Human Justice/Criminal Justiceat American Public University System. He began his law enforcement careerin 1987 and was involved in patrol, training, special operations, andinvestigations before retiring in 2013. Dr. Russo continues to design andinstruct courses, and acts as a consultant for education, government, andindustry throughout the world. His research and presentations focus onofficer hiring/retention, post-traumatic stress, officer suicide, and humantrafficking. Margaret RizzoSassetti, LLCMargaret has over 25 years of experience advising small businesses andnon-profits on finance, accounting and ERP solutions. She specializes inhelping clients improve financial systems, forecasting, and reporting, with astrong focus on QuickBooks training and optimization. Margaret's expertiseincludes delivering workshops on advanced QuickBooks features, bridgingtechnology gaps, and implementing strategic solutions that streamlineoperations and enhance workflows. Her focus is on empoweringorganizations to achieve greater financial transparency and efficiency.
Leadership TeamJack SimingtonProgram Development Committee ChairmanJack is a retired 37-year LEO with 28 years as an FOP member. He was thefirst Washington State President after organizing the state for a StateLodge. He served nine years as State President before stepping down toserve as the National Trustee for WA State.Jack is heavily involved in labor as the co-chair for the Washington State Labor Coalition, organizing andproviding FOP members the opportunity to get additional benefits for them and their family members. Rich ShailorRecruitment Committee ChairmanSergeant Shailor (ret.) is a 30 year veteran of Massachusetts LawEnforcement. During his career he served in most aspects of the professionincluding patrol, detectives, prosecution, administration and crisisnegotiation. He has been deeply involved with the FOP throughout hiscareer and currently serves as the Massachusetts State Lodge VicePresident and National Trustee. He has served on the National LaborCommittee and the National Recruitment Committee which he now chairs. Stephen SchulzExecutive Director (CO)Stephen Schulz was the State President of Colorado and now serves as theExecutive Director. He has also served as the State Vice President and 2ndVice President. He has been the local lodge President in Longmont,Colorado since 2006. He is on the National LaborCommittee and NarcoticsAdvisory Committee.
Leadership TeamJason SmithDART Committee ChairmanJason served over 25 years as a peace officer in the state of Oklahomabefore retiring in 2021. He has served on his local and state ExecutiveBoards in multiple positions, including State President. Jason was afounding member of the Oklahoma DART team in 2008 which led to the conception of the National DART team under the leadership of President Pat Yoes in 2019. Since then,over 70 thousand meals have been prepared and hundreds of officer’s homes have been stabilized inmultiple major deployments across this country. While first responders work hard to stabilize theircommunities after a disaster, your DART team works hard to serve and protect those who protect andserve.James SmallwoodNFOP TreasurerJames Smallwood was elected FOP National Treasurer in 2021. James alsoserves as the President of the Nashville FOP, Andrew Jackson Lodge #5. Hehas served in this role since July of 2016. As President, he has worked tonegotiate for better pay, benefits and working conditions for the officers that work for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, implemented new policies and proceduresto advance theefficiency of the organization and successfully managed multiple not-for-profit entities.James has served with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) for 11 years. Starting in2010, James served as a patrol officer for three years before advancing to the department’s flex unit. Heserved with the flex unit for approximately one year before advancing to the department’s criminalinvestigations unit where he served as a detective for approximately one year. He then moved to thedepartment’s strategic development division, a unit responsible for development of departmental policy,compliance with the standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Law EnforcementAgencies (CALEA) and various other tasks as assigned by the office of the Chief of Police. James served inthis role for one year before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Upon his promotion, he returnedto the department’s patrol division where he served as a district sergeant in the east precinct.While assigned to these various roles, James has also served as a Volunteer Chaplain and peer supporterin the department’s wellness unit, as well as an adjunct instructor with the MNPD training academy fortraffic stop and reality-based training. James has also served on President Donald J. Trump’s Commissionon Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice as a Commissioner as well as Tennessee Governor BillLee’s 2020 Law Enforcement Task Force as a Commissioner.
Leadership TeamKeith TurneyNFOP Director of Education & OutreachKeith Turney is the Director of Education and Outreach for the NationalFOP. His experience in law enforcement spans over 40 years. As a JolietIllinois police officer, he became a specialist in labor/managementrelations retiring at the rank of commander. Upon retirement Keithembarked on a second career as a field representative with the Illinois FOPLabor Council for 15 years as well as the National FOP Sergeant at Armsfrom 2017 – 2023.Rick SnyderNFOP ChaplainRick Snyder serves as Chaplain for the National Fraternal Order of Police.He was appointed by President Patrick Yoes and has served since August2021, providing spiritual support for over 373,000 members acrossAmerica. Rick is a certified Law Enforcement Chaplain with a focus on Sharing Hope in Crisis (SHIC) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). He has provided servicesfor the FOP National Law EnforcementMemorial, assisted with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), andhaspresented at the Cove Training Center for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.Rick Snyder serves as Chaplain for the National Fraternal Order of Police. He was appointed by PresidentPatrick Yoes and has served since August 2021, providing spiritual support for over 373,000 membersacross America. Rick is a certified Law Enforcement Chaplain with a focus on Sharing Hope in Crisis (SHIC)and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). He has provided services for the FOP National LawEnforcement Memorial, assisted with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), and has presented at the CoveTraining Center for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.Rick also serves as the President of FOP Indianapolis Lodge #86. In his elected capacity he representsmore than 3,000 active/retired officers and their families from 10 different law enforcement agencies inCentral Indiana. Rick has 25 years of law enforcement experience and has served and supervised inPatrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Administration and Training. Rick received his MBA fromIndiana Wesleyan University where he received top honors as the Outstanding Professional Awardrecipient. His graduate work also includes a Certificate in Public Management from Indiana University.
