AZWIN BOARD MEMBERS

Marcia Johnson retired as a Captain from the Arizona Department of Public Safety after almost 22 years of service. She held many assignments in the department to include Highway Patrol Trooper, Air Rescue Flight Paramedic, SWAT Crisis Negotiator, Peer Support Team Member/Leader, Employee Assistance Program Supervisor, Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau Sergeant, and Night Watch Patrol Commander. Marcia has taught Law Enforcement Stress Management to over 1200 Troopers as well as numerous professionals across Arizona and the nation. She served on the board of the Arizona State Peer Support Team that includes multiple agencies working together to prepare for a mass casualty event or to assist during a line of duty death.  Marcia has been a member of the Arizona Women’s Initiative Network since its inception in 2014 and is a member of the International Society of Female Professionals. Currently Marcia works with the Boulder Crest Foundation as a senior Guide for Struggle Well, providing public safety with research backed PTG (Post Traumatic Growth) and thriving in the aftermath of trauma. She is responsible for all of Maricopa County and Northern Arizona classes. Marcia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University. She has been happily married to her husband Philip since 2004 and they have two children. In her off time, Marcia can be found coaching soccer as the Boys Soccer Head Coach for Paradise Honors High School.

Nancy Roberts is a Lieutenant at the Prescott Valley Police Department in Northern Arizona. Nancy has been with Prescott Valley PD for over 18 years, with aspirations to advance her career within the organization. She has held positions as a patrol officer, crime prevention officer, background investigator, PT instructor, GI Master Instructor, Mental Health Instructor and coordinator, Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Negotiations Sergeant, Administrative/IA Sergeant, Accreditation Manager, Honor Guard member, and most recently the Lieutenant over patrol, SWAT, K9 and SRO’s. Nancy has received multiple life-saving awards, including rookie of the Year, PT Excellence Ribbon, the AZWIN Taking Time Award for her mental health contributions within her organization, and various other awards throughout her career. Nancy was the sole accreditation professional for her agency and was integral in obtaining the agency’s first-ever accreditation through ALEAPS. Nancy is an Accredited Command Executive through AACOP and has completed the FBI LEEDA Trilogy. Nancy will graduate with honors from NAU with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership in Criminal Justice in May 2024. She has already begun her master’s degree in the same subject area. Nancy and her Fiancé Dani, both Arizona Natives, have a blended family of six children. When not engaged in work-related activities, Nancy can be seen on the sidelines coaching basketball for her children’s teams, bowling in a league, or camping in the mountains in remote areas of Arizona forest land.

Former Sergeant Alexander recently left full time employment with the City of Phoenix working with the Department of Justice Inquiry Unit as the Department undergoes a pattern or practice investigation. She is continuing her work in a different capacity in the private sector as a Partner Success Manager supporting Visual Labs at Versaterm.   While employed with the City of Phoenix she also served in the Professional Standards Bureau.  During the past 15 years, Sergeant Alexander worked in various bureaus throughout the department to include: patrol in the South Mountain Precinct, Crimes Against Children's Unit, and the Employee Services Bureau.  Sergeant Alexander promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and worked in the Desert Horizon Precinct in Patrol and also as the Community Action Sergeant.  Sergeant Alexander is a native Arizona resident and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in Exercise and Wellness.  Sergeant Alexander graduated from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in 2008. Outisde of work she enjoys travel, gardening, and spending time with her husband, two kids, and close friends/family and building her urban farm. 

Sergeant Penner is the current supervisor for Property Investigations, with the Tempe Police Department. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University in Biochemistry and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership.  Sergeant Penner attended Arizona Law Enforcement Academy and has been with the Tempe Police Department for 20 years. During her 20 years of service with the City of Tempe, Sergeant Penner has supervised several aspects of field operations. Upon her more recent transfer to Criminal Investigations she has supervised several different teams, including Robbery & Aggravated Assaults and Domestic Violence.  Sergeant Penner is an Arizona native and enjoys spending time with her husband and their 4 teenage children. 

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Chief Riley has 28 years of law enforcement experience.  Kara M. Riley has been a police officer since February 1992. Prior to being a police officer, she worked in the corrections field for five years, both at adult and juvenile jails.

