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 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.

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 with the Houston Police Department. Most recently, he served as a major over the Professional Development and Standards Bureau, and the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

A first-generation immigrant from Vietnam, Chief Huynh came to the United States at the age of nine. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for eight years.

Chief Huynh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 262), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) (Session 79), and Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI).

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.

He attended Basic Peace Officer's training at the University of Houston Police Academy and graduated with top Academic Honors. Captain Dean holds a Master Peace Officer Certification and has been recognized by the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District Exchange Club for his outstanding service and achievements in Crime Prevention.

Major Dean attended Texas Southern University, where he studied Business Management and Psychology. He also completed numerous leadership/management courses during his tenure at the HCSO. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Lamar University.

Major Dean served in the United States Marine Corps for nearly eight years. He attended Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School and received other "specialized" military training. Some of his noteworthy assignments were at the United States embassies abroad in Warsaw Poland, Tokyo Japan, and Abidjan Ivory Coast, West Africa.

Major Dean enjoys reading books, collecting fine arts/antiques, fishing, theatrical plays, and family trips.

In 1999, Major Herndon promoted to the rank of sergeant and began her career as a supervisor. As a supervisor, she worked in Detentions, Courts, Transportation, Internal Affairs, and Criminal Investigations. Over her 32 years of service, Major Herndon achieved the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. In 2023, after 24 years as a supervisor, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez promoted her to the rank of major.

Major Herndon attended Lamar University and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and the Leadership Development Institute. She holds a TCOLE Instructor license and a Master Peace Officer License.

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 Special Enforcement 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 Blendermann has had a distinguished career in law enforcement, having earned various ranks in the Sheriff's Office. He has worked in different areas, including detentions, courts, investigations, Vice, narcotics, and patrol. He has served in District 1, District 2, District 3, and District 5. He was part of the team that opened District 5 in 2004.

Throughout his career, Major Blendermann has been heavily involved in the patrol Field Training Program. He was also the Burglary Apprehension Response Squad supervisor and coordinator for the Harris County Junior Mounted Posse from 2003 to 2019. He also initiated the Taser Control Unit from 2003 to 2015 and established the HCSO Explorer Program in 2011.

Major Blendermann holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M, with a concentration in International Affairs. He is a former Eagle Scout and has been an active adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scoutmaster for several years in the Tomball area of Harris County. Additionally, he has been a member of Second Baptist Church since 1985 and has been a part of their security team ever since.

Major Blendermann's personal life is as fulfilling as his professional one. He has been married to Loretta for 34 years, and they have three children: Christy, Alisha, and Seth. Seth is a Deputy Sheriff Patrol officer in District 1, a testament to the family's commitment to law enforcement.

In 1995, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau where he worked in District 2 until 1999, when he transferred to District 4. He worked as a Field Training Officer in District 4 until 2001 when he was assigned to the Burglary Apprehension Response Squad (BARS). In 2003, he was promoted to Sergeant, assigned to the 701 San Jacinto Jail. In March 2005, he transferred to District I patrol where he was the District One Field Training Supervisor. In July 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Commander in various assignments such as Patrol, Internal Affairs, and Special Enforcement/HIDTA. He was promoted to Captain in 2016 and served as the Division Commander in the Detention Bureau, Patrol Bureau, Academy Director, and Crimes Against Person Division of the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

Major Nanny was appointed to the Harris County Command Staff on June 1, 2023, and assigned to the East Region Patrol Bureau. He works collaboratively with the West Region Patrol Bureau, Patrol Support Services Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Special Enforcement Bureau to support the agency's goal of public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response roles.

Major Nanny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. He is an alumna of the FBI National Academy Class #239 and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Class #52.

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 Suarez, a twenty-one-year veteran of the HCSO, began his career as a detention officer, completed the HCSO Basic Peace Officer Academy B2-2004, and was promoted through the ranks until Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appointed him Major in December of 2022. As a Patrol Deputy, Major Suarez received the highest honor by the HCSO in December of 2007, the Bravery Commendation, for his heroic actions during a car chase and arrest of a wanted Capital Murder suspect who was threatening the community violently with a firearm.

Major Suarez's rise through the ranks was well-earned. As a Sergeant and Lieutenant, he led the Narcotics Unit, the Vice Unit, the Human Trafficking Unit, the Gang and Drug Task Forces, the SWAT Team, the Bomb Unit, and the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. As a Captain, Major Suarez commanded the 701 San Jacinto and 1307 Baker Detention Facilities. He assisted in the infrastructure, planning, and implementation of the Women's Empowerment Center, an innovative facility focusing on reducing recidivism.

Major Suarez earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University and a Master of Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 282 and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session 93.

