Spotlighting Women Making History

FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

MARIA McKee: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

Maria McKee grew up in Atlanta, Georgia with her parents, brother and seven sisters. They lived in the John Hope Homes public housing project that was built in 1940. The children walked to and from school, no matter the weather. Her father worked hard to provide for his large family at the Georgia State Capitol as a custodian. They didn't have much, but they had everything they needed. Most of all, they had each other.

The McKees were fortunate that the community they lived in felt more like an extended family. It was a close-knit community. “It was like we were everyone's children,” says Maria of herself and her siblings. If they ever needed anything, one of her neighbors would help. All of the neighbors were willing to help each other in times of need.

The McKee house was a place of refuge for many in the community. Anyone needing a good meal or just a place to rest for a few minutes was welcome in their home. And her mother was like the neighborhood's unofficial nurse. When anyone was hurt, they would call Maria's mother to the rescue. This was the type of community Maria grew up in.

35 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Appointed by the Fulton Country State Court Bench, Maria McKee was sworn in as the 14th Marshal of Fulton County, Georgia December 19, 2019. She is the second female to hold this position.

The primary mission of the Fulton County Marshal's Department is to preserve the peace, protect lives and to serve the public by enforcing the orders, writs and precepts of the State and Magistrate Courts of Fulton County, and other courts of competent judicial authority, in a responsible, efficient, and cost-effective manner. As the head of the Marshal's Department, Maria is responsible for the hiring and oversight of over 80 employees, both sworn officers and civilian personnel.

Maria worked hard to reach this rank. The Marshal is not an elected position; the role is filled through appointment by the Fulton County State Court Bench. Maria completed her first four-year term at the close of 2023 and has been appointed for her second term.

Maria's law enforcement career began 35 years ago when she “stumbled” into it.

When asked as a child what she wanted to do when she grew up, Maria said she wanted to work in the medical field. She entered college with that goal in mind, but after having her own child she quit college and looked for a job so she could provide for her daughter and herself. Although at that time she did not know anything about law enforcement, she applied for the opening in Fulton County's Sheriff's Department. The more she learned, she felt that she could do this job.

In 1988, Maria was hired and trained as a deputy sheriff. “It turned out to be fruitful: “it was a good job and it provided for me and my family.” But when I first started, I never thought I would stay this long. Law enforcement turned out not to be just a job; it turned out to be a whole career.” There were so many opportunities and avenues to pursue in the field. You just had to find out what would be a good fit. She was able to prepare herself to move through the ranks in the Sheriff's Department. “I was promoted and that was rewarding.” Maria's first promotion was to the next level of Sergeant.

STAYING THE COURSE

The biggest challenge Maria faced during her career was being pressed up against the glass ceiling, something women commonly face. “I oftentimes competed with men for job assignments, promotions, and even off days. It did not matter that I was better qualified, the men would always win,” reflected Maria.

After her first promotion to Sergeant, it took another ten years to be promoted to the next rank. “I took all the available training to prepare myself. I even went back to school and earned my associate degree in criminal justice from Georgia Military College. It felt good to get that degree, said Maria. “But I still felt that because I was female, I was being overlooked and that really bothered me. My attitude towards my work started to change.” I began to do the bare minimum, just enough to get by.

But I have my captain at the time to thank for helping me stay on course. After calling in sick one day, Captain Walker called me into her office to talk with her. “I need you to keep doing what you have been doing; what you are supposed to be doing. Things will change. Opportunities will come, just stay the course,” she told me. “She was a great captain and motivator that I admire. I took what she said to heart and turned my attitude around again.” I continued to work at being the best employee I could be.”

While Maria was working in the Fulton County Jail, a new female Chief Jailer was appointed. “Daily, I'd say to her in a kidding way, `I want to work for you.'” One day the Chief Jailer called Maria in for an interview and asked, “McKee, have you been to supervision and management training?”

“Yes.”

“IT instructor training school?”

“Yes.”

She continued to list off training courses to see if Maria had taken them. She responded, “Yes,” to every one of them.

“Okay, how would like to work for me in jail programs section?” the Chief Jailer asked Maria.

“She gave me my break. By allowing me to come work for her, I was provided the opportunity for others to see my work and potential.”

Implementing the Chief Jailer's vision. Maria developed the first vocational program for jail inmates that included GED, computer training, welding training, spiritual guidance, job prep, basic life skills, conflict resolution, and more. Maria also taught the Life Skills class.

