About Noble

A veteran of the US Marine Corps, Ellis retired from the Michigan Department of State Police after 25 years of service at the rank of Inspector/Assistant Division Commander.

During his time with the Michigan State Police, Ellis held many positions including Commander of the Gaming Section, Assistant Division Commander of the agency’s Southeast Criminal Investigation Division, and the Special Operations Division. As the assistant SECID commander for eight years, Ellis was responsible for the day-to-operation of the division itself and six multi-jurisdictional task forces.

As the Assistant Division Commander for the Special Operations Division. His responsibilities included day-to-day administration of the agency’s specialty teams and programs. This included the division’s budget which was upwards of $50 million dollars. Units under his command were the Aviation Unit, Bomb Squad, Canine Unit, Underwater Recovery Team, Emergency Support Team (SWAT), Meth Team, Field Training Unit, Technical Services, Major Case Unit, and Capitol Security. In addition, the agency’s Digital Evidence Section (DES), which included the ICAC Task Force (Internet Crimes Against Children), and the Forensic Artist’s Programs were later added to his portfolio.

Upon retirement, Ellis assumed the position of Deputy Director for the Detroit Crime Commission (DCC). A non-profit he helped found in 2011. The DCC’s mission was to create a safe community for southeast Michigan residents by working in partnership with citizens, private businesses, and public entities. Ellis brought forward initiatives in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties that were the direct result of public safety requests. Specifically, initiatives public safety entities (Police, Fire/EMS, and the community) cannot do for themselves due to lack of funding, expertise, or inflexible bureaucracies. Initiatives brought forward by Ellis included: witness protection at the local level, citizen’s blight abatement, educating Michigan youth about Driving While Black, and acting as the fiduciary for local governments to address immediate needs, such as rape kit testing, anti-human trafficking, funding for new units, and direct spending via private donations.

In 2012, Ellis joined the Metro Detroit Chapter of NOBLE. During his time with the Detroit Chapter, Ellis held many positions to include chaplain, secretary, sergeant-at-arms and finally, chapter president. As president, he hosted an extremely successful regional conference and assisted the West Michigan Chapter of NOBLE present a National Conference. While part of Metro Detroit Chapter pioneered and created the Justice in Action Committee. The first of its kind for NOBLE, the committee engaged law makers at every level of government about policing in Michigan communities. At its first committee chair, Ellis and members of the JIC personally met with the state’s attorney general, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, members of congress, and testified before sub-committees in the Michigan Legislature.

In 2022, Ellis left the DCC and moved to the Houston Area. Later that same year, he was offered and accepted the position as Safety & Security Director for NRG Park. A position he currently holds. That same year, he joined the Houston Chapter of NOBLE.

Ellis holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He and his wife Darlyn have been married for 31 years, and together they have two adult daughters.

Dr. Trina Burkes-Jones currently serves as the NOBLE Houston Chapter’s Vice-President.

A proud native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Trina Burkes-Jones brings over 35 years of dedicated service in law enforcement leadership. Guided by the principle that “a lifelong commitment to academic excellence fosters the professionalism necessary in law enforcement,” she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to justice, community engagement, and organizational excellence.

Currently, Dr. Burkes-Jones serves as the Chief of Staff and Assistant Chief of Technology and Community Engagement for Harris County Constable Precinct Seven. Her extensive career includes 19 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, followed by 16 years with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO), one of the largest district attorney’s offices in the nation. She retired as the first Black woman and the first female to hold the position of Executive Assistant Chief Investigator in the Investigations Bureau. In this role, she oversaw and coordinated the supervision of 111 investigators and managed key divisions, including the Special Victims and Mental Health Bureau, the Special Crimes Bureau, the Civil Rights and Public Corruption Bureau, as well as Digital Forensics and Evidence Divisions. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Burkes-Jones actively collaborated with 87 law enforcement agencies across Harris County, fostering productive partnerships to serve and protect diverse communities.

Before her promotion, she served as a Lieutenant of Investigators, focusing on Mental Health, Child Fatality, Juvenile, Violent Sexual Predators, and Victim Services. Her background as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and her eight years of experience as an investigator in the Mental Health Division provided her with specialized knowledge that informed her role as a content expert for the District Attorney’s Office. She has provided testimony in cases involving animal cruelty, mental health, elder abuse, adult living facilities, and violence/risk assessments. Her expertise in these areas earned her the Investigator of the Year award from the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association (TDCAA).

Dr. Burkes-Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas Southern University, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is an alumnus of the Leadership Command College (LCC) of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) and has completed the LCC Leadership Inventory for Female Executives (LIFE). Additionally, she has received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award for completing the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), Command Leadership Institute (CLI), and Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). She is a Certified Public Manager (CPM) through Texas State University, a program designed to enhance management skills among government and nonprofit leaders.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Burkes-Jones has been an active member of numerous community and professional organizations. She is a 40-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and, as a Life Member, currently serves as Vice President of the Houston Chapter of the National Organization of Black Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). She is also a Life Member of the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA), a Legacy Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and holds positions of National and Area Security with Top Ladies of America (TLOD). She is committed to community service and belongs to many other organizations dedicated to service and leadership.

