Christopher Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues (National PAL), brings over 27 years of law enforcement experience. As a retired Sergeant from the Howell Township, NJ, Police Department, he supervised the Community Service Bureau, providing educational programs to schools and communities. In addition to his work at National PAL, he serves as President and CEO of the Howell Township Police Athletic League and has previously chaired the National PAL board. Hill is recognized for his expertise in gang violence, having worked with the U.S. Marshals and testified before legislative bodies, while also teaching safety, security, and tactical response techniques internationally.

Throughout his career, Hill has built partnerships with various agencies, including collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security. He has provided executive protection for dignitaries and celebrities.  A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment, Hill has developed programs like the Youth Leadership Council, which helps young people engage in community service and leadership development. Under his leadership, both the Monmouth Ocean PAL and DMV PAL were launched, serving thousands of youths across multiple states.

Dr. Steve Coan is the executive director and chief operating officer. Dr. Coan, currently a senior administrator at Ripon College in Wisconsin, has been a national leader in developing partnerships between higher education, youth services, and K12 education for decades, and will lead National PAL’s operations and strategic growth.

Coan, a native of Boston, hails from a law enforcement family and served for many years on the police commission in Stonington, Connecticut.  He is also a trustee of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and a commissioner with the New England Commission for Higher Education, a federally recognized accrediting agency for colleges and universities. Coan is an alumnus of Brandeis University, where he earned a master’s degree in management of youth services and a PhD in social policy.

Angela Caffee, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, now resides in Charlotte, NC, where she has returned to the National Association of Police Athletics/Activities Leagues Inc (NPAL) as the Vice President of Finance & Federal Grant Administration. Her journey began with a bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University, where she honed her passion for empowering youth. Following her academic pursuits, Angela dedicated several years to shaping young minds as both an elementary school teacher and a preschool principal.

Throughout her career, Angela has held various leadership positions within esteemed organizations such as NPAL, BGCA, and The City of Charlotte. Her tenure in these roles has been marked by a steadfast commitment to youth advocacy, spanning over two decades. Angela’s expertise in grant management and her proactive approach to fostering collaborative efforts have been instrumental in driving positive change within her community.

With a wealth of experience and a heart dedicated to serving others, Angela continues to champion the cause of youth empowerment and community development in her role at NPAL.

Dr. Duncan is a nationally known psychologist with broad academic and clinical experience in sports medicine and substance abuse treatment, most recently serving on the faculty of the University of Illinois Chicago. He has been a pioneer in player development with the National Basketball Association and National Football League including the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Lions.  He has also worked with several NCAA Division I athletic programs.

A retired United States Army Reserves officer, the Southfield, Michigan native and Lake Superior State alumnus (’94) played collegiate basketball before securing his master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University (’97), and PhD in health psychology from Walden University in 2006. He is a current board member of the SASHA center for Domestic Violence Program located in Detroit and is the first recipient and namesake of the organization’s Community Impact Award.

Kenneth J. Harris, Sr. is the Program Director at National PAL, where he leverages over 8 years of experience in talent development and organizational leadership. He is dedicated to growing National PAL’s impact by expanding programs and strengthening partnerships between local PAL chapters and the communities they serve. Throughout his career, Kenneth has excelled in managing diverse teams, overseeing program operations, and driving strategic growth initiatives that align with organizational goals. His passion lies in developing future leaders, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering interagency collaborations. He is currently pursuing an MBA in Organizational Management/Leadership from Eastern University and holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Arizona.

John Stevens brings a wealth of experience in project management, finance, and operational leadership to his role as Membership Coordinator at National PAL. Since joining in 2020, he has developed and maintained membership applications, streamlined conference registration, and implemented new processes for membership recruitment and management. His background includes over 15 years of management expertise in billing, collections, and IT support across various industries, including telecommunications and legal services.

Prior to his current role, John served as Finance Manager for DMV PAL, where he managed grant reimbursements, budgeting, and IT support. His passion for youth development extends beyond his professional career, as he actively volunteers with both local and national PAL chapters. John’s dedication to providing opportunities for youth is complemented by his leadership skills and commitment to operational excellence.

Currently, Daleska serves as Executive Administrative Manager for the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, providing support to the CEO and the rest of the team. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Her previous roles include Lead Executive Assistant at Vizient Southeast and Senior Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, where she worked closely with C-suite executives and managed complex projects. She also founded and managed Curated Assistance, a virtual assistant business, where she handled client relations, marketing, and operations.

Daleska holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from New Mexico State University and a Diploma in Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute. She is certified as a Notary Public and holds project management credentials, including the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Designated Project Manager certificate from the University of South Florida. She brings a strong background in managing executive operations.

