Sheriff PAL Staff

Lauren Fuller
Executive Director
[email protected]

Jay Hickson 
Assistant Director
[email protected] 

Susan Hiltz
Director of Communications
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Susan Hiltz oversees Sheriff PAL communications which includes traditional, social and emerging media. She has over thirty years of public relations experience and previously held media, social advocacy, communications and public affairs-related positions at a national insurance company, The Ad Council and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Southeast Michigan (PREVCO).  She has a bachelor’s degree in business leadership and is an avid bicyclist.

 
PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Elizabeth Crenshaw – Yoga and Mindfulness Program Director


Naquito Gross – Baseball Program Director
[email protected]

Tony Howard – Basketball Program Director
[email protected]



Tony Howard oversees the Sheriff PAL Basketball Academy Programs. He was born and raised in Pontiac and attended Pontiac Public Schools. After graduating from Pontiac Northern High in 1986, Tony was awarded an athletic scholarship to Oakland University where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice while also playing on the men’s basketball team. Tony also has a master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State University. He says, "PAL was very instrumental in shaping my life story and I am honored to come back to my roots and teach kids about the game of basketball but most importantly teach them how to navigate through life’s obstacles and position themselves for success on and off the court. I have a tremendous passion for working with children and basketball has been the vehicle I’ve used to reach and cultivate our students. I truly believe my purpose in life is to help students succeed and be proud members of their communities.”

Kierra Johnson – Track & Conditioning and Family Boot Camp Program Director
[email protected]

Kierra Johnson oversees the Sheriff PAL Track Program as well as the Family Fitness Bootcamp. Pontiac is her hometown, and she has always wanted to mentor/coach track for people in her community. Growing up, she had many mentors who helped her, so she is excited to be able to pay to the young people she coaches in her community. Those mentors gave Kierra an opportunity to earn an athletic scholarship from Wayne State University. She was a national qualifier and earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. She says that being given this opportunity to make a difference in these kids' lives is a blessing and she is honored to have been chosen for this position.

Francois Nabwangu - Soccer/Futsal Program Director
[email protected]

Tanesha Taylor – Cheer, Dance, & Tumbling Program Director
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Tanesha Taylor oversees the Sheriff PAL cheer, dance and tumbling program.  She is currently Pontiac High School’s cheer coach and the owner of Quest Athletics. As a product of Pontiac schools, she accepted a scholarship to Alabama State University. Studied at ASU for Business Administration and at Central Michigan University for Option in Community Development. Tanesha’s cheer career includes 30 years of coaching and over 20 years of officiating experience. She has been nominated for Operation Coach of the year and has coached every level of cheer. Her passion is children, and her motto is believing in children and “Making All Your Dreams Come True"

OAKLAND COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TEAM

Deputy Morris Cotton  
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Deputy Morris Cotton joined the OCSO in 2006 after serving over 25 years with the Highland Park Police Department, where he held various positions including Chief of Police. He has also held a variety of positions at the Oakland County Sheriff Office. As a youngster growing up, Deputy Cotton participated in PAL. He was a high school All-American wrestler who received a scholarship to attend Wayne State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He also holds a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He is committed to promoting a healthy community through relationships and recreation.

Deputy Brian Lee
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Deputy Brian Lee was born, raised, and resides in Lake Orion, MI. Deputy Lee has been a Police Officer since 1996 when he started with the Pontiac Police Department, and then transitioned to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in 2011. Lee is a School Safety Coordinator for the Waterford School District working with physically and emotionally impaired children.

Deputy Emily Zweng
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Deputy Emily Zweng joined Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Team in summer 2019 after completing her bachelor’s degree in social work from Oakland University. Emily has worked for PAL since 2016, and has been instrumental in helping launch the programs that
serve youth and the community. She currently works for PAL on special projects and makes appearances at practices every chance she gets.


Daryl McCulloch (PTNE)
[email protected]