REDFORD, MI, October 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Melissa R. Thomas has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Thomas has established a distinguished career marked by her expertise in the law enforcement industry with an emphasis on communication and mentorship, earning recognition for her ability to foster growth and development within her teams. Since 2023, she has served as the chief of system security at Henry Ford Health Hospitals, where she is responsible for ensuring that security technology aligns with hospital infrastructure and maintaining collaborative relationships with clinical risk management, patient safety, and workplace violence committees to reduce threats and security-related hazards.  Ms. Thomas participates in multidisciplinary committees and safety rounds to identify and address emerging risks, along with fostering a culture of safety, service, and accountability within the security organization.

In addition to her primary responsibilities, Ms. Thomas' role includes coordinating security measures for new facilities, implementing crime prevention strategies and conducting investigations into incidents. She also manages tasks such as establishing performance standards, monitor, investigate trending incidents of aggression threats, and violence, and develop mitigation strategies. Ms. Thomas develops long-term security with the goal of alignment with the hospital's mission and operational goals. Ms. Thomas' leadership is marked by fostering a strong commitment to teamwork and a belief that supporting colleagues enables everyone to achieve their goals.

Prior to joining Henry Ford Health Hospitals, Ms. Thomas was the deputy chief of police at the Detroit Police Department in prior to retiring in 2023. In this capacity, she oversaw critical emergency response operations and worked closely with both executive leadership and frontline officers to ensure the safety of Detroit residents. Her tenure was marked by a focus on effective communication and the implementation of best practices in crisis management.

From 2021 to 2023, Ms. Thomas held the position of commander at Detroit Police Department's 3rd Precinct, overseeing gaming, tactical operations and downtown services. She managed complex law enforcement activities in high-profile areas of the city, demonstrating adaptability and strategic thinking in rapidly changing environments. In 2021, she also served as commander of the 4th Precinct, where she led initiatives aimed at improving community relations and reducing crime rates.

Ms. Thomas' earlier experience at the Detroit Police Department included her time as a commander from 2020 to 2023, captain between 2017 and 2020 and lieutenant from 2014 to 2017, roles that further shaped her leadership expertise. During this period, she directed recruitment of law enforcement personnel, 911 operations, oversight of emergency response for the entertainment district (four sports venues, three casinos, theaters, clubs) and business district (financial institutes, courts, City Council building, shopping centers, and restaurants) and educational district (public/private/charter schools, colleges and universities) along with the residential district.  This experience led to a pivotal role in developing strong partnerships across multiple jurisdictions, including the FBI, Secret Service, Emergency Management, and state and local enforcement, honing her strengths in crisis intervention and operational oversight.

Ms. Thomas began her law enforcement journey with the Detroit Police Department as a police officer from 1998 to 2007, advancing to sergeant from 2007 to 2014. These formative years provided invaluable experience in patrol operations, investigations and community engagement, laying the foundation for her subsequent leadership trajectory. Ms. Thomas' commitment to excellence during her tenure with the Detroit Police Department has been recognized with honors like the Women of Excellence, highlighting her impact on both colleagues and the broader community.

Throughout her career, Ms. Thomas has been most proud of her ability to mentor individuals within her organization, cultivating a vision for growth while helping colleagues achieve balance between professional responsibilities and personal lives. Her involvement in community events has positioned her as a liaison who ensures effective collaboration among team members when addressing challenges.

Ms. Thomas' academic background has played a key role in shaping her professional achievements. She earned a master of liberal studies in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University in 2001 and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and corrections from Ferris State University in 1994. In addition to her degrees, she completed a graduate certificate program in business administration and management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University in Detroit in 2018. Ms. Thomas' education fostered an early interest in working with youth, which led her to begin her career at a youth home.

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Thomas attributes much of her success to the nurturing environment provided by her stepmother, who ran a foster care program from their home, instilling values of service and support that continue to guide Ms. Thomas' professional philosophy. She also draws inspiration from her daughters, striving to create an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, Ms. Thomas aims to redesign the organizational chart for Henry Ford Health Hospitals' security team, ensuring that their approach evolves alongside changes in safety standards across the workforce. Her vision includes developing professionalism among staff at all levels while maintaining an unwavering focus on service for visitors, patients and coworkers alike. Ms. Thomas remains committed to fostering good communication, teamwork and community involvement as key priorities for future initiatives within hospital settings.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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