Michael YonSenior Vice President, Nashville Office, Hylant GroupMichael has worked closely with the FOP Legal Plan for over 20 years.He leads the team of enrollment and marketing administrators atHylant. His experience and knowledge of the plan bring some greatinsight and information as it pertains to the legal plan and itsbenefits.Leadership TeamPatrick YoesNFOP PresidentPresident Yoes has dedicated his life to public service and lawenforcement advocacy, becoming an active member of the FraternalOrder of Police (FOP) in1984. With nearly 36 years of experience, heretired in 2020 from the St. Charles Sheriff's Office in Louisiana, where he served in various roles including patrol deputy, sergeant, school resource officer, andcommander of the Special Services Division. President Yoes has held numerous leadershippositions within the FOP, including eight terms as President of the local lodge, and over22 yearson the Louisiana State Lodge Executive Board, ten of which were asPresident. Nationally, he wasrecognized as the Jack Dudek Member of theYear in 2000, served as National Sergeant-at-Armsin 2003, and as NationalSecretary for 14 years before becoming National President in 2019.With degrees in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership and as a graduate of the FBINational Academy, President Yoes is committed to empowering others and addressing theevolving challenges faced by law enforcement professionals.
ExhibitingVendorsVendorHylantLaborServicesNFOPFoundationTravelPerksRegistrationDeskHarborof GraceVendorVendorVendorVendorVendorVendorVendor Vendor VendorVendorVendorVendorEBSVendor VendorVendorSassettiVendorHALO(Merchandise)
Exhibiting VendorsHarbor of GraceA comprehensive first responder wellness center that provides inpatient treatment forofficers struggling with substance use issues, mental health conditions or are in-crisis.HALOThe FOP Store is your official source for apparel and accessories for active members,items for elected lodge officials, customized lodge gear and more!Employee Benefit Systems (EBS)FOP College Tuition Discount Benefit and supplemental insurance products.Hylant GroupLegal defense protection is a necessity for law enforcement professionals. The FOP LegalDefense Plan offers lodges and members a very affordable and comprehensive planwith several options.
ExhibitingVendorsTravelPerks is the exclusive travel agency of the Fraternal Order of Police. At TravelPerks,you’ll work with real people and receive the best deals and service, every day.TravelPerksSassettiSassetti, LLC has been working with the NFOP for more than 20 years and providesaudit, tax, and advisory services to the NFOP, the NFOP Foundation, and the NFOP LegalPlan, as well as various state and local lodges across the United States.Additional vendors coming soon!
ContactInformation800-451-2711 | 615-399-0900701 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214www.fop.netNational OfficePatrick Yoes - pyoes@fop.netJoe Gamaldi - jgamaldi@hpou.orgJimmy Holderfield - jholderfield@fop.netJames Smallwood - fopsmallwood@gmail.comJohn Hoyt - jhoyt@fop5.orgSteve James - sjamespoa@gmail.comRob Pride - lodge52pride@gmail.comNFOP Executive BoardDarrell Basco - dbasco@redriverfop.org Mark Nelson - mnelson@okcfop.comLeslie Baxley - lbaxley@azadc.gov Izabela Poludniak - poludniak@sassetti.comMichael Coviello - mecoviello@fop.net Margaret Rizzo - rizzo@sassetti.comAdam Crawford - acrawford@fop.net Jim Robbs - robbs@sassetti.comMike Essig - mikee@nysfop.org Charles Russo - crusso@apus.eduRobert Gaddy - vp_foplodge2@yahoo.com Stephen Schulz - fophawkeye@gmail.comMatt Hagen - mhagen@fop.net Rich Shailor - rshailor@gmail.comBob Krone - bkrone@fop.net Jack Simington - proud2bfop@aol.comSherri Martin - sherrimartin@fop.net Jason Smith - jenkscsi@gmail.comRoger Mayberry - bear1233@aol.com Rick Snyder - rsnyder@fop86.orgRichard Mehner - wmehner@azadc.gov Michael Yon - michael.yon@hylant.comInstructors
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