Deputy Chief Zachery Mikalik is a strategic and forward-focused leader with over 16 years of experience at the Urbana Police Department, consistently recognized for his calm, results-driven leadership, mentorship of emerging leaders, and ability to solve complex problems with structure, clarity, and integrity. is a strategic and forward-focused leader with over 16 years of experience at the Urbana Police Department consistently recognized for his calm, results-driven leadership, mentorship of emerging leaders, and ability to solve complex problems with structure, clarity, and integrity.
He has advanced critical programs in officer wellness, recruitment, community engagement, and training compliance. His leadership has strengthened cross-functional collaboration, improved service delivery through strategic partnerships, and ensured the Department remains aligned with evolving state mandates and community expectations.
Deputy Chief Mikalik has led several key initiatives to enhance both departmental culture and community engagement. He developed a Public Recognition Strategy to highlight officer achievements, launched a Peer Support Program to address officer mental health, and redesigned the Crisis Co-Response Team for live deployment alongside officers to improve de-escalation and care. He also established the Clergy Patrol Program to build trust between law enforcement and faith-based leaders, streamlined case management and compliance tracking, created an Internship Program for future officers, and implemented a comprehensive Officer Wellness Program.
He holds a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois. He has received several commendations and awards, including the Community Engagement Award and the Life Saving Award.