J. Austin Powell

CFE, M.A., Exec. Cert. in Public Policy

J. Austin Powell is a retired law enforcement professional with over 28 years of service at both local and federal levels, including senior policy advisory roles and extensive experience in preparing official responses and testimony to Congress. He has personally testified before a state-level General Assembly and is recognized as an expert in policy development impacting the global operations of a Cabinet-level federal law enforcement agency. His contributions include drafting portions of U.S. law signed by the President. Additionally, he is a Certified Fraud Examiner and serves on the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ Advisory Council.

Mr. Powell holds a Bachelor of Science in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He further earned a doctoral-level Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Liberty University’s Helms School of Government. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (SPI) and the FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership Institute, bringing extensive leadership training to his work in law enforcement and education.

In retirement, he remains active in education, teaching, and mentoring students in criminal justice, public safety, leadership, and forensic science at multiple institutions. Beyond his academic and professional endeavors, Mr. Powell is an executive coach, speaker, and trainer, helping public service professionals achieve work-life balance and resilience. He and his wife, Tricia, host the podcast Brain Things: Navigating Faith, Facts, and Freedom, where they explore various topics from a biblical worldview.

He resides in Florida with his wife of over 25 years and their beloved puppy, Finley. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, biking, and reading.