Lenexa, Kansas Police Chief Selected as Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year by National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 6 -- City of Lenexa, Kansas Police Chief Ellen Hanson has distinguished herself as a leader who is described as charismatic, decisive and one who 'does the right things for the right reasons'. Today, she will be recognized as Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year by her peers at the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) annual conference in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
NAWLEE and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) will honor Hanson during the group's 15th annual conference and she will share her experiences and guidance gleaned through her 35 years with the police department. The conference is hosted by the Sheriff Leo P. McGuire and Undersheriff Sharon McDonald of the Bergen County Sheriff's Department, New Jersey.
"I am very grateful to be recognized by my peers, and happy to be able to make a contribution at the national level," Hanson said.
It was Hanson's involvement in NAWLEE and IACP, along with other women in the 1990s, which planted the seeds of NAWLEE. Networking with other women at IACP events, they sought out further opportunities to share their knowledge. "As a mentoring organization, NAWLEE is an excellent place for a woman to be," Hanson said. Today NAWLEE has about 400 members, including law enforcement agency leaders and future leaders nationwide.
"Ellen's (Hanson's) dedication to law enforcement, and her national recognition in leading innovative law enforcement programs make her an excellent choice for this year's Executive of the Year," said NAWLEE president Susan Rockett, Chief of Police at the City of Mexico, Mo. Police Department.
Hanson was named police chief in 1991 and started as a patrol officer in 1975. She was transferred to the Investigations Division and served as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant and commander of the Division for 12 years and also served as Captain of Patrol. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Kansas, a master's degree in management science from Baker University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Awards include "Protector of the Children' and the Police Executive Research Forum Leadership Award.
In addition to recognizing Hanson's achievements, the conference will honor the new President of NAWLEE, Chief Kathy Perez of the City of Bowie Police Department, Bowie, Maryland.
"Motorola is proud of NAWLEE's efforts to support women who are leaders in law enforcement and who devote their careers to public safety," Jackie Wasni, Motorola Vice President of Sales and Services said. The conference runs through Aug. 8.
About NAWLEE
The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) is the first organization established to address the unique needs of women holding senior management positions in law enforcement.
NAWLEE is a non-profit organization sponsored and administered directly by law enforcement practitioners. Its mission is to serve and further the interests of women executives and those who aspire to be executives in law enforcement. For more information, please visit http://www.nawlee.com
