Meet the Nominees
Click below to learn more about each candidate. You may endorse your candidate on IACLEA CONNECTIONS or on social media.
Third Vice President
Kirk Bouyelas
Chief of Police, Tulane University
Statement of Intent
I am seeking the position of IACLEA 3rd Vice President and respectfully ask for your support. Throughout my career, I have served in executive and command-level roles in both municipal and campus policing, leading large, complex operations and addressing the evolving public safety challenges we face. This experience has provided me with a broad, practical perspective and a clear understanding of what is required to lead, adapt, and deliver results.
Through my service on the IACLEA Board of Directors and the Finance Committee, I have been actively engaged in the work of the association and committed to its continued growth. I have led efforts to develop the recent membership survey and authored the soon-to-be released “New Campus Chief’s Guide” designed to support leaders transitioning into their roles. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving and building on that progress as your 3rd Vice President.
I believe strongly in the continued growth and sustainability of IACLEA. This includes maintaining a strong financial foundation, expanding access to high-quality training, and reinforcing accreditation as a benchmark for excellence in campus public safety. I also believe we must continue to support the full range of our membership, including two-year institutions, K-12 partners, and non-sworn public safety professionals, ensuring access to meaningful and practical resources. Having spent much of my career in municipal policing, I have seen firsthand that campus public safety faces many of the same challenges – managing complex threats, navigating public expectations, and operating in highly visible environments. I believe this perspective allows me to help move campus policing forward in a way that is practical and aligned with the realities our members face.
For these reasons, I am seeking the opportunity to serve as IACLEA’s 3rd Vice President. I respectfully ask for your support and consideration.
Biography
Kirk Bouyelas is the Associate Vice President for the Office of Public Safety at Tulane
University, where he oversees the university’s police department, emergency management
program, and Clery compliance. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for public safety
across multiple campuses, ensuring a coordinated approach to crime prevention, emergency
preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
Bouyelas has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience. Previously, he served as
Chief of Police at Tulane University, leading a fully accredited department responsible for the
safety and security of a complex, multi-campus environment. During his tenure, he advanced
crime reduction strategies, strengthened community engagement, enhanced training and
professional development, and prioritized officer wellness.
Before joining Tulane, Bouyelas spent over three decades with the New Orleans Police
Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. He served in key leadership roles, including
Chief of Operations and Chief of Investigations, overseeing major divisions and citywide
public safety initiatives. He also commanded large-scale special events, including the Super
Bowl, BCS National Championship, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Bouyelas has been a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement
Administrators (IACLEA) since 2018 and currently serves as a Director-at-Large on the
Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2024. He is also a member of the International
Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the
National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals (NACCOP), and the
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue
University
Southwest regional director
Jeff Talbott
Chief of Police, University of California, Riverside
Statement of Intent
This statement is presented to express my intent to run for the IACLEA Board position of Southwest Regional
Director during the 2026 election. I have been the designated IACLEA Institutional Representative in the
Southwest Region continuously since 2011 and have served three years as the Chair of the former Distance
Learning Committee, as well as a member of the Leadership Development Committee under the guidance of
the last nine IACLEA past-presidents. In June 2025, I was appointed to the position of IACLEA Southwest Regional
Director, to serve the remaining term of the prior Director.
I have served over 43 years in the law enforcement / public safety profession with 29 of those years as a sworn member
of the California Highway Patrol and the most recent 14 years serving in Campus Police / Public Safety leadership roles.
In my current position as Chief of Police at the University of California, Riverside for the past 3.5 years, I oversee the
daily sworn police operations of a 2,000-acre campus serving 30,000 students in areas of study from agricultural
research to a world-class medical school. Prior to my current role, I served for 11 years as the Associate Vice-President /
Chief of Public Safety and Director of Emergency Management at the University of Redlands, which was a smaller private
institution with a non-sworn safety team. Having both sworn and non-sworn management experience, I fully
understand the unique challenges facing both models of service delivery.
As illustrated in my 14 years of experience with IACLEA, I strongly support the organization’s mission of furthering
excellence in the complex profession of campus law enforcement. As the Southwest Regional Director, I will continue to
build upon the networking, training opportunities, and professional relationships which have established IACLEA as the
premiere authority in campus law enforcement.
