Our Advisory Board
The Starfish Assignment Executive Board is fortunate to be complemented by an equally dedicated and compassionate Advisory Board, whose members generously volunteer their time and expertise. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to the remarkable individuals who make up this team.
Tim Becker
Tim was born and raised in Columbus and is proud of his Hilltop roots. Tim joined the Columbus Division of Police in 1988, retiring in January 2023 after 34 years. He had many roles in his career with the Division, from patrol where he also served as a field training officer, to the Accident Investigation Unit, to a detective with the Fraud/Forgery Unit. As a sergeant, he worked at least one day on every precinct in the city and had distinguished careers as lieutenant and commander. He served the city as deputy chief starting in 2010, working in Patrol North, Patrol South, Administrative, Criminal Investigation, and the Special Operations Subdivisions.
Tim was a trailblazer for his family in the field of law enforcement and at one point, had four relatives working with him at CPD, including his lovely bride. In February 2023, he was honored to accept the position of Safety Director with the City of Gahanna, another Starfish partner. Tim is the father of three sons, two of which serve in the National Guard, and a third who keeps him young.
Tim obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Leadership from Capella University, where he graduated with Distinction. Tim has completed multiple police leadership courses, including the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.
Tim has had a plaque on his office wall reminding him of the Starfish parable since 2001, and embraces the opportunity to help others give back to the community he loves. He is attracted to positivity and those who not only make a difference, but also willingly share their smile with others. Therefore, the Starfish Assignment is a perfect fit!
Jim Gilbert
Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert, a Cincinnati native, embodies a legacy deeply rooted in law enforcement, highlighted by a family history dedicated to public service. His late father, a retired specialist with the Cincinnati Police, and his brother, a current officer in the same department, underscore this profound connection to law enforcement.
His career began with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office as an Explorer, and he further cemented his commitment to public safety as a Firefighter/EMT with the Miami Township Fire Department. After graduating from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in 1993, Chief Gilbert balanced his early career with education at the College of Mount St. Joseph. His journey led him to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as a police officer, before embarking on a significant tenure with the Columbus Division of Police in 1996, which included attending his second Police Academy.
Chief Gilbert's dedication shone through during his almost exclusive assignment on 11 Precinct, C Company (third shift), until his election as President of the Fraternal Order of Police-Capital City Lodge #9 in 2006, a leadership role he excelled in for six years. His tenure at CPD was distinguished by numerous awards, including two Chief's Special Commendations, The Blue Star, The Medal of Merit, two separate Officer of the Year Awards, the MADD TOP COP Award, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year, The Ohio Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award, and a FCSO Certificate of Merit.
In various capacities, such as serving on the Honor Guard, Officer Support Team, State FOP CISM Team, FTO, CIT Member, and guest academy instructor, Chief Gilbert demonstrated his unwavering dedication. His expertise in critical incident response has made him a sought-after speaker on the subject.
Following his retirement from CPD in 2013, he continued his law enforcement career at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a Major, quickly advancing to Chief Deputy in 2014, where he now commands over 175 sworn and civilian employees in the Patrol Bureau.
Chief Gilbert's commitment to the law enforcement community is evident through his active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the FOP Capital City Lodge #9, Ohio Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, Ohio State FOP Critical Incident Response Mid-Ohio Team, National Sheriff's Association, Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, Ohio Chiefs of Police Association, Franklin County Chiefs of Police Association, and as a Franklin County EMA Board member. His contributions to the Eastland Career Center Law Enforcement Advisory Board and the Light Ohio Blue Advisory Board further showcase his dedication to excellence and support within the profession.
An alumnus of the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs, Public Safety Leadership Academy Class #3, Chief Gilbert's educational background enhances his vast experience, highlighting his leadership acumen. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lives by the principle of "leading from the front." His leadership style and personal philosophy mirror his commitment to integrity, dedication, and excellence, inspired by a cherished family tradition of public service.
David Jones
David “Davey” Jones retired from the Columbus Division of Police after an extraordinary 31-year career dedicated to serving, protecting, and mentoring the community. Throughout his tenure, Officer Jones embodied the values of leadership, compassion, and excellence. As an officer, he served in multiple key roles, from a field training officer shaping the careers of future leaders to a firearms instructor, and eventually became a celebrated member of the Canine Unit with his beloved K-9 partner, Ayko.
Davey began his service in 1993 as part of the 86th recruit class. Over the years, he served on patrol, became a defensive tactics instructor, and trained both new recruits and veteran officers alike. His passion for training continued as he became a certified canine trainer and evaluator. Davey and K-9 Ayko spent years together in service, building a reputation as a crime-fighting duo that not only caught criminals but also warmed the hearts of children and adults alike during educational demonstrations and community events.
In addition to his work with the Canine Unit, Davey was also a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team and the Honor Guard, where he provided vital support to both the police force and the families of fallen officers. His extensive involvement in the community extended beyond law enforcement, including his volunteer work with Special Olympics and his active participation in his church.
As a longtime supporter of Starfish Assignment, Davey has played an instrumental role in the success of the Books & Badges program, including being one of four officers at our first-ever Books & Badges reading on December 19, 2019. His efforts to give back to the community have helped foster positive relationships between officers and the citizens they serve, making Starfish Assignment a better organization in the process.
Jessica Maxwell-Certain
Jessica Maxwell-Certain is the Community Outreach Specialist for the Cincinnati Division of the FBI. She began working for the FBI in 2020 as a Police Officer and later transferred to the Cincinnati Division. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jessica has lived all over Central Ohio and is passionate about its communities. Jessica is responsible for outreach in Ohio’s lower 48 counties, although her main office is in the Columbus Resident Agency.
Jessica received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wright State University in 2017. Following graduation, she worked at Ohio State University with the Department of Public Safety.
James Poole
Officer James Poole has been a dedicated member of the Columbus Division of Police since 1996, serving in roles such as Patrol Officer, DARE Officer, Detective, Community Liaison Officer, and Motorcycle Officer. His commitment to community engagement is exemplified through his extensive involvement with Starfish Assignment since December 2018, particularly in the Books & Badges program, where he has read to more students than any other officer. In his current position with the CPD Motors Unit, Officer Poole continues to organize school-wide reading events, collaborating with fellow officers, federal agencies, and local departments to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Beyond his professional duties, Officer Poole is deeply involved in community service. In 2022, he and his son, Jonah, undertook a cross-country bike ride to raise funds for First Responders’ Bridge, demonstrating his dedication to supporting first responders. He also actively participates in Special Olympics Ohio, sharing a friendly rivalry with Special Olympics athlete Benjamin Russell, who has bested him in multiple races.
Officer Poole's relationship with Starfish Assignment is marked by acts of kindness, such as assisting a stranded family of eight by coordinating vehicle repairs, providing meals, and raising funds to ensure their safe journey. Married to his wife, Jennifer, since 1992, they have three adult children. Officer Poole's unwavering commitment to service and community engagement continues to inspire those around him.