The Chief’s Advisory Council (CAC) serves as a vital link between the Dayton community and the Dayton Police Department. Composed of trusted volunteer community members, the CAC meets regularly with the Chief of Police to represent the community’s voice and provide honest feedback, raise concerns, and help ensure the department remains responsive to the people it serves.

Anthony Thomas

Anthony Thomas is a serial entrepreneur and author of Mindset Makeover, known for revitalizing Dayton’s Historic Wright Dunbar District through businesses like Taco Street Co., Lux Barber Lounge, and XO Burger, which serve as community hubs. He collaborates closely with Judge Gerald Parker on initiatives to combat incarceration, working to implement programs that support and create opportunities for those affected by the justice system.

His work blends entrepreneurship, writing, and social justice, reflecting his commitment to empowering communities and fostering economic growth while advocating for systemic change.

Rev. Dr. David L. Fox

Rev. Dr. David L. Fox is a lifelong Dayton resident, civil rights leader, and retired Wilberforce University Police Chief. He has led initiatives such as renaming the West Third Bridge to the “Peace Bridge” and organizing the Dayton MLK Jr. celebrations, expanding the annual march from 5,000 to over 13,000 participants, and emphasizing youth leadership in racial harmony efforts.

Dr. Fox has received Ohio’s highest civil rights honors, including the Governor’s Humanitarian Award, and has served in numerous civic roles, including the Dayton Use of Force Committee and NAACP Criminal Justice Committee. An ordained minister and father of five, he continues to advocate for justice and community empowerment throughout the Dayton region.

David K. Greer, Sr.

David K. Greer, Sr. is a retired federal civil servant with over 31 years of service and a committed community advocate in Dayton since 1996. After starting as a firefighter and transitioning roles due to health restrictions, he channeled his experiences into fighting systemic injustices and empowering others in his community. His leadership includes over two decades with the Northwest Priority Board, serving as its Chairman since 2005, shaping community priorities and neighborhood improvements across Dayton’s northwest neighborhoods.

Mr. Greer’s extensive civic service includes roles with the Dayton Public Schools Foundation, Power Net of Dayton, the Dayton Africana Elders Council, and the NAACP, earning him multiple community service awards. A father and grandfather, he remains dedicated to fostering safety, equity, and civic engagement, continuing to enrich Dayton through his volunteer leadership and advocacy.

Dr. Derrick Lee Foward

Dr. Derrick Lee Foward, a Dayton native, is a nationally recognized civil rights leader and the longest-serving President in the 110-year history of the Dayton Branch NAACP, having held the position for over 19 years. In addition to his local leadership, he has also served in key leadership roles with both the Ohio Conference NAACP and the national NAACP. Under his leadership, the Dayton Branch has investigated thousands of discrimination complaints, registered countless voters, and raised millions of dollars to support civil rights initiatives and youth programs.

After retiring from Speedway LLC following a distinguished 28-year career, Dr. Foward founded Move Foward Enterprise LLC. He remains a steadfast advocate for police accountability, notably leading the development of an 8-Point Strategy on Criminal Justice Reform in the wake of George Floyd’s death. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Speedway Living Our Values Award, a NAACP Image Award and the Key to the City of Dayton. Through it all, Dr. Foward remains dedicated to empowering communities, guided by principles of honesty, empathy, and integrity.

Jeffery Jackson

Jeffery Jackson is a dedicated Dayton community leader and co-founder of Planned2Give, a nonprofit organization that creatively organizes fundraising events to support local causes. Through events like Dayton Donut Fest, the Bloody Mary Showdown, and tornado relief concerts, Planned2Give has raised substantial funds for organizations including the Epilepsy Foundation Ohio, African-American Community Fund, and Woodland Cemetery.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Jeff served as the former President of the Wright-Dunbar Village Neighborhood Association and sits on the boards of Wright Dunbar, Inc., and the National Aviation Heritage Alliance. He also serves on the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation Board. A youth basketball coach in Kettering, he is committed to fostering mentorship, community pride, and neighborhood revitalization across the Dayton region.

Kathryn Espino

Kathryn has managed different technical systems throughout her career, from protecting patient health information in the medical field, to academic records in higher education and currently serves as the learning management systems administrator for Human Resources at CareSource. She has volunteered and been an advocate for the local community – serving in various roles for over two decades. 

Recently she was elected as Vice President of a non-profit Educational Center in Dayton, El Puente. She is an advisor to the Dayton Chief of Police and is also a mentor with Montgomery County College Promise. In 2024 – she received a Leaders in Diversity Award from The Dayton Business Journal to recognize her community work.

Monnie L. Bush, Jr.

Monnie L. Bush, Jr. is the founder of The Victory Project, transforming poverty alleviation for inner-city youth through education and entrepreneurship, generating a social return on investment of over $250 million without government funding. A law enforcement veteran and VP of a private investigations firm, he has also led corporate investigations nationwide.

Deeply committed to youth mental health and community well-being, Monnie serves on the Montgomery County ADAMHS Committee, the Dayton Police Chief’s Advisory Council, and helped found Police And Clergy Together (P.A.C.T.). Married with four sons and a grandson, he is dedicated to addressing community challenges while mentoring youth away from street life.

Tae Winston

Tae Winston is a serial entrepreneur and community event planner dedicated to rebuilding West Dayton and empowering local small businesses. A former case manager and mother to a son on the autism spectrum, she founded multiple ventures including Framez Boutique, The Entrepreneurs Marketplace, and Chace Concessions Food Truck, providing affordable platforms for over 500 local entrepreneurs to thrive.

Her initiatives, such as Wright Dunbar Day and Fashion Meets Food Truck rallies, have transformed community commerce while addressing food deserts and economic disparities. Tae’s work has earned her numerous awards and recognition, reflecting her mission to build local wealth, mentor small businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for Dayton residents.

Rev. Vanessa J. Ward, M.Phil, M.A.T.S

Rev. Vanessa Ward is President of Omega Community Development Corporation and Pastor Emerita of Omega Baptist Church, leading efforts to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Northwest Dayton. She has overseen the development of the Omega Senior Lofts and the Hope Center for Families, partnering with Dayton Children’s Hospital and Sinclair Community College to support holistic family wellness.

She serves on numerous boards including Kettering Health, Sinclair College, and the Dayton Police Chief’s Advisory Council. With local and national speaking engagements and awards such as the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award, Rev. Ward remains a respected leader in education, housing, and community development while advocating for the empowerment of Dayton families.