Archives: Directors

Chief Jose Tellez has 34 years of law enforcement service with the National City Police Department and was promoted to Chief of Police in March 2019.  He graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from National University.

Chief Tellez supports Community Engagement Programs that promote trust and respect between law enforcement and they communities they serve. STAR/PAL is one of those programs as it provides academic support and valuable activities for San Diego Youth.

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Dr. Brown earned a Doctorate in Leadership Studies and a Masters in Cross-Cultural counseling. His numerous leadership experiences, and professions includes;

Vice President (CHRO)-human resources, CRO-Chief Risk Office, extensive mediation and arbitration, Equity-Diversity & Inclusion, Financial Services in Insurance, Director of Program Management, Senior Project Management, Law Enforcement Oversight- Collaboration-Wellness, Auditing, Governmental Reporting and Compliance, University Research, Collective Bargaining, Contracts, Executive Coaching, Community Mental Health Engagement, and Cross-Cultural Workplace Energy Designs.

In addition, he has served on numerous industry and civic boards; McGill School of Success, California State University (CSU)-Risk Management Authority (CSURMA), CSU-Auxiliary Organizations joint powers authority, Urban League of San Diego County, San Diego NAACP, and San Diego ASPCA-Humane Society.

Dr. Brown designed Workers’ Compensation-Captive insurance, and Cyber Liability financing programs that saves California State Universities and other entities hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Dr. Brown is also the longest serving President of the University of Southern California’s Trojan Football Alumni.

Chief Kaye grew up right here in San Diego County and graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication and later attended National University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. With over 30 year in law enforcement experience, Chief Kaye has an extensive background in neighborhood policing including leading homeless outreach and public information services.

Chief Kaye joined the STAR/PAL Board of Directors in 2019.

Mr. Brewer, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California from 2019 to 2021, has served on the board of directors at STAR/PAL since 2015. His dedication to the youth and law enforcement of San Diego is exemplified through his commitment to supporting STAR/PAL and it’s mission.

Strong community bonds between youth and law enforcement are pivotal to keeping our communities safe. STAR/PAL empowers youth and helps to ensure their future success by building trust and mutual respect with law enforcement.

Kids need role models to look-up to, to mimic and to help them form their self-image. I had the great fortune of growing up in a community full of outstanding role models, most notably our policemen and women, which is why I want to help the kids in our communities feel that same sense of belonging and ownership. STAR/PAL’s mission is to introduce our community’s at-risk children to law enforcement officers through educational and recreational programming, thus fostering the child/role model relationship. The bonds that form and the lessons that are learned by ALL participants strengthen our communities and change lives.

I am so proud of the kids in our STAR/PAL programs and I am inspired by the volunteers, officers, and staff who devote their time, energy and hearts to connect in meaningful ways.  Our kids deserve the chance to fulfill their dreams, and STAR/PAL is creating positive pathways to get there – it’s a team effort and I’m honored to participate

STAR/PAL is a great organization in which our officers can interact and build relationships with the kids in the communities we serve.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to guide and mentor kids, along with help them make the right choices to ensure they have a bright and successful future.  I want to encourage every child to be great citizens, be proud of what they have accomplished and recognize the potential of what they have yet to become.

***Bio Coming Soon***

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Supporting STAR/PAL in connecting youth and law enforcement in healthy recreational activities early and often is a goal Monica sees as vital in building stronger community trust and cultural understanding between officers and kids.

Maximizing all available resources and facilitating collaboration between groups is a priority to her.. She believes working as a team is essential to address our challenges of social justice, racial equity, literacy, multi-generational poverty, mental health, homelessness, housing and employment.

My connection to STAR/PAL stems from my experience growing up in a very diverse neighborhood.  I was able to see the difference in outcomes that came with having a safe place to learn and play. I feel that by having the youth of the community and our law enforcement working together, STAR/PAL provides an opportunity to so many young men and women to succeed.  

In today’s complex society, trust and the foundational understanding of the roles of police and sheriff has taken on new meanings and challenging perceptions. I have no doubt our STAR/PAL interactive programs, activities and ongoing mutual dialogue consistently provide measurable positive effects on building a bond of trust and mutual understanding between students and law enforcement. We must generate a sustained new vision and messaging for our youth and law enforcement, especially those who expectantly will become our future community leaders.