MEET OUR
TEAM
Cedric Mitchell (retired Detective) began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1988 with the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) in Washington, D.C., where he served for 27 years. In 1993, following successful assignments in both uniform patrol and plainclothes units, he was promoted to Detective in the Criminal Investigation Division. His role as a detective and plainclothes officer involved daily interactions with individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, honing his ability to adapt to evolving situations and build strong rapport.
In 2007, Mitchell advanced his career further when he was selected for assignment to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he contributed to high-profile operations, including the security detail for the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack H. Obama II. Recognized as one of the most decorated
officers in MTPD history, Mitchell retired in 2012. He then joined the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Office of Inspector General, where he served as a Senior Investigator for four years.
In 2016, Mitchell founded CTC Solutions LLC, a company dedicated to transforming law enforcement training and education by introducing innovative methods to address systemic challenges. Throughout his career, Mitchell has been committed to giving back to the community. Early on, he initiated a mentoring program at Andrew Jackson Middle School, rallying fellow officers to support the students. He also coached basketball, T-ball, and football at the Glenarden Boys & Girls Club, and later coached AAU basketball with the Maryland Panthers Youth Association, all within Prince George's County, Maryland. He continues his community service as a mentor with Promise Youth Development in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He served as a Certified Instructor at the Metro Transit Police Academy and as an Instructor at the National Transit Institute at Rutgers University. As a nationally recognized educator and subject matter expert in robbery, pickpocketing, and identity theft investigations, Mitchell has been featured on both national and local television networks, offering expert analysis and insights. He continues to be a strong advocate for the critical role of law enforcement in society, emphasizing that the dedication of officers to serve and protect is the cornerstone of community well-being
Dr. Jessie Lee, Jr., is an experienced and highly successful law enforcement executive, consultant, and academician focused on all aspects of law enforcement, including emergency preparedness, homeland security, workforce, and technical assessment and strategic alliances between corporate, nonprofit, and large public entities. He is a Managing Partner of Lee, McMahon, and Rosenblatt, LLC, providing high-level consulting for nonprofits, municipalities, law enforcement, and public companies. With more than thirty years of experience in law enforcement, Dr. Lee's career has included nearly a decade as the Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), a nonprofit organization, that comprises chapters throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean.
Most recently, Dr. Lee has served as a senior member of the executive search and assessment center team for the International Chiefs of Police (IACP). He oversees extensive management studies, including workforce and technical assessments for law enforcement agencies nationwide. In addition to his work in major national and international law enforcement organizations, Dr. Lee has a Ph.D. in public policy, administration, and leadership, homeland security policy and coordination, and a master's degree in public policy and Nonprofit Leadership. Dr. Lee is currently Associate Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology at Walden University. He is a graduate of the 195th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and a graduate of Northwestern University's Traffic Institute School of Staff and Command (53rd) in Evanston, Illinois.
Michael Taborn (retired Police Chief) was employed with the Metro Transit Police Department (WMATA) for 33 years, the last 6 of those years were as the Chief of Police. Prior to returning to WMATA as the Chief of Police, he spent six years working in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Safety and Security in several capacities. He was initially a training specialist. Michael Taborn coordinated FTA Safety and Security training activities with the National Transit Institute (NTI), the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI), and worked with other FTA offices to ensure training programs in the area of safety and security were developed. Michael Taborn ultimately became the Director of the Office of Safety and Security (FTA).
EDUCATION: M.S., Management, Johns Hopkins University, 1999
B.S., Criminal Justice, University of Maryland-University College, 1997
FBI National Academy – 147th Session, Department of Justice, 1986
Clifton (Smokey) Douglas has worked for the United States Government Accountability Office since 1983. He is an Assistant Director responsible for managing GAO audits and developing and directing comprehensive investigations of government and government-related programs. He has also spent the last thirty years working with the Glenarden Ardmore Boys and Girls Club which provides sports and educational opportunities for approximately 500 youth in Prince George County, MD. Since 2001, Smokey has served as Club President and been responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Club’s activities. In addition, he has also served the Club as Athletic Director, Basketball Commissioner, Football Commissioner, and Head Coach (basketball, football, and baseball). In addition, from 2000 to 2015, Smokey was the President of the Maryland Panthers Youth Association Basketball program, a non-profit youth organization that promotes leadership and development opportunities through basketball competition. In addition, Smokey was a member of St. Mary’s College Men’s Basketball team from 1981 through 1983.
EDUCATION: St. Mary’s College of Maryland (B.A. in Economics)
Ray Gray is a seasoned Mental Health Professional with specialized training in conflict resolution, trauma, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is dedicated to educating others on the intricate connections between the brain, body, and behavior, guiding individuals toward healthier habits, and reshaping unrealistic beliefs about themselves and the world. As an Occupational Therapy graduate and Qualified Mental Health Professional, Ray deeply understands anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and the relationship between human movement and psychology, honed through years of experience in both rehabilitation and mental health settings. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, encouraging individuals to explore the most fascinating person they will ever know themselves. With over 25 years of experience in the mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral health fields, Ray is committed to helping others achieve holistic well-being.
EDUCATION: B.S, Occupational Therapy, Howard University Associate, Allied Health
In Memoriam - Gone but Not Forgotten Dr. Phyllis McDonald Associate Professor with the Division of Public Safety Leadership (PSL) at John Hopkins University. She conducted research, managed program development projects, taught leadership courses for undergraduate and graduate students and worked with local public safety agencies. Dr. McDonald conducted projects for: The Federal Transit Administration (USDOT); the Transportation Security Administration (DHS); State of Maryland MTA; Delaware State Police, and the Metro Transit Police and Department of Safety, WMATA. Dr. McDonald’s work experience included 20 years in local police agencies prior to joining the PSL faculty in 2000. She served five years, achieving the rank of a three-star executive commander, with the NYC Transit Police and five years as a senior program manager, National Institute of Justice, USDOJ. As a Superintendent of Professional Standards, she served at the sworn rank of Major with the Dayton, OH “Police Department.” Her publications include two books and several articles, papers, and presentations.
EDUCATION: B. A. and M. A. State University of New York at Albany
Ed. S. and Ed. D George Washington University
Phyllis was a key contributor in the development of the training The Police Officer: A New Paradigm, bridging the gap through P.E.A.C.E (Police Education And Community Engagement)