Jessica Facteau

Compassionate. Steady. Trustworthy.

Current Employer & Job Title: SUNY Plattsburgh University Police Investigator

Age: 39

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, SUNY Plattsburgh

Jessica is about pushing the gender barriers and forging a path for other women to follow. Being a role model for her daughter and niece is at the heart of her intensions, leading with empathy and inclusion. It is important to her that students feel safe and heard when they report issues.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you promote most fiercely and how have you influenced it?

I care deeply about promoting a student-centered, trust-based approach to safety and support within University Police. I take the time to meet students where they are, listen without judgment and create space for them to feel comfortable asking for help.

Who has most influenced your leadership style and what specific lesson still shapes how you lead today?

My leadership style has largely been shaped by my own experiences, especially navigating a field that has not always been designed for me. Through that, I’ve learned the importance of staying grounded in who I am, rather than trying to fit into expectations that don’t align with my values. That experience has also influenced how I show up for others. I understand what it can feel like to navigate those spaces, and I try to support others, especially women, by offering guidance, perspective and a sense of belonging.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way—and how has it changed you?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is how to establish myself in a space that wasn’t always designed for me. There were moments where I had to decide whether to adjust to the environment around me or remain grounded in who I am.

I chose to stay true to myself, and that decision has shaped how I lead. I’ve built respect through my actions, consistency, and the way I carry myself, rather than trying to meet expectations that didn’t reflect my values.

That experience has also influenced how I show up for others. I understand what it can feel like to navigate those spaces, and I try to support others, especially women, by offering guidance, perspective, and a sense of belonging.

The lessons I’ve learned in my career and how I’ve navigated them have always been guided by the motivation that those following behind won’t feel as though those spaces weren’t designed for them. The driving force behind all of that has been to be a positive role model.

What change do you hope to see that will shape the future of leadership in our region?

A stronger commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of leaders. There needs to be more intentional investment in preparing others and expanding access to opportunities. Leadership shows up in how people support others, make decisions and take responsibility, even without a formal title. Recognizing that creates more opportunities for people to step forward and contribute meaningfully. It also requires current leaders to be more engaged in mentorship and development. When people are given the support, feedback and space to grow, it builds stronger teams and a more sustainable approach to leadership across the region.