Dr. Kathryn Hamel brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning public safety, nonprofit executive leadership, human resources, organizational development, and behavioral health. She dedicated nearly 25 years to municipal law enforcement, serving in sworn leadership and management roles until 2019. She later served as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of nonprofit mental health organizations and as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development for a private international university.

Dr. Hamel holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Public Safety Leadership and Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, a graduate degree in Criminal Justice, and a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education. She is also a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in California, with specialized expertise in trauma, resilience, behavioral health, and the occupational stressors affecting first responders and public safety professionals.

At Jacob Green & Associates, Dr. Hamel specializes in public sector consulting, strategic planning, organizational development, government leadership development, executive coaching, team building, and public safety leadership. She works with cities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and districts, special districts, and other public agencies to strengthen leadership capacity, improve organizational effectiveness, align teams around strategic priorities, and translate complex challenges into actionable strategies.

Her consulting approach integrates operational public safety experience, executive leadership, organizational psychology, and behavioral health. She has facilitated strategic planning initiatives, executive and leadership retreats, organizational development engagements, and leadership training for public agencies throughout California. She also provides training and consultation in trauma resilience, workforce wellness, crisis response, and behavioral health.

Dr. Hamel is the author of Body, Mind, and Badge, addressing trauma, resilience, and wellness within the law enforcement profession. Her work has appeared in Police Chief Magazine, and she has contributed to national public safety initiatives focused on behavioral health and acute behavioral emergencies. The Greater Irvine Chamber has recognized her as Advocate of the Year, and the Mental Health Association of Orange County as Mental Health Professional of the Year.

Through her work with JGA, Dr. Hamel combines firsthand public-sector experience, executive leadership, and behavioral health expertise to help government organizations strengthen their leadership, people, culture, and capacity to serve their communities.

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