Robert “Bob” Peryam has served as the Director of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in Jacksonville, Florida, since January 2013. With a distinguished law enforcement career spanning more than five decades, Bob has held roles across every level of the profession—from Patrol Deputy to Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida.
A Certified Instructor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a seasoned public speaker, Bob is widely recognized for his executive leadership and operational expertise. He currently serves as Chairman of the Domestic Highway Enforcement Committee and holds board positions on the Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Partners Board and the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Advisory Board. His previous national leadership roles include serving as President and Vice President of the National HIDTA Directors Association and as a member of the HIDTA Directors Committee.
Bob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, underscoring his lifelong commitment to professional development and public service.
Sheri Burns is the Deputy Director of the North Florida HIDTA, bringing 25 years of dedicated service to the mission, vision, and values of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and their partners. She began her law enforcement administration career in 2003 with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and joined North Florida HIDTA in 2013, initially providing Finance/Fiduciary Support. Her leadership and attention to detail led to her promotion to Finance Manager in 2016.
During her tenure as Finance Manager, Sheri earned a reputation for excellence—streamlining processes, successfully navigating complex contracts, producing flawless audits, and strengthening relationships with the Executive Board and law enforcement partners. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was promoted to Deputy Director in 2022.
Sheri holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, where she graduated with honors and received the Hamilton D. Upchurch Award for Academic Achievement.
Mary Ellington is the Executive Assistant to the Director of North Florida HIDTA, a role she has held since 2018. With over 30 years of experience in the corporate and private sectors, Mary brings a diverse background in Administration, Sales and Information Technology. In her current position, she serves as the key liaison between the North Florida HIDTA Director and Deputy Director, supporting multiple law enforcement initiatives, the Executive Board, and HIDTA Directors nationwide.
Known for her professionalism and attention to detail, Mary provides critical support that ensures seamless communication and operational efficiency across the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Kim Jones serves as the Investigative Support Center (ISC) Manager for the North Florida HIDTA, bringing nearly 26 years of experience in investigative and intelligence analysis in support of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. She began her career with the North Florida HIDTA at its inception in 2001 as a Strategic Intelligence Analyst, following two years as an Asset Forfeiture Analyst with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Promoted to ISC Manager in 2008, Kim has consistently demonstrated excellence in her leadership, successfully passing all compliance and performance audits. Her achievements include receiving the National HIDTA Award for Outstanding Support Staff in 2017 and accepting, on behalf of her team, the National HIDTA Award for Outstanding Investigative Support Center in 2019.
Kim holds a Top Secret Security Clearance issued by the Department of Homeland Security and serves as the HIDTA Program’s liaison to DHS’s Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) Intelligence Governance Board, where she is also a voting member.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2020, graduating with honors.
Jared Padilla is the Training Manager of the North Florida HIDTA, holding the position since 2007. With a combined law enforcement background of 25 years, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table that allows him to provide relevant and timely law enforcement training to our HIDTA’s area of operation. He also serves as the administrator and software usage trainer to members needing to utilize our case management system. Jared received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Northwood University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Kevin Miller is a seasoned IT Manager with over 15 years of experience leading complex technology initiatives across infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud solutions and enterprise systems. Since joining the North Florida HIDTA in 2017, Kevin has played a critical role in advancing the organization’s technology capabilities, earning a promotion to IT Manager in 2022.
Known for his strategic mindset and hands-on leadership, Kevin consistently delivers innovative, cost-effective IT solutions that align with organizational goals. He excels in managing cross-functional teams, driving digital transformation and maintaining operational excellence in high-demand environments.
Kevin holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and maintains multiple industry-recognized certifications, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional growth and cutting-edge expertise in the IT field.
Deborah Babin is currently a Public Health Analyst with the CDC Foundation, embedded at the North Florida HIDTA. Deborah graduated with her Master’s in Public Health in December of 2016. Since 2018, she has specialized in overdose prevention, data analysis, and fostering collaboration between public health and public safety sectors. With a Master’s in Public Health and nearly a decade of experience, Deborah brings a strategic and data-informed approach to addressing substance use challenges across North Florida.
Scott Delano has served as the Drug Intelligence Officer for the North Florida HIDTA since January 2020, when Florida joined the national Overdose Response Strategy (ORS). This HIDTA initiative brings together public health and public safety professionals to address the overdose crisis through collaboration, innovation and data-driven strategies.
Scott brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience from his distinguished career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure, he served in a wide range of roles—from patrol operations to field training new recruits—and retired at the rank of senior sergeant.
In his current role, Scott represents the North Florida HIDTA in ORS initiatives, working closely with local coalitions and law enforcement agencies. He provides critical intelligence on emerging drug trends and threats, while promoting evidence-based approaches aimed at reducing overdose deaths and improving community safety.