Chris Ryan brings over three decades of distinguished service in law enforcement and labor advocacy to his role as President of the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA). With a career rooted in public safety, Chris has served in a wide range of law enforcement positions, including Correctional Officer at MCI-Cedar Junction, Identification Technician with the Massachusetts State Police, and Lieutenant with the Massachusetts Port Authority Police Department.

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Chris’s deep commitment to labor rights began early in his career. He served as Chief Steward and then President of SEIU/NAGE Local 1-292, before being elected National Vice President of SEIU/NAGE/IBPO/IBCO. His leadership trajectory continued within NEPBA, where he previously served as Vice President and President of Local 170 before becoming the National President in 2019.

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In addition to his union work, Chris was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to serve on the Qualified Immunity Commission on Police Reform and currently sits on the Advisory Board of the 100 Club of Massachusetts and the Trooper George L. Hanna Awards Selection Committee, further advancing his commitment to the men and women who serve in law enforcement.

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Chris holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western New England University, and leadership certificates from both Bentley University and Babson College.

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His lifelong dedication to labor relations and public service continues to shape NEPBA’s mission of strong representation and advocacy for its members across New England.

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Kevin Carlo serves as Secretary-Treasurer, as well as a Representative, of the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), bringing over two decades of frontline correctional experience, leadership, and union advocacy to his role. A dedicated public safety professional, Kevin spent 24 years with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in some of the most critical and high-security units in the department.

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Over his career, Kevin spent 14 years working in segregation and 13 years as a member of the Special Operations Group, where he gained extensive tactical experience and deep insight into correctional operations, crisis response, and institutional safety. His leadership and on-the-ground experience make him a strong and trusted voice for corrections professionals throughout New England.

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Kevin has been a longtime union leader and advocate, serving as President of NEPBA Local 550 (Officers & Sergeants) since April 2019. He has held several key leadership roles within NEPBA, including Sergeant-at-Arms (appointed September 2023), Executive Vice President (appointed September 2024), and now Secretary-Treasurer (elected March 2025), where he oversees the Association’s financial operations and helps steer its long-term fiscal strategy.

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In addition to his service in corrections, Kevin is an experienced entrepreneur, having successfully owned and operated Fat Tony’s Pub for 13 years. He attended Fitchburg State College, where he began developing the leadership and communication skills that continue to serve him today.

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Kevin is known for his loyalty, integrity, and dedication to representing the men and women who work in challenging law enforcement environments. His experience, both in the field and at the bargaining table, continues to strengthen NEPBA’s voice across the region.

Dan Shea is a seasoned union leader and dedicated public safety professional currently serving as Executive Vice President, as well as a Representative, of the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA). With more than two decades of experience at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Dan has built a career defined by leadership, service, and steadfast advocacy for the men and women working in corrections and law enforcement.

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Dan began his union journey in 2008 as a steward for NEPBA Local 500, where he quickly earned the respect of his peers for his commitment to fairness and strong representation. In 2013, he was elected president of Local 500—a role he continues to hold today, recently re-elected to his eighth term unopposed. Under his leadership, Local 500 has grown in strength and unity, consistently prioritizing the needs of frontline personnel.

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In March 2020, Dan was elected to the NEPBA Executive Committee as a vice president, and in 2023, he was re-elected as executive vice president. Since joining the Executive Board, Dan has played an active role in shaping union strategy, participating on several key committees, and helping to guide NEPBA through negotiations, organizational growth, and evolving legislative priorities. As a representative, he has directly supported approximately 500 members across multiple bargaining units, providing guidance in contract matters, grievances, and day-to-day labor relations.

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Dan brings a pragmatic leadership style, firsthand knowledge of the corrections field, and deep institutional experience to everything he does within NEPBA. His unwavering focus on member representation, workplace rights, and union transparency makes him a trusted voice and respected figure within the organization.

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Deborah Batista is a seasoned legal and public safety professional with nearly four decades of experience in law enforcement, union advocacy, and criminal justice education. A retired Patrol Sergeant from the Middleborough Police Department, Deborah served in several leadership roles during her tenure, including as Police Court Prosecutor and a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

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Her legal career includes over two decades as an attorney with the Law Offices of Cahalane and Stefani, P.C., where she specializes in labor, criminal, and municipal law. She has also been a long-standing instructor with the Municipal Police Training Committee and has lectured extensively in criminal justice at Western New England College.

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Deborah has held appointments at both the state and academic levels, including her role as a Co-Coordinator of the Massachusetts Drug Recognition Expert Program under the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau and as a DRE Consultant for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Addiction Medicine.

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A graduate of Western New England College with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, Deborah went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts School of Law. Her commitment to advancing law enforcement education, public safety, and union representation makes her a vital member of the NEPBA Executive Leadership Team.

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Tom Duffy is a veteran law enforcement officer and dedicated union leader with more than 28 years of service with the Worcester Police Department. Throughout his career, Tom has brought strength, leadership, and integrity to the job, earning the respect of his peers both in the field and at the bargaining table.

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Tom spent more than 20 years as a member of the Worcester Police Department SWAT team, as well as 17 years working in the department’s gang unit, two of the most demanding and high-risk assignments in municipal policing. His commitment to public safety and bravery in the line of duty earned him the Worcester Police Department's prestigious Valor Award.

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In 2023, Tom was elected President of NEPBA Local 911, where he continues to serve as a vocal and trusted advocate for Worcester officers. He was also elected as an Executive Vice President on NEPBA’s leadership team, where he represents members across New England and helps shape the union’s collective priorities.

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In addition to his decorated police service and union leadership, Tom is a founder and primary boxing coach of the “Give Kids a Fighting Chance” boxing program and has dedicated himself to creating positive, structured environments for at-risk youth through sport, mentorship, and discipline.

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Tom holds a Criminal Justice degree from Curry College and brings real-world experience, tactical knowledge, and unwavering loyalty to each position within NEPBA. He is committed to protecting the rights of his fellow officers and advancing the mission of the Association with strength, accountability, and purpose.