Introduction
Dr. Colleen F. Reaney has built an impressive career rooted in higher education, learning, and development. As a first-generation college graduate, her passion for education led her to spend over two decades in academia before transitioning into the field of professional development. She dedicated years to shaping student experiences, supporting faculty growth, and fostering an environment where learning thrived. However, after over 20 years in the academic space, she sought a change that would allow her to apply her expertise in a different capacity while still making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives. This transition brought her into the public sector, where she found an opportunity to reshape how professional development is approached within a government organization.
Now, as the Executive Director of Learning & Development at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Colleen plays a crucial role in designing and implementing learning initiatives that go beyond traditional law enforcement training. She is responsible for spearheading a department that focuses on developing employees’ leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills—helping them grow not only as professionals but also as individuals. Her work is paving the way for a cultural transformation within a para-military organization, ensuring that employees have access to opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement. Through her strategic initiatives, she is making an enduring impact, ensuring CCSO remains a workplace that fosters continuous learning and professional growth.
Career Journey
Reaney’s career began with a deep passion for education and student development. As a first-generation college student, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of higher education at Eastern Illinois University. Inspired by the opportunities education provided her, she dedicated herself to working in academia, where she could help shape students’ futures and guide them toward success. Over the years, she worked in various capacities within the academic space, including student affairs, faculty development, and institutional leadership, always seeking to create impactful learning experiences.
However, after over 20 years in higher education, she felt a growing need to expand her professional scope beyond the academic world. She wanted to take her skills in teaching, leadership development, and strategic thinking into a new environment—one that would challenge her in different ways while still allowing her to create meaningful change. This led her to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where she now serves as the Executive Director of Learning & Development. In this role, she combines her extensive background in education with her passion for leadership development, helping to reshape the workplace culture within a large government organization. Her journey exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and adaptability, showing that career growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.
About Cook County Sheriff’s Office
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, employing approximately 5,300 staff members across various divisions in the Chicagoland area. The organization is dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Cook County while upholding justice and public safety. However, beyond traditional law enforcement duties, CCSO also recognizes the importance of investing in its employees’ professional development to build a stronger and more effective workforce.
As the Executive Director of Learning & Development, she is leading the charge in establishing a new department that focuses on voluntary soft skills training. Unlike the mandatory law enforcement training required by policy, this initiative emphasizes leadership development, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. The goal is to equip employees with the skills they need to become better managers, mentors, and team members. Through these efforts, Colleen is driving a culture shift within CCSO, fostering an environment where continuous learning is valued, and professional growth is encouraged. By investing in employee development, the organization is not only strengthening its workforce but also enhancing the overall effectiveness and morale of its staff.
Implementing Growth Methodologies
“My approach to professional development is rooted in the belief that learning should never stop. I actively seek out new methodologies and trends in the field of learning and development to ensure that my programs remain innovative and impactful.” One of her key strategies is staying informed through thought leaders in organizational psychology, such as Dr. Adam Grant, whose insights into workplace behavior and leadership deeply influence her work.
In addition to reading books and research articles, Colleen also incorporates multimedia learning into her daily routine. She listens to industry-relevant podcasts during her commute, follows thought-provoking discussions on LinkedIn, and engages with professional networks to exchange ideas and best practices. By staying connected with a community of experts and practitioners, she ensures that her training programs are informed by the latest research and real-world applications. This commitment to continuous learning not only enhances her own expertise but also allows her to bring fresh, innovative strategies to CCSO’s workforce development initiatives.
Enhancing Workplace Culture
At CCSO, Colleen is committed to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. One of her key initiatives is co-chairing a culture committee focused on employee engagement, retention, and professional growth. The committee’s efforts include mentorship programs, leadership development workshops, and initiatives aimed at improving workplace satisfaction.
“Mentorship plays a particularly important role in this cultural shift. By pairing employees with experienced mentors, CCSO is helping staff members build confidence, develop new skills, and navigate their career paths more effectively.” Says Dr. Colleen These mentorship relationships also create a sense of community within the organization, making it a more inclusive and collaborative workplace. Additionally, Colleen and her team are working to implement programs that address employee well-being, recognizing that a healthy work environment is essential for long-term success. Through these efforts, she is helping to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.
Preparing for Industry Changes
The field of learning and development is constantly evolving, and Dr. Colleen is keenly aware of the shifts that are shaping the future of workforce training. One of the most significant changes she anticipates is the need to refocus on in-person learning opportunities, particularly in the realm of communication and interpersonal skills.
The rise of remote and hybrid work models over the past several years has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, making it more challenging for employees to develop essential soft skills. Many organizations, including CCSO, are recognizing that their teams need additional support in areas such as problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership communication. To address this challenge, she is prioritizing hands-on learning experiences that help employees rebuild these critical skills. By offering interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and real-world simulations, she is ensuring that CCSO’s workforce is prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.
Overcoming Career Challenges
Throughout her career, Colleen has faced numerous challenges, but one of the most difficult periods was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing full-time work, parenting two young children, and pursuing education while her husband, a first responder, quarantined for most of the year created immense personal and professional strain. The uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic took a toll on her mental health, making it difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy.
However, rather than allowing these challenges to derail her career, Colleen used the experience as a catalyst for change. She reassessed her priorities, recognized the importance of mental well-being, and made a conscious decision to pivot toward a career path focused on servant leadership. This transition led her to CCSO, where she now applies her skills in a way that aligns with her values and allows her to make a meaningful impact. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, adaptability, and self-care are essential components of professional success.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Dr. Colleen is deeply committed to advancing research on law enforcement retention in the U.S. She is currently working on a study focused on the impact of professional growth and development on employee retention within law enforcement agencies. By exploring innovative ways to invest in staff training and career advancement, she aims to develop strategies that will help improve long-term workforce stability in this critical sector.
“My ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model for professional development that can be adopted across various public sector organizations. By continuing to push the boundaries of learning and leadership, I hope to leave a lasting impact on both CCSO and the broader professional development field.”
