Zebley named superintendent of Delaware State Police

Lt. Col. Melissa A. Zebley was appointed superintendent of the Delaware State Police July 9.

Zebley, 50, is a 28-year veteran of the state police who was in charge of Internal Affairs, Information Support Services and Planning. She is taking over following the retirement of Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr., who will serve as secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Zebley joined the executive staff in 2010 as a major overseeing the budget, training academy and human resources. In 2013, she transitioned to the role of operations officer overseeing New Castle County Patrol Troops and criminal investigations, and the statewide traffic section. She also served as patrol trooper, training academy officer, patrol sergeant, public information officer, fiscal executive officer, and troop commander. She  served as the officer in charge of the Honor Guard and as a member of the division’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

“Lt. Col. Zebley has a tremendous track record of leadership at the Delaware State Police and is the right person to lead our largest police agency,” said Gov. John Carney. “I know she will build on the good work of Col. McQueen to keep Delaware safe, and continue to establish trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

Zebley earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Delaware and a master of science degree in administration of justice from Wilmington University. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and a graduate of the 235th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. In addition, she is a graduate of the Anti-Defamation League’s Advanced Training School course on extremist and terrorist threats, and is currently attending the 43rd  Session of the FBI’s National Executive Institute. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement, and the FBI National Academy Associates.  

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the 26th superintendent of the Delaware State Police,” Zebley said.  “The Delaware State Police remain steadfast in our mission of service to all citizens, and will continue on our course of community collaboration and progressive policing.”