Longtime CLEAT executive director announces retirement

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Charley Wilkison, the longtime executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), will retire after 31 years of service, according to a press release from the organization.

The release said Wilkison will retire on Dec. 31. He was hired in 1994 and became the executive director in 2013. CLEAT President Marvin Ryals said Wilkison has played a pivotal role in the organization.

“Charley’s impact…moved the needle of officer employment rights during volatile and politically challenging times,” Ryals said in the release.

“It’s always been an honor to serve Texas’ Finest,” Wilkison said in the release. “I’m grateful I had this opportunity to continue service to Texas in such a meaningful way. Although it’s difficult not to be lured into fighting one more skirmish or accomplishing one more goal, I have faith in the young law enforcement officers we’ve recruited, mentored, and promoted to take up the issues of the future.”

He expressed confidence in CLEAT’s next generation of leaders, calling them “battle-tested and ready.”

On Oct. 10, the CLEAT executive board named Robert Leonard, CLEAT’s general counsel of 20 years, as the next executive director.

“I am more than honored to take on this new role,” he said in the release. “I look forward to continue working with CLEAT’s members and staff to ensure that we continue pushing for rights, protections, well-deserved benefits, and unmatched legal coverage for Texas law enforcement officers. Together, we will continue to build on the foundational map of success that has been laid out for us.”

Wilkison and Leonard came to CLEAT from diverse backgrounds — Wilkison from government and Leonard from law enforcement and legal roles in New York, the release said.

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