Leadership

Chief Lee's accomplishments at the HCSO include designing and implementing several innovative programs. Among them are: the Crisis Intervention Response Team, the Homeless Outreach Team, the Boarding Home Detail, and the Clinician and Officer Remote Evaluation (CORE) telehealth program. Lee led the creation of specialized Crime Reduction Units and the Community Problem Oriented Policing Unit (CPOP) assigned to all five patrol districts. Lee also was a key contributor to multi-agency collaborations that resulted in the creation of the Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Jail Diversion Center, Harris County's Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART), the Narcan Opioid Reversal Medication project, the Vivitrol Addiction Recovery Program, and the Employ2Empower homeless workforce program.

Chief Lee holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Government and History from Evangel University and a Master of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Our Lady of the Lake University. He also completed the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute and Sam Houston State University's Leadership Command College. Lee is also a graduate of the American Leadership Forum.

In 2018, Lee was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Texas Supreme Court Judicial Commission on Mental Health, where he serves as a Commissioner.

Chief Lee received the 2008 Public Servants Award from the Rotary Club of Houston, the 2010 International Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award, the 2010 Goldstein Award in Problem-Oriented Policing, the 2013 United Way Spirit of One Voice Texas Award, and the 2022 Gary P. Hayes Award from the Police Executive Research Forum.

Chief Diaz began his law enforcement career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 as a detention officer. Diaz’s most recent assignment was serving as Major over the Office of Inspector General Bureau.

The bureau consists of the Internal Affairs Division and the Crime Analysis and Intelligence Division. He manages internal affairs investigations that provide accountability for the agency and hold deputies and civilian personnel to the highest ethical standards. The bureau also leverages technology and data to establish efficient methods for deploying personnel and other vital resources to high-crime areas.

As a Captain, Diaz helped lead the1200 Baker Street jail operation. During this time, he implemented the Detention Officer to Deputy Program.

As a patrol deputy, Diaz received the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Valor Award after he stopped a shooting suspect who was targeting Harris County residents at random. In the Homeland Security Bureau, Diaz served as a liaison to the Houston Ship Channel Security District and managed the Urban Area Security Initiative and Port Security grants – key national programs designed to support critical local infrastructure at the Port of Houston for counterterrorism measures, including specialized equipment and advanced training.

As a sergeant assigned to the Planning Unit, Diaz worked with a team of deputies and analysts who developed strategic policy recommendations.

Diaz is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 271. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Texas A&M University.

Chief Huynh joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 after a 22-year career at the Houston Police Department.

Chief Huynh most recently served as Major over the Professional Development and Standards Bureau. The bureau includes the agency’s training academy facility and a firearms range complex that supports its Basic Peace Officer Course to become a certified peace officer and Patrol Training Course for those who are already certified peace officers in Texas. All detention officers are trained through the Basic County Corrections Course to become a certified jailer. The academy also provides year-round advanced training, continuing education, and professional development opportunities to staff.

The bureau also includes the Policy Unit that performs research to help develop effective and innovative policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Performance Standards Unit conducts evaluations of all operations within the Sheriff’s Office to ensure compliance with its standard operating procedures, policies, and all applicable state and federal laws.

Chief Huynh earned a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University and a master’s of science degree in criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 262, and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session 79.

Chief Huynh is a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam who came to the United States when he was nine years old. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for eight years after graduating from high school.

Chief Spencer joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 as Director of Public Affairs, where he served as the agency’s primary media spokesman and oversaw all external communications. He previously served as Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Governmental Affairs for the Aldine Independent School District, and as Press Secretary and the Superintendent’s Chief of Staff for the Houston Independent School District.

Chief Spencer began his professional career in newspaper journalism, working 14 years as a local news reporter and editor at the Houston Chronicle, Austin American-Statesman, and the Brazosport Facts newspapers.

Chief Spencer holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Assistant Chief Bosquez started his law enforcement career in 2002 as a patrol deputy with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office near the San Antonio and New Braunfels metropolitan areas. He was named 2008 Atascosa County Deputy of the Year following an hours-long negotiation with an armed suspect who threatened to take his life. Assistant Chief Bosquez helped conclude the stand-off by having the suspect put down his weapon and surrender without incident. He served as a patrol supervisor before assuming the Atascosa County Jail administrator role.

He joined the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) in 2013 as one of four field inspectors for the entire state, ensuring that all 239 Texas jail facilities meet requirements. He was also one of the lead content developers for the state-mandated examination for persons seeking to hold the jail administrator position.

