Klein ISD Police Chief Marlon Runnels Spotlighted in Texas Magazine
Klein ISD Police Chief Marlon Runnels has been named a Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs honoree for 2023 by D-Mars Magazine.
It is safe to say that Chief Runnels, a U.S. Marine veteran, has accomplished a lot in his 17 years in law enforcement, making district history as the first Black police chief and the youngest.
As an honoree, he credits this recognition to his commitment to uplifting the youth.
“I love that I can shape and impact the lives of our youth and know that I can pour into somebody and impact the direction of their life,” Chief Runnels said. “I believe that being recognized is largely due to the work that I’ve done in the school-based policing arena.”
Annually D-Mars magazine honors professionals and entrepreneurs in Texas for their outstanding achievements within their fields.
It is no secret that Chief Runnels is proud of his line of work. He sees his impact on the students he protects daily and encourages his officers to consider their work’s importance.
“Outside of school, there are all types of influences. When students are with us during the school day, we can counter-balance some negative influences they may see. I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve been a part of it,” Chief Runnels said. “That’s why I do this, and it’s what I encourage my officers to appreciate when they work for a school district.”
Chief Runnels is always involved in his community, from affiliations to numerous policing organizations to holding leadership positions in educational organizations.
“I’ve had experience working in county and municipal agencies, but I found my niche in school-based policing,” Chief Runnels said. “I’m a part of the Texas School Districts Police Chief’s Association and have done much work there. I’m also an instructor for the Texas School Safety Center and have been, for some years, going around the state teaching School-Based Law Enforcement.”
Chief Runnels is a two-time Texas Southern Univerity graduate who received an undergraduate and graduate degree in Administration of Justice.
While pursuing these degrees wasn’t at the top of the list, encouragement from those close to him empowered him to go forward and helped foster his desire to be in leadership.
“It wasn’t until one of my mentors, retired Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly, encouraged me to continue the education that sparked the pursuit of my degree. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Chief Runnels said.
Being named among the other 49 leaders throughout the state, Chief Runnels knows he is in good company. He does not take this feature lightly and is grateful for the opportunity to share his story.
“I have the opportunity to share my story with people to show what it took for this young man from Fifth Ward (Houston, Texas) to reach this level of professional success,” Chief Runnels said. “I truly recognize that being in this position and leading this agency is an honor.”
Chief isn’t the only member of his household who has been recognized for their many accomplishments. His wife, Christina Runnels, is also among the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs for her outstanding work in the mental health field!
Congratulations, Chief Runnels. Our Klein Family is so proud to have a phenomenal leader like you!
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
