The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced a series of leadership changes following the retirement of several long-serving staff and the creation of new positions within the department. The changes were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission during its recent meeting.
“DPS is the incredible agency it is today because of the people who dedicate their lives to our mission to protect and serve our great state,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “We thank the people who are retiring for their years of tremendous work and the legacy they leave behind, and I know those who are stepping up to fill these new roles will serve Texans with great honor and pride.”
Among those retiring is Suzy Whittenton, chief of the Finance Division, who joined DPS in 2015 after more than three decades in public service, including senior financial roles at other state agencies such as the Office of the Governor and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. She received multiple awards throughout her career.
Katie Conley, assistant chief of Infrastructure Operations Division, is also retiring after nearly thirty years with DPS. Conley began as a Highway Patrol Trooper in 1994 and advanced through several divisions before overseeing programs within Infrastructure Operations.
Joe Longway, region chief for Northwest Texas, concludes his DPS service that started in 1988 as a Highway Patrol Trooper. He later held various investigative roles before becoming regional director for Northwest Texas in 2019. Longway’s background includes military service in the U.S. Air Force and participation in national law enforcement training programs.
New appointments include Gerald Brown as chief of the newly established Homeland Security Division. Brown’s career with DPS began in 1995; he has served in multiple leadership capacities across criminal investigations and previously led operations for Southeast Texas. Brown’s background features significant military experience as a retired Command Sergeant Major with numerous commendations.
Derek Prestridge becomes chief of Training Operations Division (TOD). With DPS since 1994, Prestridge helped establish multi-divisional efforts against crimes targeting children and has overseen training operations since 2020.
Jason Griffin steps into the role of assistant chief for TOD after two decades at DPS focusing on training, recruiting, canine units, crash reconstruction programs, and holding instructor certifications.
Kyle Matheson has been named region chief for Southeast Texas. Matheson joined DPS in 1997 and worked his way through patrol, narcotics investigation, organized crime oversight, and most recently served as assistant chief for Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
Corey Lain will serve as region chief for Northwest Region after joining DPS in 2000 as a trooper before moving into leadership roles within both Highway Patrol and Texas Rangers Divisions.
Benjamin “Eddie” Wilson becomes assistant chief for Infrastructure Operations Division following assignments managing communications systems across multiple regions since joining DPS in 1997.
Devin Gonzales is appointed assistant chief for CID after starting with DPS in 1999. Gonzales has held investigative roles focused on narcotics enforcement and gang recognition expertise—earning federal honors during his tenure.
Jason Bobo assumes duties as assistant chief for Texas Rangers Division after more than twenty years’ experience spanning highway patrol duties to major crime scene investigations statewide.
Mike George takes on responsibilities as assistant chief over Homeland Security Operations within the new division. George previously directed homeland security planning at both state level and federal advisory bodies under two presidential administrations while serving as an Army officer.
All retirements and promotions are effective September 1, 2025.