She is a loving wife to Jones IV, mother to Jones V, and proud grandmother to Jones VI.

James E. Hayes serves as the NOBLE Houston Chapter’s Chaplain.

James E. Hayes is currently employed as a Police Sergeant and serves as the Training Coordinator for the Houston Independent School District Police Department. Sergeant Hayes has over ten (10) years of law enforcement experience beginning as a Reserve Deputy Constable with Waller County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office in Waller, TX. While employed with the Houston Independent School District Police Department, Sergeant Hayes has served as an Officer in the Campus Operations Division and an Investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Sergeant Hayes currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership from the University of Houston Downtown. Sergeant Hayes has completed the FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Development Association trilogy of courses and has completed the NOBLE Supervisory Professional Development Program hosted at Cedarville University in Cedarville Ohio. Sergeant Hayes is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as Vice President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) – Houston Chapter. Sergeant Hayes was previously employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice / Correctional Institutions Division and served as a Correctional Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant at multiple regions throughout Region III.

Sergeant Hayes is married and has one (1) daughter. It is his desire to continue his professional and community efforts to make Houston and the surrounding area a better place to live while positively impacting the law enforcement / criminal justice community.

Jocelyn Ballard currently services as the NOBLE Houston Chapter’s Treasurer.

Jocelyn Ballard is a distinguished and accomplished professional in law enforcement, recognized for her exceptional dedication to the principles of effective policing and community engagement. With a wealth of experience, she has established herself as a leader in the field, combining her expertise in law enforcement with a passionate commitment to fostering strong relationships within the communities she serves. Her innovative approaches and unwavering resolve to promote justice and safety set her apart as an esteemed educator and role model for future generations in the profession.

Currently, she is enhancing her academic credentials by pursuing a Doctorate in the Administration of Justice at the esteemed Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, building on her master’s degree in criminology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. This advanced education equips her with a robust theoretical framework to complement her practical experiences, bridging the gap between academia and real-world law enforcement challenges.  Her impressive career at Harris County Constable Precinct 7 showcases her versatility and multifaceted expertise across a broad spectrum of law enforcement roles. Over the years, she has transitioned seamlessly through various positions, serving as a police officer, field training officer, criminal intelligence analyst, and crisis intervention officer. Each role has enriched her professional skill set and deepened her understanding of the complexities and nuances of community policing. As a passionate and certified trainer in multiple state-endorsed subject areas, she stands out particularly in crisis management and community policing—domains where her dedication and expertise shine through.

In terms of qualifications, Jocelyn possesses a Master Peace Officer Certification along with an Advanced Instruction Certification. Furthermore, she has been recognized as a Drug Recognition Expert and has served as an adjunct professor. These accolades reflect her commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring she remains at the forefront of evolving law enforcement practices.  Jocelyn is widely recognized for her exceptional ability to integrate traditional policing methods with innovative community outreach strategies. She wholeheartedly embraces the privilege and responsibility intrinsic to her role within the training team at Harris County Constable Precinct 7, where she is dedicated to cultivating a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence among her colleagues. Jocelyn’s leadership style fosters an environment where constructive dialogue and proactive engagement are prioritized, enabling officers to perform at their best and build trust within the community.

A proactive advocate for meaningful change, Jocelyn consistently seeks creative solutions to navigate the multifaceted challenges faced by the communities she serves. Her holistic approach encompasses the diligent enforcement of state and local laws, proactive crime prevention tactics, and relational policing strategies. Additionally, Jocelyn spearheads extensive educational initiatives designed to empower and inform the public, enhancing community awareness and safety.  Jocelyn, an ardent advocate for community policing, emphasizes the vital importance of establishing strong, collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. She firmly believes that these relationships are not just beneficial but essential for creating a climate of security and trust, which in turn leads to significantly improved outcomes in public safety.  Through her commitment to professional and compassionate policing methods, Jocelyn is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. She actively engages with community members to understand their concerns, needs, and perspectives. By fostering open lines of communication and building mutual respect, Jocelyn aims to empower individuals within the community, encouraging them to take an active role in the safety and well-being of their neighborhoods.

Her approach goes beyond mere enforcement; Jocelyn seeks to create a supportive environment where all community members feel valued and heard. Through various programs and initiatives, she works tirelessly to bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents, nurturing a sense of belonging and cooperation. Jocelyn’s efforts leave a lasting and positive impact on public service, contributing to a safer and more connected community that she is proud to serve.