He later served as a Chief Deputy with the Atascosa County Precinct 3 Constable's Office and as jail administrator for the Frio County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appointed Assistant Chief Bosquez to the Detentions Command in early 2023. His role with the state regulatory agency equips him with the extensive knowledge of corrections procedures and policies necessary to keep every person in the Harris County Jail safe, healthy, and better prepared to contribute positively to the community. His understanding of the workings of Texas jails puts the agency in a position to see continued safety, innovation, and professionalism transformation.

Assistant Chief Bosquez is a certified master peace officer, master jailer, and mental health peace officer who truly enjoys making a difference in a person's life when they need it most – whether it's someone experiencing a behavioral health crisis, a domestic violence victim who needs assistance and support, or a person who finds themselves in the criminal justice system.

He joined the Sheriff's Office 29 years ago, serving in many roles, working in Patrol, Detentions, Community Services, Investigations, the Office of Inspector General, the Executive Bureau, a Public Information Officer, and Emergency Management.

Major Collier has received many awards and certificates throughout his career, including Unit Citations and Lifesaving Awards. Among his achievements are his certifications in certifications in Hostage Negotiation, Firearms, TCOLE Instructor, and Advanced SWAT.

Major Collier holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston Downtown, a Master's degree from Sam Houston State University, and a Graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 278. Major Collier is an Inaugural Graduate of the HCSO Leadership Development Institute.

Rising through the ranks quickly, Major Herndon continued her service in the jail as a Sergeant before promoting to Sergeant Investigator for the Office of the Inspector General. As a Lieutenant, she commanded various units including Hospital and Transportation elements and areas within the Inspector General’s Office. As a Captain, Herndon called both the Office Inspector General and the Crimes Against Persons Divisions home where she continued to shape the culture of the Sheriff’s Office.

In 2023, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appointed Major Herndon to lead the Professional Development & Standards Bureau.

Major Herndon is a Master Peace Officer and a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Herndon earned her degree from Lamar University.

Major Razo has served in various roles and assignments, including Patrol Deputy, Internal Affairs Division Investigator, and Patrol Supervisor. In 2017, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appointed Major Razo to lead the Patrol Bureau. In 2019, Major Razo assumed command of the Patrol Support Services Bureau. He worked collaboratively with the Patrol Bureau to support the agency’s five patrol districts, performing a wide range of public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response roles. In this capacity, Major Razo oversaw the agency’s Special Operations units, Vehicular Crimes Division, Emergency Dispatch Center, Honor Guard, and Volunteer Reservists.

In January 2023, Major Razo assumed command of the Homeland Security Bureau. He oversees the agency’s SWAT operations and specialized task forces and units that respond to high-risk incidents beyond the scope of standard patrol deputies. The bureau comprises key tactical response personnel, including our Bomb Unit which inspects possible explosive devices and dangerous materials. Our Marine Unit patrols the Port of Houston, and our Air Support Unit assists ground units in search of suspects or missing persons.

Major Razo helped grow the agency’s DWI enforcement efforts, expanding the DWI Unit to end the senseless injuries and tragedies on Harris County roadways at the hands of impaired drivers, developed a program to reduce fleet accidents, and assisted in the creation of the Traffic Crimes Unit focused on street racing and road rage incidents.

Major Razo is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the world’s largest professional association for police leaders, and the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, one of the oldest law enforcement associations in the nation.

Major Anderson was promoted to Detention Sergeant in 2009 when a career ladder was created for detention officers. During her time as a Detention Sergeant and Detention Lieutenant, she worked in Operations, 1200 Housing and Inmate Services. Anderson also commanded the Detention Command Containment Team.

Major Anderson is a certified master jailer who has worked closely with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to ensure the Harris County Sheriff’s Office meets state-mandated standards. She is also a certified training instructor. Anderson has been a presenter for the Women in Criminal Justice Conference and the Texas Jail Association Conferences.

Major Anderson is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Academy at Sam Houston State University. She is a member of the American Jail Association and is currently on the Texas Jail Association Board as the Secretary.

Maj. Dougherty started his law enforcement career in 1981 with the Houston Police Department (HPD). While at HPD, he held many roles and assignments: patrol officer, field training officer, patrol sergeant, special response group field leader, watch commander, and special projects lieutenant in the city jail system. Dougherty served on the design and implementation team for the Joint Processing Center (JPC). He played an instrumental role in writing the first proposal for the facility, advocating for a more efficient, streamlined intake and release process for detainees and area law enforcement agencies.

After more than 35 years of service at HPD, his first assignment with the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 was overseeing the 701 San Jacinto Justice Housing, sharing the responsibility for safeguarding the well-being and care of those in the agency’s custody.

