Gary Cooper serves as Executive Director of the Alabama Police Benevolent Association (ALPBA), bringing more than 25 years of municipal, county, and state law enforcement experience to his role as an advocate for the men and women who serve behind the badge.

 

Gary began his law enforcement career with the Lineville Police Department and later served with the Weaver Police Department, Talladega Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff's Office, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. A certified FBI Firearms Instructor, he has trained officers in firearms, defensive tactics, chemical weapons, and other critical law enforcement disciplines.

 

His involvement with the SSPBA began through elected leadership, serving as Senior Vice President and President of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Chapter before being elected Alabama Division Vice President. Following his retirement from active law enforcement service, he joined the Alabama PBA as a Staff Representative under the leadership of J.D. Hobbie and later succeeded him as Executive Director.

 

Gary is especially committed to the SSPBA's legal defense mission. Having served on the front lines himself, he understands the split-second decisions officers must make and the professional and personal challenges that can arise from investigations and allegations. He firmly believes every officer deserves fair treatment, experienced legal representation, and an organization that stands with them when they need it most.

 

As Executive Director, Gary is dedicated to strengthening the ALPBA's voice across Alabama, enhancing officer safety and professional development, and ensuring that law enforcement professionals have the support and protection necessary to serve their communities with confidence.

 

Gary holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the proud parents of five children and grandparents of four grandchildren.

Patrick Cullinan is the Regional Executive Director of the SSPBA. He brings more than thirty years of law enforcement experience to the organization, with a background that includes K-9 operations, criminal interdiction, training, traffic fatality investigation, vice and narcotics, and violent-crime investigations.

 

Patrick began his career with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, where he served until his retirement. A longtime and active member of the PBA of Georgia, he was elected president of the River Region Chapter and later served as senior vice president for the PBA of GA. After retiring from law enforcement, he joined the SSPBA as a full-time staff representative under the guidance and mentorship of longtime Executive Director Joe Stiles. Joe’s leadership, paired with Patrick’s decades of hands-on experience, provided the foundation that prepared him for his current role.

 

Beyond his work with the SSPBA, Patrick has been deeply involved in peer support across Georgia and the nation, helping officers and their families navigate the unique challenges of the profession. A graduate of Thomas University, he was appointed Executive Director of the Georgia Division in 2024 and continues to advocate with the same dedication and integrity that defined his career in uniform.

Tommy was employed as a law enforcement in the State of Georgia from 1969 until 1997, serving in city, county and state levels. He joined PBA in 1984, during the initial formation of Georgia PBA. He served as president of the Flint River chapter for several years as well serving on the Executive Board of Georgia PBA. He remained a member of PBA throughout the rest of his law enforcement career.

 

Ending his law enforcement career in 1997, after the formation of Southern States PBA, Tommy accepted employment as a staff representative with PBA in the State of Mississippi. He has previously served the association as a staff representative and as Executive Director of the Mississippi PBA Division.

 

Tommy currently serves as Director of Organizational Services for the West region of Southern States PBA and resides in Tupelo, Ms.

Steve brings decades of law enforcement experience, leadership, and dedication to serving the law enforcement community to the position. He began his law enforcement career with the Jacksonville Police Department before joining the North Carolina Marine Patrol, where he served in several roles, including Law Enforcement Pilot, Pilot Supervisor, and Law Enforcement Manager. During his career with the Marine Patrol, he oversaw operations, supervised personnel, developed policies and procedures, and worked with state and federal agencies.

 

During his time as a PBA member, Steve served as President of the State Law Enforcement Officers Chapter and Vice President of the NC Division of the SSPBA. In 2022, he was asked to serve the SSPBA as a Staff Representative, assisting members throughout North Carolina with personnel matters, disciplinary issues, and legal concerns while working closely with division leadership and chapter representatives.

 

In his role as Executive Director, Steve will continue his commitment to supporting and representing law enforcement officers across North Carolina. His experience working directly with members, mentoring chapter leaders, and engaging with state legislators on issues affecting the law enforcement profession provides a strong foundation for his continued service to the organization. Throughout his career, Steve has emphasized leadership, professional development, and collaboration in support of those who serve and protect their communities. His appointment marks the next chapter in a career dedicated to public service and advocating for the men and women of law enforcement.

Rich Goszka is the Virginia/West Virginia Executive Director of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA). He brings more than 32 years of law enforcement experience to the organization, with an extensive background in criminal investigations, training, supervision, and law enforcement administration. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for the men and women of law enforcement.

 

Rich began his law enforcement career in 1990 before joining the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, now the Department of Wildlife Resources, in 1998. During his career in Virginia, he served in numerous roles, including Conservation Police Officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. His experience included supervising complex investigations, developing agency policies, training officers, and managing law enforcement operations. He retired in 2023 after more than three decades of public service. His career achievements include receiving the Commonwealth Valor Award and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association's Outstanding Service Award.

 

A longtime PBA member, Rich had an instrumental role in establishing the Virginia Conservation Police Chapter, which later expanded into the Virginia Natural Resources Police Chapter. He served as Vice President on the Virginia Division PBA board. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to law enforcement by joining the SSPBA as a full-time staff representative in 2023. In that role, he represented members across Virginia and West Virginia, worked with elected officials, and advocated for legislation addressing law enforcement compensation, retirement benefits, collective bargaining, and officer protections. In 2026, he was appointed Virginia/West Virginia Executive Director, where he continues to work closely with chapter leadership and members to strengthen the organization's representation and legislative influence.

 

Rich holds an associate degree in criminal justice and received a Grassroots Lobbying & Advocacy Professional Certificate from the University of Richmond. He remains committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers have a strong voice in decisions affecting their careers, families, and futures.