Carmen Best currently serves as the Director of Global Security Risk Operations at Microsoft. In this position she leads the global security team, as well as intelligence initiatives, event and travel security, and security risk operations.
Best is the former Chief of Police for Seattle and served with the Seattle Police Department for 28 years, beginning as an entry-level patrol officer and later becoming the first African American woman Chief of Police. She serves on the Leadership Council for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is a board member for United Way of King County, Young Women’s Christian Association – King County, a member of the St. Jude Advisory Council for Seattle, and the Seattle University Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, member of the Human and Civil Rights Committee (HCRC) for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Additionally, she is a contributor to MSNBC, CNBC and NBC News affiliates. She is the best-selling author of the book Black in Blue: Leadership Lessons on Breaking Barriers and Racial Reconciliation. Carmen loves to travel and visit her children and grandchildren and supports many important causes that impact people’s lives.