Michelle Cook

Michelle Cook began her law enforcement career in 1992 as a Patrol Officer and rose to become a 3-star Director at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a 3,300-person agency. After leading significant initiatives and overseeing a budget of over $100 million, she became the Chief of Police in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Under her leadership, crime rates dropped, and community morale improved.

In 2020, Michelle was elected Clay County Sheriff, and she was sworn in early at the request of Governor Ron DeSantis. In 2024, she was overwhelmingly reelected with 80% of the vote.

Recognized for her extensive experience and leadership in law enforcement, Sheriff Cook has built a reputation as a firm yet compassionate leader, whose integrity and genuine management style earn respect not only from her work family but also from the community she serves.

She holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executives Development Seminar (LEEDS – Session 80) and a member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association.