2026 HAPCA Board of Directors
Marlon Runnels, 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.
H.E Jenkins, Vice President
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.
Danny Keele, Secretary
Jersey Village Police Department
Chief Keele was raised in Houston and Katy, Texas. He graduated from Katy High School in 1999. He obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. His journey in the field of law enforcement commenced as a reserve deputy with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department. In 2003, he took the oath as a full-time police officer with the Mesquite Police Department in Mesquite, Texas.
Over the course of the past two decades, Chief Keele has accumulated a wealth of experience, working across various divisions and specialized units, including Patrol, Gangs, Juvenile Crimes, Training, Robbery and Homicide.
In 2016, Chief Keele and his wife, Rachel, felt a strong desire to return to their hometown of Katy, Texas, and provide their children with the opportunity to grow up in their beloved community. Upon their return to the Houston area, Chief Keele joined the Cy Fair ISD Police Department. During his tenure there, he served in various capacities, including as a campus officer, detective, and sergeant.
In 2019, he felt a calling to return to municipal law enforcement and became part of the Jersey Village Police Department as a Patrol Sergeant. During his tenure with Jersey Village, Chief Keele has taken on several roles, including Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant, Training Coordinator, and Texas Best Practices Coordinator. His dedication and diverse experience continue to make a positive impact on the department and the community.
Matt Rodrigue, Treasurer
Spring ISD Police Department
Chief Matthew Rodrigue has over 24 years of experience as a Texas peace officer. He spent the first 14 years of his career with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office. In 2012, he was appointed as the Chief Deputy of the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office. He is a graduate of the Constable’s Leadership College at LEMIT Class # 3. He is a graduate of the Leadership Command College at LEMIT Class #86. He is a recipient of the Trilogy Leadership Award from the FBI- Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. Chief Rodrigue is a graduate of Chief Command Leadership from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. He has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He also holds a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership and Crisis Management. He is also a TCOLE Master Peace Officer. Chief Rodrigue has supervisory experience in: patrol, K9, narcotics interdiction, field training program, warrants, civil, training academy, internal affairs, court operations as well as agency administration. He has served on the faculty of the Texas Justice Court Training Center at Texas State University and the faculty at the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University.
Jeff Bert, Past 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.
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.
