• Colonel Michael Gillock
• Deputy Director

Colonel Michael Gillock currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Division of Academy and Training. Prior to this appointment, Colonel Gillock served as the Deputy Director of Statewide 9-1-1, Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Justice Services, Logistics Bureau Chief for the Division of Administration, and the Assistant Center Chief of the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center. Colonel Gillock has also served as the Statewide Field Intelligence Coordinator and a Dignitary Protection Officer. Colonel Gillock joined the Illinois State Police in 2000 and started his career as a patrol officer in District 2 (Elgin). Colonel Gillock graduated from Illinois State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law Enforcement Administration, with a minor in Spanish.

• Lieutenant Colonel Malissa A Feld
• Assistant Deputy Director

Lieutenant Colonel Feld currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Director for the Division of Academy and Training. In 2008, she joined the ISP ranks as a member of Cadet Class 116 and was assigned to District 15 Patrol upon graduating from the ISP Academy. In 2012, she transferred to the ISP Academy, where she was assigned as a curriculum specialist and promoted to Sergeant as a Basic Training Coordinator. In 2015, she transferred back to District 15 Patrol and was promoted to Master Sergeant and Lieutenant. In 2023, she accepted a position as the ISP Academy Deputy Commander. In 2024, she served as the Troop 6 Commander until being appointed Assistant Deputy Director for the Division of Academy and Training.

Assistant Deputy Director Feld has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a Master’s in Public Administration with a certificate in Labor Relations from the University of Illinois Springfield, and a Master’s in Public Safety from the University of Virginia. She also attended the Northwestern School of Staff and Command and graduated from the FBI National Academy Class #287.

• Captain Joshua Ward
• Commander

Captain Josh Ward has served with the Illinois State Police for 20 years, beginning his career as a member of Cadet Class 103 in June 2001. Upon graduation he was assigned to District 18 in Litchfield where he served as a patrol Trooper until 2009. Captain Ward transferred to the Academy in 2009 where he served in several capacities, including as the Cadet and Recruit Class Coordinator. He then transferred to the Division of Internal Investigation where he was assigned as the Identified Offender Program Southern Command Supervisor. In May 2013 he returned to District 18 where he served as the Administrative Officer until May 2016 when he was transferred to the Academy. During his recent tenure at the Academy he has served as the Logistical and Curriculum Support Section Supervisor, the Administrative Bureau Chief, the Deputy Commander and currently as the Academy Commander.

Captain Ward attended Lincoln Land Community College and graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield. During his career he has served as an instructor in many disciplines, an FTO, a mentor, a member of the Region IV Crowd Control Team and as a Field Recruiter. Additionally, he has served on various boards and committees including the Traffic Crash Review Board, the Uniform Committee, and the Curriculum Review Committee.