Officers & Staff

Tom King
Director - Tom was detective and detective supervisor with the Philadelphia Police Department for 20 years, he spent another 4 years as Detective Commander & Deputy Chief with the University of Pennsylvania Police Department. He has a M.Ed. and currently teaches a course entitled Education Law in Holy Family University’s Graduate Education program, and is a lecturer in several Criminal Justice programs.  Tom is an avid cyclist, and rides and races whenever he can. He is “enamored” with the Social Honor Code, and enjoys seeing students as they progress, learn, and grow as they approach “life after college.”

Nora Nelle - Associate Director - Nora was a supervisor (the first female Sergeant!) at the University of Pennsylvania Police Department.  She is a licensed private investigator, and formed her own investigative agency. Nora has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has attended numerous seminars and courses in rape and sexual assault related issues and has expertise in that area.  She has a special interest in diversity issues, having attended Winter Tri-Co several times. Nora likes to read, dance, and exercise, and likes working here because of the “wonderful and interesting” people.  

Mark Sweeney - Safety Officer - Mark is a recognized expert on hazardous materials and fire safety. He also serves as Deputy Chief and Training Officer in the Brookline Fire Department.  Mark recently completed graduated from the prestigious National Fire Academy near Washington, DC, and received his bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Neumann College. 

John Castrege - Card Access Administrator - John came to us from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a One Card Systems Administrator, and previously worked for their Department of Public Safety. John has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Software Engineering from Penn State.

Brian Murray - Lieutenant (Bi-College) - Brian was formerly with the Lower Merion Police Department. He attended Kutztown University. He is our department’s Training Officer and is a RAD instructor. He enjoys being with his family and coaching baseball. In addition to the “beautiful campus”, Brian enjoys the “great working environment and great people.”

Kathy Rock - Administrative Assistant - Kathy has been at Haverford College for 13 years and worked previously as the Administrative Assistant for the Chief of Police at Haverford Township.
She likes to reading, gardening and bowling, and like being with her 2 grandchildren. She enjoys “interacting with students.”

Mel Jones - Sergeant (Evening shift) - Mel was a Philadelphia Police Officer and Supervisor for 24 yrs., and spent much of his police career as an instructor at the Advanced Training Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department. He was also with the Air Force Police for 4 yrs. Mel has been with Haverford College for 13 years.

John Plebani - Supervisor (Daywork shift) - Born in rural Italy and came to the US when he was 12.  John left St. Joseph’s College during his sophomore year when drafted in the Army.  After serving his country, he joined the Lower Merion Police Department – working there for 28 years. John is married to his grade school sweetheart, and they have a son.  Hobbies include reading, fishing, photography, and home repairs.  He enjoys meeting students and learning about their varied backgrounds.  He has been at Haverford College for 12 years.

Maria Watson - Sergeant (Midnight shift) - Maria joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1976 (along with her twin sister).  She was one of the first one hundred women assigned as uniformed patrol officers, in the history of the Department.  During her twenty years with Philadelphia Police Department, she was assigned to Narcotics undercover, Juvenile Aid Investigator and as Corporal in the Sex Crimes-Child Abuse Unit.  After retirement, she worked as a bank teller, and a licensed private investigator before coming to Haverford in 2000.  She authored a novel entitled, Dead in Fairmount Park. She has two daughters,  four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She has been at Haverford College for 10 years and enjoys foot patrol and interacting with students. She likes reading mysteries and practicing yoga. Maria is also one of our RAD instructors.

George Pavlovitch - Corporal (Evening shift) - George has an Associate Degree from Delaware County Community College and is the corporal on the 4-12 shift.  He has previous experience at Rosemont College and as a Marcus Hook Police Officer. He is an active member of the Bike Patrol.  George has been at Haverford for 12 years.

Mike Evans - Corporal (Midnight shift) - Mike joins us from Bryn Mawr College Public Safety where he still serves as a part time officer. Prior to Bryn Mawr he was a shift supervisor at Immaculata University campus safety department. Mike has an extensive background experience in the private security sector and is a RAD Instructor.

Brian Bell - Officer (Daywork shift) - A member of the Bike Patrol and a RAD instructor, Brian has worked at the College for 7 years.  He has police academy training and was formerly a Deputy Sheriff.

Rod Bear - Officer (Midnight shift) - Rod has prior experience as a Military Police officer, and has been here at Haverford College for over 18 years.  He likes scuba diving, camping, and hunting.

Derick Conner - Officer (Daywork shift) - Was a police officer in Delaware County for 5 1/2yrs. During those years, he was recognized for outstanding professionalism and exceptional police work by receiving a merit award. He was also a certified bike patrol officer, through the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). Officer Conner has been a member of the bike patrol at Haverford College for 5 of the 6 1/2 yrs of his employment. He has 13 yrs experience as volunteer firefighter in Delaware County and is currently still active. He also brings 8 yrs of management experience through previous employers.

Mark Foster - Officer (Evening shift) - Mark is a member of Haverford’s Bike Patrol and a RAD instructor. He has an extensive background in security work, and has been at Haverford College for 9 years.

Frank Gagliardi - Officer (Daywork shift) - Frank is familiar with Haverford’s campus because he is a retired officer from the Haverford Police Department, and his beat while there included the campus! He is a graduate of the Pa State Police Academy and has an Associate’s Degree from Delaware County Community College. Frank’s hobbies include photography and tropical fish. He enjoys working here because of the “friendly community” and the “genuine care the community has for each other.” Frank has been an officer at Haverford for 5 years.

Gary Hess - Officer (Midnight shift) - Gary is a certified teacher and has worked as a substitute teacher in the area. He has a B.S. in Secondary Education Social Studies from Penn State University. Gary was a substitute teacher at the Secondary Level for Spring-Ford School District for four years. He belongs to multiple Honor Society organizations. Gary has been at Haverford for 2 years and is a member of our bike patrol. "I enjoy working at Haverford College because of the people I work with and closeness of the community."

George Johnson - (Midnight Shift) - Officer George Johnson retired from the Philadelphia Police Department after 29 1/2 years of service.  He received numerous awards and commendations while working for the districts and while assigned to the plainclothes burglary detail in the South and West divisions.  For many years, he was assigned to the Police Athletic League, where he helped to develop many programs for youths between the ages of 8-18 years old, all over the city.  He is looking forward to his new career with Haverford College and is eager to participate in the many activities the campus has to offer. 

Ted Pate - Officer (Evening shift) - While with the Philadelphia Police Department for 28 years, Ted was assigned to uniformed patrol and served as a Police Inspector's driver and aide. When the inspector was appointed as Police Commissioner, Pate stayed on as his driver and aide traveling all over the country with the Commissioner including a trip to the White House. He was later assigned to Dignitary Protection, Hostage Negotiation Training, and the Background Investigation Unit for new police candidates. Ted is a certified florist! Married twenty years, with a son and daughter and five grandchildren with one in college. He has been at Haverford for 5 years.

Beth Pezzano - Officer - Beth was a police officer and supervisor in Plymouth Meeting  for 18 yrs., and a certified paramedic for 4 yrs.  She has been with Haverford College for 4 years.

Sheldon Reid - Weekend Daywork Dispatcher - Sheldon was with the Philadelphia Police Department for over 20 years.  He is the weekend day work dispatcher here at Haverford.  He has been here for just over 2 years.