CCJ Directory

Carmen Best is currently the Director of Global Security Risk Operations at Microsoft, where she oversees the global virtual security operations team, intelligence, executive threat intel, special asset security, event security, travel security, security risk operations, and the security program management office (PMO). Prior to joining Microsoft in March 2022, she was the Global Account Director for Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

Previously, Best served as Chief of Police of the Seattle Police Department. She served with the Seattle Police Department for 28 years; prior to becoming Chief on August 13, 2018, she served as Deputy Chief, overseeing the Patrol Operations, Investigations, and Special Operations Bureaus, as well as the Community Outreach section.

Best has completed several law enforcement executive management programs, including the Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI National Academy, the Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Academy, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute. She also serves on a number of local and national boards and committees dedicated to human and civil rights, education and professional development.

Best is a recipient of the “Newsmaker of the Year” award from the Seattle Black Press, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Vision from the Mountaintop Award from Urban Impact.