Shery Walker-Cowart to Lead Agency
The Police Accountability Board is excited to announce Sherry Walker-Cowart as the agency’s new interim Executive Director.
The interim role will steward the PAB’s formation of crucial internal procedures, determine where the agency needs help to grow, and outline a successful strategic planning process.
Ms. Walker-Cowart brings more than twenty years of leadership experience to the PAB, including serving as Executive Director of the City’s Traffic Violations Bureau and Office of Public Integrity. She also brings a strong community-first perspective, formerly leading the Center for Dispute Settlement and The Community Place of Greater Rochester.
When asked how her expertise will help the PAB she offered this quote:
“I have been involved in police-community relations and oversight for years. It has always been something I am interested in and improving relationships with the RPD and community is high on my list of priorities,” said Walker-Cowart. “I am excited to do what I can to help bring the mission and vision of the PAB to fruition and help build community trust in the agency and in our public safety system.”
PAB Board Chair Larry Knox praised Walker-Cowart’s experience.
“Her proven track record for firmly establishing new departments within the City and leadership development will help move this agency forward. We are all excited to work with Sherry and think she will truly complement our staff and the entire organization.”
Members of the board would also like to extend their gratitude to Chief of Investigations Duwaine Bascoe, who served as the PAB’s Acting Manager for the past six months.
The search for the PAB’s permanent Executive Director is expected to begin sometime in the new year.
For more information about this press release, please contact PAB Deputy Chief of Public Information Vanessa J. Cheeks at [email protected]