Biography
Chief Jeff Talbott has vast experience in both campus law enforcement and traditional policing at the state level. He was selected as Chief of Police at the University of California, Riverside in December 2022, where he leads a team of sworn Police Officers, non-sworn Campus Safety Responders, and an onsite Public Safety Communications Center. Under Chief Talbott’s leadership, UCR Police personnel are part of a holistic tiered approach model in collaboration with campus mental health professionals, to
respond to student crises through the Health, Well-being and Safety Division of the University. Since arriving at UC Riverside, Chief Talbott led the efforts towards achieving IACLEA accreditation of the department in 2026.
Before joining UC Riverside, Chief Talbott served 11 years as the Associate Vice-President / Chief of Public Safety and Director of Emergency Management at the University of Redlands. Having led both public sworn and private non-sworn campus safety professionals, he has a great understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing campus police and public safety departments. Chief Talbott has been the Institutional Representative and an active member of IACLEA since 2011 and has served on the Distance Learning Committee and the Leadership Development Committee. Chief Talbott was appointed to the position of IACLEA Southwest Regional Director in June of 2025, serving the remaining one-year term of the prior Regional Director.
Prior to entering campus law enforcement, Chief Talbott served 29 years with the California Highway Patrol, working a variety of roles throughout California from patrol to management assignments, retiring as the Chief of the CHP Inland Division. Chief Talbott holds a master’s degree in business administration and is a graduate of Session 244 of the FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia. He holds the Basic through Executive Certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Southeast regional director
MaryAnn May
Director of Campus Safety, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Statement of Intent
Providing a safe and secure environment has been my passion for more than 30 years. Whether it is at a mahor college like Auburn University, the aftermath of tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County, Florida, or the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dothan, Alabama, my focus is always on the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff.
The formula for success is not complicated; I plan the work, and I work the plan. It is a three-prong plan, implement measures to prevent incidents, mitigate the damage during an emergency and address the aftermath to help everyone move forwrad. I want to offer my years of experience to the IACLEA Board as the Southeast Regional Director.
Not that I have all the answers, but I believe working together and sharing ideas will make us stronger as an association and better individual campus law enforcement administrators. I am dedicated to excellence in campus safety. There is strength in numbers, and I want to be a link in the IACLEA chain that will ensure the safety and security of all communities.
Biography
I have more than 30 years of safety and security experience and currently serve as the director of Campus Safety at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan, Alabama.
I am responsible for the safety and security of faculty, staff, and students on the ACOM campus in Dothan, as well as rural medical clinics in Ashford and Taylor. In addition, I coordinate with 32 core sites in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi to ensure the safety of ACOM’s third- and fouth-year students who are engaged in clinical rotations.
In my role, I implement measures that are designed to reduce or eliminate employee and student accidents, incidents, and hazards in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. I also serve as a part-time analyst with the Cottonwood (Alabama) Police Department.
Some of the things implemented under my leadership are as follows:
– Managament of Security department
– Incident Commander for all emergency situations related to safety, security, emergency management.
– Responsible for the safety and security planning for large scale events (graduation/white coat) and all campus events
– Logistics coordinator for the Narcan distribution program
Prior to coming to Dothan, I served in safety and security leadership roles with the Broward County (Florida) School System and Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.
I received my Associates of Science in Fire Science from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama. I earned both my Master of Science in Adult Education and Doctor of Philosophy from Auburn University. I am certified as a fire inspector in the State of Florida and hold the designation of Certified Safety Professional from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. I also serve as the Chair of IACLEA’s Chaplain Committee and the ASIS International South Alabama Chapter Chair.
director-at-large
Felix Martinez
Chief of Campus Police, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Statement of Intent
I am seeking the opportunity to serve as an IACLEA Director-at-Large because I believe campus public safety is at a defining moment, and IACLEA must continue leading the profession through innovation, professionalism, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership.
As Chief of Campus Police at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, I have focused on building a modern, student-centered public safety agency that balances operational readiness with community trust, engagement, and accountability. Leading within higher education today requires more than traditional law enforcement experience, it requires adaptability, relationshipbuilding, strategic communication, and an understanding of the evolving expectations of our campus communities. These are principles that have guided my leadership throughout my career.
My experience across municipal policing, corrections, probation, campus law enforcement, emergency management, higher education administration, and classroom instruction has provided me with a broad and practical perspective on the challenges facing our profession. I have worked to modernize operations, strengthen training and preparedness, expand communityoriented initiatives, and promote collaborative partnerships both on and off campus.
I also recognize the importance of ensuring that IACLEA leadership reflects the diversity of institutional types, agency structures, and emerging leaders within the profession. As a chief from a smaller public institution and the youngest Police Chief in Maryland, I believe I can offer a perspective that bridges traditional public safety values with the future direction of campus
policing and higher education leadership.