Katrese Johnson comes to National PAL as the new Finance & Federal Grant Administrative Assistant! With over 15 years of Human Resources experience, she will continue to use her expertise in the areas of compliance, budgeting, documenting, auditing and reporting to help ensure that National PAL maximizes the impact of funding received, to continue to drive the mission of the organization.

Since 2005 June has worked in the nonprofit sector, a career path driven by her desire to do actionable good, and work toward a more compassionate and equitable society. Over the course of her career, she has helped nonprofit organizations grow their communications, marketing, advocacy, and fundraising capacities to further their missions.    

As Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at National PAL, June’s work includes identifying opportunities, cultivating relationships, and acquiring funding for National PAL’s impactful work across the country.  

June lives in Maryland with her son Max, who inspires her daily to help make the world a better place for everyone. 

Bio to come.

Retired Sgt. Craig Littles is the Founder and Executive Director of Memphis Bears Inc. PAL, Memphis Shelby PAL, and Youth Academy of Dreams. A Memphis police officer since 1991, Littles began working with youth as a community officer with Memphis City Schools. He has dedicated his career to mentoring over 200 youngsters, serving as a coach, volunteer, and youth advocate. Littles developed PAL programs in partnership with Shelby County Schools, the Memphis Police Department, and other local organizations to provide positive youth development and sports programming. He has received numerous awards, including the National Jefferson Award for Public Service, and has been inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame (2024). Littles also serves on various community boards, including the Frayser Community Development Center and the Jefferson Award Selection Committee.

Since 2016, Joseph Plescia has been the Treasurer of the National PAL, where he has served in various leadership roles since 2004, including Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL and National PAL Board Secretary. He brings a wealth of experience to PAL, supporting its mission to positively impact youth. In his professional role, Joe is the Superintendent of Recreation for the Township of Parsippany, overseeing recreational programs, events, and social media. He also coordinates the Municipal Alliance for The Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder. His deep commitment to youth development and community engagement has greatly benefited both National PAL and his community.

Sergeant Amatruda has held several leadership roles, including Treasurer of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Executive Board member of Waterbury PAL, and Secretary of the Police Association of Connecticut (PAC). Nationally, he served as Region 4 Representative for National PAL from 2017 to 2022 before becoming its Secretary.

His commitment to youth and community engagement has been transformative, ensuring Waterbury PAL remains a vital resource for positive, meaningful activities.

Ofc. Arthur “Art” Martineau has dedicated 27 years to the Miami Beach Police Department, showcasing an unwavering commitment to law enforcement and community service. Since 2010, he has served as Executive Director of Miami Beach PAL, where he actively supports local youth. A graduate of the Union Institute and University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Ofc. Martineau has earned numerous accolades, including Miami Beach’s Employee of the Year in 2018. In recognition of his contributions, May 25th was proclaimed Ofc. Art and Deborah Martineau Day by the city’s mayor and commission. Known for leading impactful community events, Ofc. Martineau has helped hundreds of teenagers, many of whom have secured full scholarships to top universities like Cornell. Even after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2023, he has continued his vital work within the community while undergoing treatment. His dedication and resilience make him a key figure in fostering strong relationships between youth and law enforcement in Miami Beach.

Fernando C. Spagnolo joined the Waterbury Police Department in July of 1992. During Chief Spagnolo’s career which spans more than three decades, he was invited by the U.S. Senate to speak on Gun Control, and by Governor Lamont to participate in his Senate Bill 16 Roundtable discussion which included changes in areas of violent crime, gun violence, and juvenile crime. Chief Spagnolo also testified before the Judiciary Committee on House Bills 6667 and 6834 concerning gun violence by repeat offenders. In June of 2023, Chief Spagnolo sat alongside other Chiefs for the Justice Education Center’s Safe Harbor Symposium at the Capitol, speaking on a panel regarding the topic of the session “Our Communities and the Police: Engagement, Advocacy, and Change.” Chief Spagnolo recently became a Campership Director for the 2024 Campership Fund season, responsible for exposing underprivileged Waterbury children to the summer camp experience. He was one of a select few invited to attend the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance 2023 Violent Crime Reduction Summit: Partnerships for Safer Communities. Chief Spagnolo was recently invited to be a panelist for the Assessing Gun Violence Symposium to address strategies and ideas that could be implemented to prevent gun violence from occurring.

Chrysa Chin was recently named EVP, Strategic Relations for the National Basketball Players Association. Chin oversees the strategic implementation of player initiatives and innovative programs designed to foster relationships between players, resources, and businesses. Her oversight includes the anti-drug policy and program, rookie transition program, and crisis management. An accomplished advisor, thought leader, and trailblazer, Chin has crafted a distinguished career supporting the personal and professional development of basketball players for over 30 years (including 17.5 years at the NBA). Off the court, Chrysa is the proud mother of her son, Joel Garcia, the Director of Player Development for the Westchester Knicks.