Board Members
The Arizona Criminal Justice Teachers Association (AZCJTA) is led by a dedicated team of educators and professionals committed to advancing Law, Public Safety, and Criminal Justice education across the state. Our governing board works collaboratively to support teachers, strengthen curriculum alignment, expand industry partnerships, and promote student success through meaningful work-based learning and leadership opportunities.
President: Herbert Williams
Herbert Williams is a retired Oro Valley Police Department officer with more than 24 years of distinguished service. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, an MBA, and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Homeland Security. After retiring from law enforcement, he committed himself to advancing criminal justice education across Arizona and the nation, serving as Dean of Criminal Justice for Kaplan and Brightwood Colleges and teaching as adjunct faculty for Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Central Arizona College. He has also recruited students nationwide for Waldorf University and Columbia Southern University. Since 2011, Mr. Williams has supported Arizona’s CTE system through teaching roles at CAVIT, EVIT, and Williams Field High School and has chaired SkillsUSA Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Justice competitions, helping develop numerous champions. Through his company, the Institute for Security Preparedness, he has trained hundreds of students in hands-on Crime Scene Management and continues to advocate for consistent, industry-aligned criminal justice education statewide.
Vice-President: Tarnisha Tilson
Tarnisha Tilson is a public administration professional and educator with experience in criminal justice, reentry, workforce development, and security. She holds a Master of Public Administration, dual bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Sociology, and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. She teaches high school criminal justice aligned with Arizona’s Law and Public Safety CTE Standards. Her courses cover constitutional and criminal law, use of force, court processes, investigations, policing, corrections, private security, and the roles of various law enforcement agencies. Tarnisha also teaches dual-enrollment Administration of Justice courses and works in private security roles that support law enforcement operations and public safety. She co-founded a reentry coalition focused on reducing recidivism through community partnerships and training for returning citizens. Her advocacy includes supporting Ban the Box and Second Chance Month initiatives. She has also taught career readiness and financial literacy to women reentering society, reinforcing her commitment to empowerment and second chances.
Secretary: William McDonald
William McDonald holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and brings more than 30 years of service in law enforcement, education, and the military. He served six years in the U.S. Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) while working in Security Forces and Security Forces Investigations. William dedicated 26 years to the Chandler Police Department, where he served in patrol, worked as a Detective in financial crimes, and specialized as an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator. Recognized as a subject matter expert in Digital Forensics, he provided advanced investigative and technical expertise throughout his career. He currently teaches Introduction to Criminal Justice at Williams Field High School, preparing the next generation of students for careers in law and public safety.
Treasure: Cheryl Thomas
Cheryl Thomas serves as the Treasurer of the Arizona Criminal Justice Teachers Association (AZCJTA). She brings over a decade of experience from the Department of Corrections, where she developed a strong foundation in criminal justice and rehabilitation practices. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling.
Since 2018, Cheryl has been an integral part of Arizona’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) community, teaching at Cibola High School. She is an active participant in SkillsUSA, where her leadership has guided student teams to outstanding success, winning at both regional and state levels, advancing to national competitions, and earning top-10 placements.
Cheryl is passionate about preparing students for meaningful careers in criminal justice and fostering professional excellence through education, mentorship, and collaboration.