Officer Adds Leadership Institute to Achievements
Kathy Shannon completed the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy's 2021 Leadership Institute. A sergeant with the Thomas Nelson Police Department, she was among law enforcement and other participants from throughout the region in the Aug. 2-6 training at Christopher Newport University.
Shannon said this was the academy's first in-person leadership institute since the pandemic took hold and it was reduced from two weeks to one. Despite the shortened course, it met her expectations. The training covered situational leadership, how to motivate employees, problem solving, decision making, organizational behavior, conflict resolution and emphasized the importance of being a servant leader, among other topics. Self-assessments and discussions about overall wellness (mental, financial, spiritual and physical) were also part of the experience.
"One thing about leadership, it's not about you. It's about serving others. A lot of (the subject matter) ties in with my military background. I can relate to most of the things that were presented," said the U.S. Army veteran, who passed numerous leadership courses in 30 years of active-duty and reserve service.
For Shannon hearing from several top law enforcement officials was a highlight.
"We had a chief executive panel featuring chiefs from different agencies (among them CNU Chief Daniel Woloszynowski and Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew). They discussed what they expect from front-line supervisors and we got a chance to ask questions," she said, noting Lance LoRusso, a lawyer and former police officer, provided guidance on managing an internal affairs investigation and other legal matters.
The panelists also provided insight on moving up in law enforcement, discussed how to build leadership culture within an agency, and explored community policing.
Thomas Nelson Police Chief Kelvin Maxwell recommended Shannon for the leadership institute. He is pleased the training finally became available and is proud of her successful completion.
"Officer Shannon has been a valued asset to our department since 2006 and she is already a proven leader. She needs her leadership skill set nurtured and enhanced. So this was the perfect fit and a great opportunity. Training is so important for the job we do. There is no such thing as too much training," said Maxwell.
A Hampton native and Phoebus High School graduate, Shannon agreed saying, "I'm not afraid to invest in myself."
She earned an associate degree in administrative justice from Thomas Nelson and has bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from St. Leo University. The Newport News resident also completed FBI training in hostage negotiation and written/oral communication. Her current pursuit is a trilogy in an FBI leader program that ends in October. She is proud to have earned a scholarship for one course in the trilogy.
The consistent training keeps Shannon on her toes so she remains effective in her roles as an administrative sergeant, shift supervisor, photo ID liaison, and liaison between campus police and the private security team on the College's midnight shift.
"Part of the job entails customer service. Therefore, having positive interactions with the public and dismissing any perceived negative myths in reference to law enforcement is a bonus," she said. "To be able to work in a field I studied is a bonus, too. If a student is seeking directions, I take the time to show them versus just providing directions, if time permits. This is an opportunity to make a connection with the public."
Shannon also steps in as deputy chief (a title given in most police agencies to the second in command) in Maxwell's absence. The job is to ensure her fellow officers know the police department's mission and to support and help cultivate their professional and personal growth.
"My intentions are to train the next officer to be my replacement and provide them the tools to be successful," she said.