Meet the Nominees
Click the open board positions below to learn more about each candidate. You may endorse your candidate on IACLEA CONNECTIONS or on social media. The endorsement period is open until Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
CHRISTOPHER BENTLEY
Deputy Chief of Police, University of Central Arkansas
Christopher M. Bentley is a seasoned operations and higher education leader with over 28 years of experience in public safety, administration, and organizational leadership. Currently serving as Deputy Chief of Police at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), he oversees a $2.8 million budget and leads strategic initiatives in campus safety, Clery Act compliance, accreditation, and emergency management.
Bentley began his career at UCA in 1994 and has advanced through multiple leadership roles, driving improvements in technology, training, recruitment, and operational efficiency. He holds an MBA, BBA, and AA from UCA and maintains certifications including Certified Clery Compliance Officer and FBI Command College Graduate.
An active contributor to professional organizations, Bentley is President-Elect of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police and has held leadership roles in campus law enforcement associations and national advisory boards. His leadership philosophy centers on service, integrity, and continuous improvement, making him a respected figure in both law enforcement and higher education.
BLAKE HELD
Director of Security Services & Emergency Management, Carleton College
Blake Held is an accomplished campus safety leader with over a decade of progressive experience in security services and emergency management. Currently serving as Director of Security Services and Emergency Management at Carleton College, Blake provides strategic leadership for all aspects of campus safety, including crisis response, Clery compliance, and physical security systems. His expertise spans strategic planning, large budget management, and inter-agency collaboration, ensuring safe and resilient campus environments.
Blake’s career reflects a strong commitment to professional excellence and community engagement. He has successfully led major security initiatives and directed responses to critical incidents. His leadership extends beyond his institution—Blake is the current President of the MN-IACLEA and played a key role in organizing the highly successful 2025 Mid-America Regional Conference. His contributions to policy development, staff training, and emergency preparedness have strengthened campus safety operations across the region.
Holding a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Emergency Management from St. Cloud State University, Blake combines academic rigor with practical experience. He is a Certified Emergency Manager, Clery Certified, and continues to grow his knowledge with training and education. Blake’s collaborative approach and forward-thinking vision position him to represent the Mid-America region effectively, advocate for member institutions, and advance IACLEA’s mission of promoting safe learning environments.
KACEY WILTZ
Chief of Police, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Kacey Wiltz is the Chief of Police at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where she leads campus safety operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and champions community policing. With over 20 years in law enforcement, she began her career with the Topeka Police Department and later served as a School Resource Officer in Lawrence, earning the Hometown Hero Award and the 2023 Kansas SRO of the Year honor.
Chief Wiltz has held diverse leadership roles, including Crisis Negotiator, Field Training Officer, and Vice-Chair of the Lawrence Police Officers’ Association. She contributed to her department’s 2023 Model Agency Award from NASRO and serves on the Douglas County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Leadership at Liberty University.
DAVID FERBER
Director of Security Services, University of Puget Sound
A seasoned campus safety professional with over 17 years of experience, David Ferber, Ph.D. currently serves as the Director of Security Services at the University of Puget Sound where he spearheads the development and training for non-sworn Campus Safety Officers, actively reduces campus crime, develops community policing, and leads the emergency response planning. His expertise spans a proven track record of strategic planning, disaster planning, developing community safety during protests, financial oversight of increasingly smaller budgets, as well as department and campus leadership, and community engagement. Ferber has been working on improving the University of Puget Sound campus response plans and rewriting and developing new policies and procedures. Over the last year, Ferber has worked hard to improve the quality of the workplace for his staff by securing raises for all Security Services staff as well as new vehicles.
In addition to Ferber’s work on campus, he works closely with Pierce County Emergency Management and sits on several planning committees to improve the county’s reunification process and planning for campus-wide training.
Before his current role, Ferber was the Director of Campus Safety for ten years at College of Saint Mary which is located in Omaha, Nebraska. While there he consistently delivered measurable results through the latest crime prevention approaches and led collaborative teamwork to reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus.
KATY POTTS
Assistant Vice President for Security & Chief of Police, Western Washington University
Chief Katy Potts is a veteran law enforcement leader with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as Assistant Vice President for Security and Chief of Police at Western Washington University. She oversees both the University Police and Transportation Services, which includes parking, shuttle services, and campus card operations.
Chief Potts brings deep expertise in modern policing, including youth engagement, investigations, recruitment, and accreditation. Her leadership blends traditional and innovative strategies to foster a safe, inclusive, and sustainable campus environment.
Previously serving in leadership roles at Elgin Police Department (IL) and Augusta University Police Department (GA), she is committed to accountability, diversity, and community collaboration. Chief Potts holds a BA in Sociology from DePaul University and an MS in Criminology from Regis University, and has completed advanced leadership training through West Point and Northwestern University.