Leadership Team
Josh Mays
Chief of Police
While growing up in the beautiful town of Bishop, CA, serving in law enforcement was a childhood aspiration for Chief Mays. His career began in 1999 when he joined the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department. Some of his assignments included patrol, courts, jails, and the boating enforcement unit.
In late 2003, he relocated to San Diego and continued his career in policing. Chief
Mays has served in all ranks within the San Diego State University Police Department
and was appointed chief of police in May 2016.
Chief Mays holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and master’s degree in negotiation,
conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. His thesis explored strategies for managing
attribution bias among police officers.
Part of Chief Mays’ leadership philosophy encompasses focusing on people, both inside
and outside of the Department. This includes creating opportunities where all feel
comfortable expressing their thoughts, perceptions, and ideas. Chief Mays further
believes that good decision making is achieved through collaboration.
Chief Mays recognizes that when good leaders take care of people, people will take
care of each other. He finds strength and resolve in the belief that the future can
always be better than the present. Some of his leadership core values include fairness,
patience, and integrity.
Ronald "Ron" Broussard
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Ronald "Ron" Broussard began his service with the San Diego Police Department
in 1995 as a patrol officer. He served as a field training officer, academy recruit
training officer, beach area enforcement team member, and acting supervisor.
In 2008, Lieutenant Broussard joined the San Diego State University Police Department
and was promoted to sergeant. He served as a patrol supervisor, watch commander,
and training sergeant. Lt. Broussard was promoted to police lieutenant in 2016. As
a police lieutenant, he serves as a patrol commander and operations lieutenant.
Lieutenant Broussard received his associate degree from San Diego Community College
(Miramar) in San Diego. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from Southern Illinois
University, and master's degree in justice public policy from Chapman University.
Lieutenant Broussard is a graduate of POST Management Course (Class 11-63) and the
POST Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class 349).
Gregory "Greg" Robertson
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Gregory "Greg" Robertson grew up in Santee, CA. After graduating high school,
Lt. Robertson attended San Diego Miramar College and obtained an associate degree.
He is currently attending California Coast University in an effort to earn a bachelor's
degree in criminal justice administration.
Prior to entering law enforcement, Lt. Robertson worked in the retail grocery business
for 10 years, where he learned the importance of community relations and positive communication.
In 1996, Lt. Robertson was appointed as a police officer with the El Cajon Police
Department. He was afforded the opportunity to serve as a field training officer,
dispatch supervisor, and background coordinator as well as work in the investigations
unit. In 2011, Lt. Robertson expanded his law enforcement knowledge and experience
after being promoted to the rank of sergeant. As a sergeant, he took on various responsibilities
in Field Training Management, Special Operations, School Resource Officer Management,
Bike Team Operations, City Event Planning & Preparedness, Crisis Negotiations Team
Leader, Honor Guard, as well as Community Resource and Outreach Management. In 2014,
Lt. Robertson graduated from the Sherman Block Leadership Institute, Class #350.
Lt. Robertson understands that developing and maintaining community partnerships are
key elements in an effective police department. In addition, the success of any police
agency depends on community trust. Lt. Robertson is honored to be part of the San
Diego State University community and will take every opportunity to foster professional
relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors of San Diego State University.
Ruben Villegas
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Ruben Villegas was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. After high school, he started his educational
career at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA. In 1995, he transferred to San Diego
State University where he began working for the University Police Department as a
Public Safety Assistant, now known as Community Service Officers. Lt. Villegas graduated from San Diego State University in 1997 with a BA in Psychology. Soon
after graduating, he was hired by the University Police Department and sent to the
academy. Lt. Villegas began his service with the San Diego State University Police Department in 1998 as
a patrol officer. He served as a field training officer, ABC task force officer, bike
patrol officer, and acting supervisor. In 2008, he was promoted to Sergeant. He
served as a patrol supervisor, watch commander, and bike patrol sergeant. Lt. Villegas was promoted to police lieutenant in 2018. As a police lieutenant, he serves as a
patrol operations lieutenant.
Lieutenant Villegas is a graduate of the POST Sherman Block Leadership Institute (Class 348).
Chanin Harrison
Police Services Manager
Chanin Harrison began her career with the San Diego State University Police Department
in 2003 as a student assistant in the Parking and Key Issue Office. She quickly aspired
to become a police dispatcher after hearing police radio traffic and witnessing the
police dispatchers at work in the communications center. Chanin was sworn in as a
police dispatcher with the department in 2005. She served as a tactical dispatcher,
communications training officer, and lead dispatcher.
In 2011, Chanin transitioned into the position of executive assistant to the Chief
of Police where she supported the Office of the Chief and fiscal operations of the
department. Chanin was appointed to communications center and fiscal manager in 2015.
Chanin received her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Psychology
with a minor in Women’s Studies.
Raquel Herriott
Community & Media Relations / Special Advisor to the Chief
Raquel Herriott joined the San Diego State University Police Department in October
2012. After serving in various student positions, she became an administrative assistant
for the Office of the Chief and then served as the executive assistant & special advisor
to the chief of police in May 2016. By January 2018, she was appointed the position
of community & media relations specialist.
In her role, Raquel serves as the public information officer for the University Police
Department. She leads communication efforts, identifies opportunities for community
development, coordinates special projects on behalf of the Chief of Police, and manages
all social media accounts.
Raquel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in political science from
San Diego State University. Her passion for public service stems from her core values:
community, respect, and integrity. She believes in cross-cultural leadership and
fostering inclusivity within SDSU’s diverse climate.
Deborah "Debbie" Richeson
Parking & Transportation Services
Deborah “Debbie” Richeson has worked in San Diego State University's parking industry
for over 22 years. She began her career serving as a parking enforcement officer and
later progressed to the director of parking & transportation services. Debbie is tasked
with identifying transportation alternatives for the campus community.
Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in homeland security
at SDSU. She has also attended Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command
College where she published an article for the National Association of College and
University Business Officers, “Technology Trends and Implications for Campus Security.”
Debbie is a member of the California Public Parking Association and the International
Parking Mobility Institute.
Debbie believes in trust-based leadership and the importance of empowering employees
to better serve the organization. She plans to use innovative technology to help transform
the campus parking landscape.
Shawn Brown
Parking Operations Manager
Shawn Brown was born and raised in southern California. He studied criminal justice
administration at San Diego State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in business
management from the University of Phoenix.
Shawn has worked at the San Diego State University Police Department since 2005, starting
as a community service officer, and then serving as a parking officer, parking sergeant,
and administrative analyst/specialist. In 2016, he was promoted to the position of
parking operations manager.
Shawn believes in strengths-based management and that employees are most effective
when improving their abilities. He also believes that encouraging employee development,
establishing trust, and creating meaningful relationships cultivates value for the
organization. Shawn acknowledges that everyone has the potential to create value,
but most are not challenged to do so. A leader identifies an employee’s strength,
aids in development, provides mentorship, and motivates employees by setting accomplishable
goals that support an established strategic vision.