If selected, I would serve with energy, accessibility, and a strong commitment to supporting IACLEA’s mission, membership, and long-term strategic growth. I am committed to helping strengthen professional development opportunities, member engagement, leadership advancement, and national collaboration across campus public safety.
It would be an honor to serve the Association and contribute to the continued advancement of
our profession
Biography
Dr. Felix Martinez serves as the Chief of Campus Police for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he oversees all campus public safety and emergency management operations for the institution. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic leadership and daily administration of the department, including campus police operations, emergency preparedness, Clery compliance
collaboration, training and professional development, policy implementation, threat assessment, community engagement initiatives, and overall campus safety strategy.
Dr. Martinez leads a hybrid public safety model consisting of Campus Police Officers and unarmed Public Safety Officers, while working collaboratively with campus stakeholders, local law enforcement agencies, and senior college leadership to ensure a safe and welcoming campus environment. He also oversees large-scale event security planning, emergency response
coordination, and departmental strategic initiatives focused on modernization, operational effectiveness, and community trust.
Prior to his current position, Dr. Martinez served in multiple public safety capacities including municipal policing, corrections, probation, campus law enforcement, and public safety administration. His diverse operational background has helped shape his balanced and studentcentered approach to leadership within higher education.
In addition to his executive leadership responsibilities, Dr. Martinez serves as an adjunct professor at Howard University and other institutions, teaching courses related to criminology, policing, corrections, and criminal justice leadership. He also served as a national instructor and facilitator for the Managing Bias program and currently a Subject Matter Expert for a community
policing toolkit for campus law enforcement through the DOJ COPS Office and CNA.
Dr. Martinez holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership, and remains actively involved in advancing innovation, leadership development, and community-oriented policing practices within campus public safety nationally.
David Ransom
Chief of Police, Berklee Music of College
Statement of Intent
It is with a deep commitment to the field of campus public safety that I submit my formal letter of intent for the position of Director-at-Large for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Having been an active member of this community for six years, I am eager to contribute to the strategic vision of the Association.
Throughout my career at Berklee College of Music, I have prioritized the development of inclusive, initiative-taking safety strategies that reflect the unique needs of a higher education environment. I believe my background in leadership, relationship building, employee development, and my relentless pursuit of exemplary service aligns seamlessly with IACLEA’s pillars of advocacy, professional development, and accreditation.
If elected to the Board of Directors, my primary goals include:
• Enhancing Global Collaboration: Strengthening the bridge between our international members to ensure that researched based best practices in campus safety are shared across borders.
• Advancing Professional Excellence: Supporting the expansion of IACLEA’s accreditation program and specialized training initiatives to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st-century campus.
• Strategic Advocacy: Representing the diverse voices of our membership to legislative bodies and partner organizations to ensure the needs of campus law enforcement are prioritized.
I am prepared to dedicate the necessary time and energy to fulfill the duties of this role, including active participation in board meetings, committee assignments, and the annual conference.
Thank you for your time and for the vital work you do in vetting the future leadership of our Association. I look forward to the possibility of serving the IACLEA membership in this capacity.
Biography
David Ransom, PhD., is a resolute law enforcement leader with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He serves as the Chief of Police at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Chief Ransom provides leadership of all police, security, and safety personnel and operations throughout the Berklee College of Music and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Prior to arriving at Berklee he was the Assistant Director of Public Safety for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and spent 21 years with the El Paso, Texas Police Department, where he was assigned to various roles as a patrolman, Gang Task Force, SWAT team member, and patrol supervisor. He served as a SWAT Sergeant and Special Teams Commander overseeing the SWAT and Crisis Management teams, Bomb Squad, Mountain Rescue Unit, and Dignitary Protection team. He also served as Lieutenant in charge of police operations and the K9 unit at the El Paso International Airport, and oversaw the Planning, Research, and Special Projects section.
Chief Ransom was an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Bay State College, where he taught and mentored future leaders in higher education. He also developed and teaches a leadership concepts course to help grow and develop leadership abilities and capabilities of those aspiring leaders at every level within an organization.
Dr. Ransom holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University, and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech University. He is a graduate of the 233rd session of the FBI National Academy as well as a graduate of the 62nd class of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Institute of Texas and is an Americans for Effective Law Enforcement certified litigation specialist on high-risk litigation issues.