Who is Who
Clifford Pinkney, retired Cuyahoga County Sheriff and U.S. Army Veteran, is a respected National Public Safety Advisor and founder of Pinkney Quality Collections, LLC. Recognized in Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, he exemplifies integrity, mentorship, and leadership, inspiring future generations through his unwavering dedication to community and public service.
A Legacy Built on Duty and Purpose
In every generation, there are leaders who define the values of courage and service through quiet resilience and unwavering integrity. Clifford Pinkney is one of those rare few. From his early days in uniform to his leadership as Cuyahoga County Sheriff, his journey reflects a life dedicated to justice, mentorship, and community. His calm strength, shaped by decades of service and his experience as a U.S. Army Infantry Veteran, continues to inspire those who follow his lead.
Colleagues describe him as a man whose nobility is his greatest asset, a sentiment that has echoed throughout his distinguished career.
Foundation: Strength Rooted in Service
Raised with a strong sense of discipline and responsibility, Clifford Pinkney’s calling to serve came naturally. His time in the U.S. Army instilled the values of perseverance, precision, and teamwork qualities that would define his approach to leadership in law enforcement.
Committed to lifelong learning, Pinkney advanced his professional expertise through the FBI National Academy, National Sheriff’s Institute, and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, where he later became a certified Peace Officer Instructor. These milestones reflect not only his pursuit of excellence but his belief in shaping future generations of officers.
Peers recall his early years as marked by humility and drive. “He’s a self-motivated leader who inspires those around him,” shared retired detective Gloria Santiago, who worked with him for many years. “His compassion and commitment to his community make him an asset to any organization.”
Ascent: A Commanding Journey Through Law Enforcement
Pinkney’s law enforcement career began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he served more than 24 years with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. Rising from Lieutenant to Chief Deputy and ultimately to Sheriff, he became a transformative figure in the region’s law enforcement community.
During his tenure, he led specialized units including the Narcotic Unit, FBI Bank Robbery Unit, Sex Offender Unit, and DEA Task Force, while also serving as Special Deputy U.S. Marshal on the FBI Caribbean Gang Drug Task Force. Each role required precision, courage, and a steady hand under pressure qualities that defined his leadership.
Those who worked beside him speak of integrity and mentorship as his hallmarks. “Sheriff Pinkney has a great approach to leadership and mentoring,” shared Brian K., a former colleague. “He invests in his team, sharing knowledge and experience while inspiring others to achieve their goals. His dedication to public safety is unmatched.”
Another former task force member, Tim Garrett, recalled, “I worked with Cliff from 2001 to my retirement in 2004. I can’t say enough about his honesty and trustworthiness. He can be given any task and will complete it successfully. Clifford is a professional in every sense of the word.”
Impact: Leadership That Inspires Change
When Clifford Pinkney was appointed Sheriff of Cuyahoga County in 2015, he became a symbol of transformation and trust. His leadership redefined the relationship between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and accountability.
As Hostage Negotiator Team Leader and Emergency Response Team Commander, he demonstrated composure under pressure not just leading his teams through complex situations but ensuring that compassion remained at the center of every decision.
“Clifford is the standard setter when it comes to professionalism, commitment, and mission success,” said Victor Thompson, a former colleague. “He’s driven by a deep desire to make any organization better by raising the bar of excellence.”
Even after his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office in 2019, Pinkney’s dedication to public service never waned. As National Public Safety Advisor at OCV, LLC, and Founder of Pinkney Quality Collections, LLC, he continues to shape strategies that promote safety, integrity, and ethical leadership across the nation.
His influence extends far beyond law enforcement. His recognition at the Who’s Who in Black Cleveland event stands as a testament to his ongoing impact celebrating not only his professional accomplishments but his role as a mentor, community advocate, and example of leadership rooted in purpose.
Vision for the Future: Continuing the Mission
Today, Clifford Pinkney remains deeply engaged in supporting both professional and community initiatives. His affiliations with organizations like N.O.B.L.E. (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), NAACP Cleveland Chapter, and the National Sheriff’s Association reflect his lifelong commitment to advocacy and equality.
His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: lead with integrity, serve with empathy, and inspire others to rise higher. These principles continue to shape his work as he advises, mentors, and uplifts new generations of public safety professionals.
As retired detective James Falb reflected, “Those of us who worked with Clifford looked to him as a leader and mentor someone who sets the standard of excellence for work ethic and integrity. His belief in God and his sense of community are the foundation of everything he does.”
Editorial Note
Clifford Pinkney’s story embodies the spirit of service that defines true leadership. His path from Army Veteran to Sheriff, and now National Public Safety Advisor is a living testament to the power of discipline, compassion, and moral conviction. His influence continues to ripple through every community he has touched, inspiring the next generation to lead with honor and humanity.