Throughout his tenure, Major T. Shelton worked in Detentions and patrol as a district deputy, patrol beat programmer, and HOT SPOT street-level narcotics enforcement deputy before earning the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain before his appointment to Major. His experience continued to vary across multiple assignments in the jails and patrol, overseeing training initiatives, special projects, specialty patrol initiatives like SOBER court programs, and anti-drunk driving programs. Previous assignments have included Executive Bureau Sergeant reporting to the Law Enforcement Chief and Chief Financial Officer, Emergency Dispatch Center and Mobile Command Commander, Compliance and Inspections Unit Commander, Inmate Community Work programs Commander, Homeless Outreach Teams, and Crisis Intervention Response Teams (CIRT) Commander, Special Reactions Group (SRG) supervisor, and most recent assignments were District IV Patrol Commander and Neighborhood Policing Division Commander.

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

Major T. 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 T. 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.

Major McClanahan began her law enforcement career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1995. After completing the Basic Peace Officer’s Academy, she was assigned to the District 2 Patrol Division. In 1998, she joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a full-time deputy and was assigned to the 701 jail facility.

During her tenure with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, she has served in a variety of divisions, including the 1200 jail facility, Courts, Inmate Records, Inmate Processing, Adult Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, and Crimes Against Children.

Major McClanahan obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston Downtown in 1994 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston Downtown in 2003.

Born in Mexico City and fluent in Spanish, Dr. McNeese holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Psychology, and a M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Houston. He also has a BBA in finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Rice University. His diverse educational background equips him to address complex issues within the department.

Dr. McNeese completed a predoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and trained in various settings, including DePelchin Children's Center and Ben Taub Hospital. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship focusing on personality disorders, severe mental illness, and trauma. He was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at BCM and established the nation's first APA-accredited Predoctoral Psychologist Fellowship focused on law enforcement mental health.

Dr. McNeese has also been an assistant professor through the Louis A. Faillace, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and worked in forensic settings, providing expert witness services to criminal courts in over 1,500 cases. He actively participates in community and professional organizations, focusing on foreign relations, multicultural services, citizen engagement, psychology, and international business development. His contributions and global perspective are a testament to his commitment to positively impact society.

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.

With more than 33 years of information technology and law enforcement experience, Mr. Spurger has led organizational transformation through the strategic adoption and management of IT solutions.

He filled this position after creating the first High Tech Crime Unit for the HCSO. This unit includes investigations, mobile device forensics, video forensics, a Mobile Video Team, a Federal Bureau of Investigations regional computer forensics lab component, and the Technical Operations Unit involving drones and surveillance platforms.

Previously, he helped create the first cybercrime unit in Harris County, was a founding member of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, and served as the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children deputy commander for two years.

Mr. Spurger is a member of the following organizations: High Tech Crime Investigators Association, National Technical Investigators Association, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Metro ICAC, and the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.

He is a graduate of the Leadership Command College and holds a Master Peace Officer license.

Prior to promotion to the Director position at the EDC, Director Klozik was a certified Peace Officer and held the position of Lieutenant in the EDC. Director Klozik was also assigned as the Lieutenant (Watch Commander) in Patrol Districts II and V, and a 1200 Baker Street Watch Commander in the Justice Housing Bureau.

Director Klozik is also a member of the HCSO Reserve Division and an instructor for the HCSO Reserve Basic Peace Officer Class for CIT, Family Violence, and Juvenile issues.

Prior to being promoted, Lieutenant Klozik was a Sergeant on the night shift in District III and later was the supervisor over the proactive robbery task force in Patrol District III. As a Sergeant, Lieutenant Klozik was also the 3rd Watch Commander over the Emergency Dispatch Center. Prior to any promotions, Director Klozik had Deputy Assignments in pro-active patrol units and regular patrol assignments in the patrol Districts III and IV. Director Klozik has previously participated in the STEP program for Seatbelt and DWI enforcement, has been involved in multiple DWI initiatives with the Sheriff’s Office, and is a four-time MADD award recipient.

Prior to being assigned to patrol, Director Klozik was assigned to the Detention Bureau as a Deputy and Civilian Jailer in both the 1301 and 1200 jail facilities mental health area.

Director Klozik possesses multiple certifications by the State of Texas licensing agency, TCOLE. He is a Certified Telecommunicator, TCOLE Instructor, Mental Health Peace Officer, and Mental Health/CIT Trainer, and he holds a Master Peace Officer License.

Director Klozik is a graduate of U of H Clear Lake with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and is father to an 18-year-old son who is preparing to enter the United States Air Force.

While just another student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., having worked at the Pentagon, the September 11th attacks hit home, especially for Carla. The following year, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Officer. A two-time combat Veteran, Carla served 12 years on active duty and still serves today as a Lieutenant Colonel and a Detachment Deputy Commanding Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

A reflection of her passion for the criminal justice system and business performance and efficiency, Carla has a Bachelor’s Degree in the Administration of Justice and a Master’s in Business Administration. Carla finds no greater joy than spending time with her family