About Us

Commissioner, Co-Chair
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026

Dr. John Adams is the former chair of the social studies department and current 9th grade leader for the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine. He received his Ph.D. in African American history with a specialty in Civil Rights and gender from Rutgers University, where he researched the life and activism of Daisy and L.C. Bates. His research includes the history of law enforcement and the Black community.

John is active in several community organizations, including the Cleveland Association of Black School Educators, the Ohio Council of Social Studies, the Thurgood Marshall Oratorical Debate and Education Project, and has been a panelist for the City Club of Cleveland as well as spoke to the State Board of Education about education reform and Critical Race Theory.

Email: JAdams5@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

Shandra Benito is a licensed social worker who works as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Nord Center. She has a background in working in mental health, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, people with disabilities, justice-involved youth, and people experiencing homelessness. Shandra has previously served as a commissioner in Seattle for the Commission on People with Disabilities and their Public Safety Committee and has a wealth of knowledge regarding public policy and community outreach

Email: SBenito@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026

James Chura has 33 years of experience in police patrol and investigative operations. He served as the officer in charge of the Integrity Control Section which included the Internal Affairs Unit, the Inspection Unit, and the Overtime Review Unit. He rose through the ranks of the Cleveland Police Department starting out as a patrolman and rising to commander. James also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kent University. He is a lifetime Cleveland resident and lives in West Park with his wife and son.  James represents the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 8.

Email: JChura4@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

A career litigator who has represented various public, private, and government entities in cases in both state and federal court. She is currently Counsel for Baker & Hostetler LLP and was previously an Associate at Calfee, Halter, & Griswold LLP. Tera has 10 years of experience serving on boards and commissions including Teach for America – Ohio, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, Recovery Resources, and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation. She has received numerous recognitions including Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Women in Law and 40 Under 40, as well as The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40.

Email: TColeman3@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

A Glenville High School graduate who has an array of experience across the banking and hospitality industries working for Marriott, Fifth Third, PNC Bank, and multiple restaurant groups. She has worked in leadership roles helping modernize operations, implement training, and other management duties. Maya was also a Development Manager for the ACLU of Ohio where she worked on marketing campaigns and fundraising activities helping increase awareness and attract donors to achieve funding goals.

Email: MKincaid@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

As Chief of Police for the Village of Woodmere – a position she held for more than a decade before retiring – she spearheaded innovative training programs and recruitment campaigns, implemented community-oriented policing initiatives and events, and developed comprehensive training programs. Before that, she made her way through the ranks at Cuyahoga Community College Metro Campus where she supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 80 officers, conducted ongoing performance evaluations, and advocated for professional development opportunities. Sheila is also a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Email: SMason2@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

Currently a Student Success Specialist, she has held various roles over the past 10+ years at Cuyahoga Community College supporting both new and returning students in numerous areas including admissions, registration, financial aid, scholarships, mentoring, and more. Her case management skills have helped identify, refer, and track success of support services. She is also responsible for college-wide training and provides input on all recruitment, hiring, and performance management activities. Untaya holds multiple Associate’s Degrees in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Affairs and Certificate in Public Management from Cleveland State University, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.

Email: UMiller@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

An attorney and former judge with more than 44 years of experience serving on numerous boards and commissions including President of the Cleveland NAACP Board of Directors, President of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Vice Chair of the Cleveland Civil Service Commission, President of the Central State University Foundation, and is currently a member of the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation Board of Trustees. The lifelong Cleveland resident began his career as an elementary school teacher and also worked for a local CDC helping support its housing rehabilitation program before graduating from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law. Michael has received numerous recognitions including the Norman S. Minor Bar Association’s Trailblazer Award, the Thurgood Marshall Fund Alumnus of the Year, and has also been inducted into Central State University’s Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame.

Email: MNelson@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner, past Co-Chair (2023)
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026

Audrianna Rodriguez works as a family advocate at The Centers for Children and Families for three Cleveland Metropolitan Schools. She received a master’s degree in community psychology with a concentration in clinical services from University of New Haven. Audrianna is a member of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP, Cleveland Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and member of the 4th District Community Relations Community. She has a breadth of experience in community organization, engagement, and outreach.

Email: ARodriguez3@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

Currently a Project Manager at the PNC Fairfax Connection, he has held various roles at PNC Bank focused on Operations and Human Resources. He currently oversees all adult programming, focuses on outreach and engagement with various community institutions, and has collaborated on audit and compliance work. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Louisiana State University.

Email: IUmosen@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026

Piet van Lier is a senior researcher at Policy Matters Ohio. His current research and analysis focuses on civil rights and criminal justice reform to reimagine public safety in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Previously, Piet was the executive director of the Cleveland Transformation Alliance. He began his career as a journalist and worked as peace and human rights activist with an organization called Peace Brigades International in Central America and Mexico. Piet grew up in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood and now lives on the near West side with his wife and two children.

Email: PvanLier@clevelandohio.gov

Commissioner, Co-Chair
Term: 4 year term
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029

Sharena Zayed is the North Broadway Network Weaver for University Settlement. She has an abundance of experience in community outreach and engagement. Sharena has lived in Cleveland all her life and works for multiple community organizations, including serving as a board chair of Stop the Pain, Inc., board member of Chagrin Arts, and member of Citizens to Bring Back North Broadway. Sharena tragically lost her 15-year-old son to gun violence in March 2020 and is an advocate for families.

Email: SZayed@clevelandohio.gov