Now, Maj. Dougherty commands the Justice Management Bureau where he manages the safe, secure and efficient intake and release processing operations at the JPC. The facility expedites the booking process for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, and other Harris County law enforcement agencies. It includes on-site medical and mental health screenings and a 24/7 diversion desk in partnership with The Harris Center that provides alternatives to incarceration for those suffering from a behavioral health crisis.

The Bureau comprises three divisions – Central Records, Inmate Processing, and Automated Fingerprint Identification System – and serves the state’s largest county jail system. It is tasked with accepting and advancing incarcerated persons from intake to the completion of charges by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, pretrial services, magistrate court, housing classification, and eventual release or transfer. Maj. Dougherty ensures the agency’s commitment to caring for its jail population is seen through this critical role with many processes and responsibilities.

Maj. Dougherty holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Mississippi. He is a certified jail manager, jail administrator, and master peace officer, as well as a graduate of the National Institute of Corrections Jail Administrator Program. He is a member of several leading law enforcement and corrections associations, including the National Sheriff’s Association and American Correctional Association.

Maj. Dougherty is the recipient of many law enforcement commendations and awards, including the 100 Club Officer of the Year Award and Police Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Major Nelson began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. He served in the military for three years, rising to sergeant. After serving his country, he returned home and accepted a position as a police officer with the University of Houston Police Department.

Major Nelson joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1990 and has since held various roles over his more than three decades of public service, including field training patrol deputy, firearms instructor, training academy instructor, accident reconstructionist, and homicide sergeant. He takes great pride in serving in every rank from Deputy to Major.

He helped develop the agency’s first Flood Rescue Unit during his tenure. This dedicated unit is critical to ensuring deputies can safely and effectively set up and support emergency response and rescue operations across Harris County during severe storms and weather events. Following Hurricane Harvey’s historic devastation, the agency has devoted more resources to swift-water training and high-water equipment and expanded the unit to more than 70 trained members.

Major Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Midwestern State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Major Cotter is a hands-on practitioner who enjoys being in a patrol vehicle and responding to scenes. As an advocate for proactive policing, she speaks with urgency about the need for law enforcement to be in the community interacting with residents about the day-to-day happenings in their neighborhoods. She has been investigating traffic crashes in Harris County for over two decades, responding to hundreds of scenes ranging from hit-and-runs and pedestrian crashes to crashes involving impaired driving and fatalities.

She was named Rookie of the Year by the 100 Club and has received numerous awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving throughout her law enforcement career for her commitment to ending the senseless injuries and tragedies on Harris County roadways. In 2020, the Texas Impaired Driving Task Force presented her with the Difference Maker Award. In 2021, she was presented with the J. Stannard Baker Award for Highway Safety by the National Sheriff's Association.

In her latest assignment at Patrol Support Services Bureau, Major Cotter works collaboratively with the Patrol Bureau to support the agency's five patrol districts by performing a wide range of public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response roles. Major Cotter oversees the agency's Special Operations Units, Vehicular Crimes Division, and the Emergency Dispatch Center in this capacity.

Major Cotter holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University.

His achievements did not stop there. Even without rank, Major Suarez was a leader, ultimately receiving the Bravery Commendation in December 2007, the highest award issued at the HCSO, for his heroic actions during the vehicle pursuit and apprehension of a wanted Capital Murder suspect violently threatening the community with a firearm.

His rise through the ranks was well-earned. As a Sergeant, Major Suarez supervised the Narcotics Unit and was the Group Supervisor of the HIDTA MDS Task Force Group H-35. As a Lieutenant, Suarez was Commander of the SWAT Team, the Bomb Unit, the Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT,) and the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force (GCVOTF.) He also commanded the Organized Crime Section, which included the Vice Unit, the Narcotics Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Human Trafficking Unit, the Missing Persons Unit, and the Violent Gang Suppression Unit (VGSU.)

While continuing to support his teammates, Major Suarez developed the undercover training program at the HCSO, which helps train local and regional partners on covert operations, surveillance, and undercover survival tactics. As a Captain, Major Suarez commanded 701 San Jacinto Street and 1307 Baker Street Detention Facilities. He assisted with infrastructure, planning, and inspection for the upcoming Women’s Empowerment Center, an innovative facility focusing on reducing recidivism.

Major Suarez is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 282. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University and is currently seeking a Master’s Degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia.

Major Shelton worked in the jail and patrol as a deputy before rising through the ranks and earning the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. His experience continued to vary across multiple assignments in the jails, overseeing training initiatives, specialty patrol initiatives like SOBER court programs, and anti-drunk driving programs. He's served in the Executive Bureau, Dispatch Center, Compliance and Inspections Unit, Mobile Command, Inmate Community Work programs, Homeless Outreach Team, and most recently, with the Mental Health and Neighborhood Policing Division, to name a few.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appointed Major Shelton to the Administrative Services Bureau in January 2023.

