2025 HAPCA Board of Directors
Jeff Bert, President
Tom Ball Police Department
Chief Jeff Bert began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1996. He served the residents of Los Angeles for the next 24 years working a variety of operational, investigative, and administrative assignments. Chief Bert wrote the Strategic Plan and a variety of policies that continue to guide the men and women of the LAPD. As a Police Commander in charge of Community Policing, Jeff professionalized and expanded youth programs, working with underprivileged youth to ensure they had access to after-school activities, tutoring, and college scholarships. He retired in June 2020 as the Department Risk Manager.
In July 2020, Jeff became the Chief of Police for the City of Tomball. His greatest honor is working with a team of dedicated officers and civilians who protect and serve the city of Tomball. Chief Bert lives in Tomball with his wife, Stacy. They have four incredible daughters and way too many cats and dogs.
Marlon Runnels, Vice President
Klein ISD Police Department
Chief Runnels began his law enforcement career in 2001 as a detention officer with the Harris County Sheriffs Dept. Since that time he has worked for multiple police agencies throughout the greater Houston area. He first entered school based policing when he joined the Klein ISD Police Department in 2008. While in Klein, he worked on campus and patrol assignments as an officer as well as a Sergeant. In 2017 Chief Runnels was given the opportunity to lead the Montgomery ISD Police Department. During his time in MISD the police department underwent a cultural change where officers focused on efficient delivery of police services to the 9000 plus students via increased training and relational based practices. In 2020, Runnels returned to Klein ISD in the role of Assistant Chief and in 2022 he was promoted to Chief of Police of Klein ISD, the 16th largest district in the State of Texas. Chief Runnels currently holds a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Administration of Justice were from Texas Southern University. He also holds numerous certification such as Master Peace Officer, Police Instructor, ALERRT Instructor, SBLE Instructor, FBINAA Command College graduate, and a FBI-LEEDA Trilogy recipient. Chief Runnel's professional associations include Texas Municipal Police Association, Houston Area Chiefs Association, Leadership North Houston. He was elected 4th VP of the Texas School District Chiefs Association in 2023.
Onesimo Lopez, Secretary
Bellaire Police Department
Chief Onesimo "Mo" Lopez began his tenure with the City of Bellaire in January 2019. Chief Lopez was brought on board after a nationwide search for an Assistant Chief for the department. Prior-Chief Byron Holloway intentionally wanted to select a candidate that would be able to make the transition from Assistant Chief to Chief and maintain the legacy of relationships and service he built during his tenure. Chief Lopez has 24 years of prior law enforcement and administrative experience with a Houston-area agency. In that time he has held positions in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Police Administration. Chief Lopez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration as well as a Master Peace Officer License. Chief Lopez is a graduate of Class #56 of the Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College and Session #279 of the FBI National Academy.
H.E Jenkins, Treasurer
University of St. Thomas Police Department
Chief H.E. Jenkins brings a wealth of experience to the field of law enforcement, boasting over 22 years of dedicated service. Commencing his career at Abilene Christian University in 2022, Chief Jenkins initially served as a patrol officer for six years before earning a well-deserved promotion to Lieutenant. His exceptional contributions were recognized with a commendation for outstanding service in 2010, specifically for his pivotal role in enhancing the records management system. In 2011, Chief Jenkins transitioned to Concordia University Texas Police Department (CTXPD), where he assumed the role of Chief of Police. During his tenure at CTXPD, Chief Jenkins demonstrated visionary leadership by successfully implementing an Emergency Management Plan, ensuring the university’s preparedness for various emergency scenarios. Notably, he played a key role in ensuring compliance with the Clery Act, introducing procedures that continue to safeguard the university community. His dedication and tireless efforts were acknowledged with a commendation of service in 2017 from the university’s president. Chief Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Applied Studies Degree in General Business and a Master's Degree in Human Resource and Organization Development from Abilene Christian University. His commitment to commitment to conflict resolution is evident through a certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, also from ACU. Chief Jenkins graduated from the police academy in 2002 and currently holds a Master Peace Officer license from the State of Texas. In August 2017 Chief H.E. Jenkins embraced a new chapter in his career by joining the University of St. Thomas. Outside of his professional endeavors, he finds joy in family life being married to Mona Jenkins and having two children. Chief Jenkins continues to be a pillar of strength and leadership within the law enforcement community, dedicated to ensuring safety, fostering community building, and making a lasting impact on those he serves.
Paul Cordova, Past President
Aldine ISD Police Department
Chief Paul Córdova began his law enforcement career in 1982 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. While at the Sheriff’s Office, Córdova worked as a Deputy, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Senior Captain. Córdova fulfilled numerous assignments, including patrol, detentions, courts, criminal investigations, emergency management and homeland security. In 2014, he retired from the HCSO and joined the Rice University as a Police Captain where he served for three years. Following his tenure at RUPD, he joined the Houston ISD Police Department as an Assistant Chief. Within a few months he was appointed Interim Chief and Chief of Police. In 2020, he joined the Aldine ISD Police Department as Chief of Police which is his current post. Cordova holds a Master Peace Officer certification, Master Jailer certification, Crime Prevention certification and a Police Instructor certification with TCOLE. He holds Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Córdova is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Leadership Command College of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. He recently completed the FBI LEEDS program which is exclusive to Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs and Constables. Chief Córdova is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Association, Texas Police Chief’s Association, Houston Area Chiefs of Police Association, the Texas School District Police Chief’s Association, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. He is also a Life Member of The 100 Club of Houston.
Laurie Christensen, Legislative Representative
Harris County Fire Marshall Police Department
Laurie L. Christensen is the Harris County Fire Marshal with over 30 years’ fire service, emergency management, and law enforcement experience combined. Harris County has 4.7 million residents and is the 3rd largest county in the United States.
Currently, Christensen directs and leads a team of over 150 committed employees. The Prevention division, under her guidance, implements, complies with, and enforces the adopted Harris County Fire Code 2018. The Arson division, among the busiest in Texas, strictly adheres to the national standards of NFPA 921 and 1033. The Hazardous Response Team is the primary responder to hazardous material incidents and suspected homeland security threats within unincorporated Harris County and the surrounding thirteen-county region. The Training & Education division is a state-certified comprehensive emergency services training provider, developing curriculum, building realistic training props, and ensuring the highest safety standards in their programs. Christensen holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, from the University of Houston Downtown. She maintains Master Level Certifications from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Texas Commission for Fire Protection, is a certified Texas Emergency Manager along with various additional certifications. She is active in regional, state, and national organizations for law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency management. She appreciates the privilege of serving the residents of Harris County and the state of Texas.
Soloman Cook, TPCA Representative
Humble ISD Police Department
Solomon Cook, current Chief of Police for Humble ISD, began his law enforcement career in 1976. In his forty-two years of tenure in law enforcement, Chief Cook has worked for municipalities, county, and state agencies. Chief Cook served as Police Captain for Humble ISD from 1996 to 2003 before becoming the Chief of Police for Humble ISD in 2004. Chief Cook earned his Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Southwest University, is a graduate of the FBI Command College and the FBI - LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient. His certifications and licenses include a Master Peace Officer Certification, Police Instructor, Crime Prevention Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Less lethal tactics Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, ALERRT Instructor and Arson Investigations Certification. Chief Cook has served as president for the Houston Area Police Chief Association, and currently serves as the Houston Area Police Chief Representative to the Texas Police Chief Association’s Executive Board. He is also a Past President for the Texas School District Police Chief Association.
