Sheriff’s Staff
Jim Morgan
Director of Operations
Morgan oversees the detectives, patrol and special operations divisions. He is a 27-year veteran of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. His years of experience include 19 years leading various components of the agency including Patrol, Investigations, Professional Services, SWAT, Dive, Special Operations and others. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and is a graduate of Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institutes’ Senior Leadership Program.
Ricky Wright
Director of Detention
Wright oversees the Detention Facility at the sheriff’s office. He is a 33-year law enforcement veteran who started his career with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and worked for the Palatka Police Department. In 2000, he joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Office where he served as a detective and lieutenant in several areas within the agency. Wright was then promoted to chief of Special Operations and served as chief of Detention Administration.
Chris Coldiron
Director of Professional Standards
Coldiron oversees accreditation, training, compliance, internal affairs and public integrity. He has been with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. He has experience in administration, detention and operations. Coldiron, a Navy veteran, recently served as watch commander and assistant SWAT commander after 16 years on the team.
Barry Abramowitz
Director of Services
Abramowitz oversees the logistics/general support and support services departments. He is a 34-year law enforcement veteran who started his career with the Baltimore Police Department. He retired from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 as the captain/chief of the Strategic Response Division. Abramowitz is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He has received several commendations including Police Officer of the Year and the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.
Gary Cross
Chief Inspector
Cross is in charge of governmental and corporate affairs for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. He is a liaison between the sheriff’s office and government officials. He also works with corporate, civic and community organizations to enhance and promote the mission of the sheriff’s office. Cross retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after 25 years of service. He also served in the United States Navy.
Elise Gann
Chief Financial Officer
Gann oversees the Finance Department which includes Fiscal and Purchasing. She joined the sheriff’s office in March 2010 as the Fiscal Section director and was promoted to CFO in October 2011. Prior to joining the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Gann worked in the private sector for 12 years in accounting management positions for Winn Dixie Stores, Inc. and Estrella Engineering, Inc. She completed Leadership Clay in 2012 and is an active member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, serving on the Finance Committee.
Sandra Hartley
Human Resources Senior Executive
Hartley oversees human resources and employee relations. She was the CEO of Communities In Schools of Northeast Florida for 16 years. She was also president of the Florida Seaport Training & Employment Program, serving the 14 deep water ports in the state. Hartley spent 20 years with JaxPort where she was the first female director.
Angela Spears
Public Relations Senior Executive
Spears oversees media relations for the sheriff’s office. She has more than 20 years of experience in the media/public relations field. She was a television journalist in Jacksonville and Waco, Texas and special assistant to former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. She also worked as a public information officer for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and community liaison for DaVita, a leading kidney care company.
Denise Flak
Executive Assistant
Flak is the executive assistant to Sheriff Darryl Daniels and Undersheriff Ray Walden. She handles the day-to-day functions for the sheriff’s staff. She also worked as executive assistant to the director of the State Attorney’s Office in Clay County for almost 15 years. Flak has been with the sheriff’s office for 14 years.