Lt. Shelton is a recipient of the 2000 National Exchange Club Harris County Sheriff's Office Officer of the Year Award, the 2011 Harris County Sheriff's Office Core Value Award for Innovation, the 2012 Downtown Optimist Club of Houston's Harris County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, 2013 DWI SOBER Court Hero Award, 2014 Sheriff's Commendation for Bravery, and 2017 Unit Citation for 2016 Compliance and Inspection Team Division Commander service.

Major Shelton holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University of Houston-Downtown graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2003. Major Shelton is a Master Peace Officer, Master Jailer, TCOLE Instructor, and Mental Health Peace Officer.

As a child abuse investigator, he introduced effective procedures and protocols, such as a questionnaire regarding shaken baby syndrome, to the agency that helped guide investigative work to meet the unique needs of abused children. An investigator’s role in criminal cases spans the entire case – from the initial call to the court proceedings and services through victim advocates and community partners to start the healing process.

Major Kuhlman understands the inherent value of interagency coordination and planning and a multidisciplinary team approach to solving cases, especially abuse-related cases. The agency’s close partnership with advocacy centers has been a critical component in ensuring the well-being and safety of Harris County’s most vulnerable populations.

He is a certified Master Peace Officer and a proud graduate of the FBI’s prestigious National Academy Program, Session 279.

Dr. McNeese is a dual national, born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Psychology, and an M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Houston. Dr. McNeese also obtained a BBA in finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business.

Dr. McNeese completed his predoctoral fellowship in the Adult/Child Track at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). He trained/worked in various settings, including DePelchin Children's Center, Ben Taub Hospital (BTH), Houston Independent School District, and BCM's Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. He went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship through BCM and BTH with a focus on personality disorders, severe mental illness, and trauma. Additional research and work included the University of Houston, Houston Center for Quality of Care & Utilization Studies, and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Dr. McNeese is a clinical assistant professor through BCM. He has also served as an assistant professor though the Louis A. Faillace, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). He also worked through the local mental health authority in the Adult Forensic Unit housed in the Harris County Jail, providing forensic psychological services to criminal courts in over 1,000 cases.

Dr. McNeese is also actively involved in various community organizations. He is currently president emeritus of the Houston Committee on Foreign Relations (HCFR), was a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York from 2010 to 2015, is a member of the advisory board of the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations (DCFR), is a member of the Bretton Woods Committee, and advisor to Amigos de Las Américas. Dr. McNeese is involved with the FBI Citizen's Academy Alumni Association, the Houston Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association, and InfraGard. He also is active with the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services as a member of the Alliance Health and Services Board and the Alliance Advisory Council.

On the business side, Dr. McNeese has also been involved in cross-border transactions in Latin America and the Caribbean and was an advisor to Strategic Insight Group (SIG) on international and market development matters.

His team of highly qualified accountants and business professionals develops financial plans, prepares financial forecasts, and assesses division budgets. The team also conducts internal audits of the agency’s various divisions and grant programs, as well as operates and maintains its financial management system.

The Finance Division is involved in the work of all agency divisions, achieving a deep knowledge of all department functions and championing its programs, services, and initiatives.

Director Lanham prepares and submits budget presentations to Harris County Commissioners Court, supporting discussion on fiscal year budgets for the Sheriff’s Office and outlining how both existing and requested new funding will be used to achieve the agency’s mission and public safety priorities.

Since joining the Sheriff’s Office in 2012, Director Lanham has implemented a pre-purchasing application for internal purchase order approvals that replaced outdated paper-driven processes, financial dashboards, performance metrics, and overtime tracking and reporting.

Lanham has held a number of roles over the course of his career which spans more than two decades, including auditor, financial analyst, accounting manager, controller, and chief financial officer. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for four years in Nuremberg, Germany, followed by eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

Director Lanham is a certified public accountant, certified business analysis professional, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree.

Ms. Jimenez has been at the forefront of modernizing Harris County’s cash bail requirements and pretrial release system along with other county stakeholders, helping safeguard constitutional rights while also ensuring public safety.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Jimenez has served in a number of key divisions and roles in the county, including assistant county attorney in the Litigation Division of the Harris County Attorney’s Office and general counsel at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science.

Before joining Harris County in 2008, Ms. Jimenez was a scientific advisor and patent agent. She has experience drafting patents for pharmaceutical companies and is licensed before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Victoria Jimenez graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry.