Professional Summary
Chief Melissa R. Hyatt is a nationally recognized law enforcement executive with more than two decades of experience leading transformational change across local, federal, healthcare, and public safety organizations. She currently serves as a subject matter expert for Policing Lab, consultant for 21st Century Policing Solutions, and principal of Cobalt Strategies, LLC, where she advises agencies and organizations on leadership, public safety strategy, organizational effectiveness, and community engagement. Most recently, Hyatt served as Senior Advisor to the Director of the United States Marshals Service, where she established the agency’s first Office of State, Local and Tribal Law Enforcement Partnerships, strengthening collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and associations nationwide.
In June 2019, Hyatt was sworn in as the 14th Police Chief of the Baltimore County Police Department. During her tenure, she led significant organizational reforms focused on employee safety and wellness, advancement of technology, training, and equipment, adoption and use of the Incident Command System, and investment in community engagement.
Prior to serving as chief, Hyatt served over 20 years with the Baltimore (City) Police Department, rising through the ranks to hold key leadership positions including Chief of Staff, Chief of Patrol, Chief of the Special Operations Division,and Special Weapons and Tactics. Following her law enforcement career, she served as Vice President for Security at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins University, overseeing global security operations across the enterprise.
Key Experience
- Board Member, Baltimore Humane Society (2022 – Current)
Supports the organization’s mission to improve the lives of animals through advocacy, care, and education - Board Member, Special Olympics Maryland (2022 – Current)
Advances opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, inclusion, and community engagement - Board Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police (2022-2023)
Served on the Board of Directors for the world’s largest professional organization for law enforcement leaders - President, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association (2021-2022)
Served as President of the statewide professional association representing Maryland law enforcement leaders - Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellow (2021)
Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Civil Society Fellowship, a leadership program for accomplished public service leader - Chair, Emerging Issues Committee, Major Cities Chiefs Association (2020-2022)
Led discussions and initiatives focused on emerging challenges and opportunities in policing
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science, University of Delaware
- Master’s Degree, Johns Hopkins University
- Graduate, FBI’s National Academy
- Graduate, Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program
- Graduate, Major Cities Chiefs Police Executive Leadership Institute
Personal Touch
I have been a Super Plunger for Special Olympics Maryland five times, which requires raising $10,000 and then plunging into the freezing cold Chesapeake Bay 24 times in 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. In each of those frigid swims, I wore a different costume to help keep my fellow Super Plungers laughing and motivated.