After that, things started to happen. Maria was promoted to Lieutenant. She then made Captain, then Major. She was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was the first female in that role, and the highest-ranking female officer in the Sheriff's Department at that time.

In 2019, she set her sights higher and applied for the County Marshal position. Maria was then appointed Fulton County Marshal and began her first term in 2020.

Photo Credit of John Hope Homes Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HABS [or HAER or HALS], Reproduction number [e.g., "HABS ILL, 16-CHIG, 33-2 "]

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

In serving in the Marshal's Department, it is unique in that you touch on all sides of law enforcement: the courts, policing, and helping the community. There are many circumstances where you get to help others.

Maria initiated community engagement programs. Even through the coronavirus pandemic, the Fulton County Marshal's Deputy reached out with hygiene care packages, lunches, and winter-weather goods to the large homeless population. An internal competitive game between divisions encouraged deputies and staff to donate food and supplies for Thanksgiving meal boxes to local families. Marshal McKee is also involved in a monthly elementary school reading program sponsored by the Atlanta Public Schools and their Police department.

ALWAYS AN OPEN DOOR

Mentoring those coming into the ranks is important and dear to Maria. “Helping new deputies feels really good,” said Maria. “I'm trying to make things better for all. I also need to prepare someone to take my seat.

One way Maria does this is to recognize and reward those in her department that go above and beyond. She invites this department member to accompany her to the annual NOBLE conference. In addition to this rich mentorship opportunity, the aspiring deputy sheriff can network with successful law enforcement executives and receive advanced training.

“But being a deputy marshal is not very everyone. It takes a special person. I tell new recruits that if this job doesn't feel right after they have been here for a while, come talk to me. So, for the ones that it is not a fit, I say, “Let me help you get to where you need to be.”

One story Maria shared was of a civilian working for her we'll call “Sarah”. Sarah was excellent at her job and Maria really appreciated having her in her department. An opportunity to become a probation officer arose for Sarah that she wanted. She talked to Maria about it. Although Maria really didn't want to lose Sarah, she didn't want to hold her back. “I don't want to hold anyone back.”

Maria told Sarah, “Go try it. Do your best. If it doesn't work out, call me. I know your work ethic.” Maria wanted to put her at east to follow her dream. Sarah is doing well in her new position as probation officer. But she referred someone else to Maria who is now a deputy marshal, so she gained something in return from Sarah.

HER FATHER AS INSPIRATION

Maria's father was an inspiration to her. While both of Maria's parents have passed, her father was alive when she was hired as a deputy sheriff, her first job in law enforcement. He was so proud of her. He wanted everyone to know his daughter was a Deputy Sheriff. She wanted to do well to honor him. Maria respected and appreciated how her parents took care of her and her siblings. “They taught us right from wrong and to stay on track. We didn't have a lot financially, but we received all the support we needed from them.

“I am most proud of having moved up through the ranks. The glass ceiling really exists for females, but I was able to break through it. I'm proud to be at the top of my game.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

When asked what messages she'd like to share with others, Maria hopes the following will help others find their path:

• Find what inspires you.
• Find what you like.
• Make a plan.
• Work the plan.
• Don't let anyone talk you down because you can do anything you want, but you also have to be focused and steadfast.
• Give it some time. Nothing will happen overnight. Everything takes time.
• Give it your all. Put forth your best effort.
• Educate yourself, especially on what you want to do for a living: If there are classes, take them, but there are other ways to learn. Learning doesn't have to take place in a classroom. Read and look for other ways to learn.

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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Georgia Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Member and Executive Board Secretary
• Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Member
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter, Member
• Georgia Women and Law Enforcement, Member
• Atlanta Metropol, Inc., Member

A NOBLE CONNECTION

Being a Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer and member of the Southern California Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives(NOBLE), Bessie Morris Foundation founder Ivory Freeman attends the annual national NOBLE conferences. A few years ago at one of the conferences, Ivory met Maria McKee, a member and Secretary on the Executive Board of Georgia Chapter of NOBLE. They immediately felt a simpatico bond. They connect annually at the conference.

Maria is humble, down-to-earth, and open to listening to others. “No one knows everything,” says Maria, but collectively we know a lot.

In turn, Maria describes Ivory as “a wonderful person. She has an inviting personality. When you meet Ivory, you feel like you have known her forever. She is truly genuine and inspiring.”