From 1993 to 2004, she was a police officer and sergeant with the Tucson Airport Authority. In 2004, she started her career with the Oro Valley Police Department.  Prior to becoming Chief, she held the rank of Commander. Her responsibilities included the Field Services Division for patrol, motors, K-9, SWAT, Negotiations, and the Community Action Team. She was also responsible for the Support Services Division, which is responsible for criminal investigations, community resources, public safety

telecommunicators, fleet, IT, records unit and task force operations. In the past, she

served as the Chief’s Executive Officer. The Executive Officer holds the responsibilities of professional development and training, the office of professional standards and the

public information officer.  Kara serves on the Board of Directors for Pima County Wireless Integrated Network, Oro Valley Community Leadership Board, Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Women

Leading Government Marketing Committee, Northwest Women’s Group, and Southern Arizona Women Leading Government. She is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates Arizona Chapter, member of the International Association Chiefs of

Police and a member of the National Public Information Officers Association.

Kara holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona in Sociology and a

Master’s Degree in Education. In September 2015, she graduated from class 261 at the FBI National Academy and in 2012, Northwestern University Police Staff and Command

School.  Kara had the fortunate opportunity to grow up overseas in Taiwan, Abu Dhabi and Sudan, Africa. Her father is a retired professor from the University of Arizona in the field

of environmental studies. She is a mother to an 18 year-old daughter and aunt to six

nieces and nephews. She enjoys fishing, watching any sport the University of Arizona is playing, CrossFit and spending time with her finance, Joseph Shelley. 

Philip Johnson is the Assistant Police Chief for Grand Canyon University. He began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) serving in communications, patrol, criminal investigations, commercial vehicle enforcement, and training assignments within the various ranks from Trooper to Captain.  He joined the Surprise Police Department in December of 2016 serving as the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division and the Tactical Support Division until July of 2022. During his career, Philip has been dedicated to the training, advancement, and wellness of police officers across the State. He served as the Chairman of the Subject Matter Expert Committee on Traffic Law to the Arizona Police Officers’ Standards and Training Board (AZ POST) and taught at many of the police academies throughout Arizona. He has been an Honor Guard Bugler for many years, honoring Arizona’s fallen officers across the state at funerals, memorials, and special events. He continues to instruct and mentor in both law enforcement and private sectors. Philip is an accomplished classical musician who serves as the Principal Horn player for the North Valley Symphony Orchestra in Phoenix. He lives in the west valley with his wife Marcia and their two kids.vehicle enforcement, and training assignments within the various ranks from Trooper to Captain.  Philip joined the Surprise Police Department in December of 2016 serving as the Commander of

the Criminal Investigations Division and the Tactical Support Division until July of 2022. During his career, Philip has been dedicated to the training, advancement, and wellness of police officers across the State. He served as the Chairman of the Subject Matter Expert Committee on Traffic Law to the Arizona Police Officers’ Standards and Training Board (AZ POST) and taught at many of the police academies throughout Arizona. He has been an Honor Guard Bugler for many

years, honoring Arizona’s fallen officers across the state at funerals, memorials, and special events. He continues to instruct and mentor in both law enforcement and private sectors. Philip is an accomplished classical musician who serves as the Principal Horn player for the North Valley Symphony Orchestra in Phoenix. He lives in the west valley with his wife Marcia and their two kids.

Sergeant Erin Gibson started her career with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in 2004. During her tenure, she has worked many assignments including patrol, Criminal Investigations, Community Resources, and Internal Affairs.

In 2014, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, working patrol, directed patrol, Community Resources, and finally Personnel. Sergeant Gibson enjoys forging community partnerships and shaping the future of the Sheriff’s Department. Sergeant Gibson has taught women self-defense for the past ten years. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona. On her off time, Sergeant Gibson spends time with her husband who is also a deputy and their four children. She works out daily and loves to travel with her family.  

Lieutenant Deanne Zeis was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and has been with the Tucson Police Department since 2008. In 2015, she promoted to the rank of sergeant and worked as a patrol supervisor and was later assigned to the Office of Professional Standards for three years. She promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2022 and worked in patrol before her current assignment as a force commander. Lieutenant Zeis is also the department's project manager for the 30X30 Initiative.

Lieutenant Zeis has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Science in Leadership with an emphasis in Disaster Preparedness from Grand Canyon University. During her free time, Lieutenant Zeis enjoys hiking with her dogs and playing soccer.