Chad Chronister, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, recently made headlines after announcing his decision to withdraw from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The announcement, made on Tuesday, followed discussions surrounding his nomination and the scrutiny that came with it.
We’ve got all the details about Chad Chronister, from his long-standing career in law enforcement to his family life and philanthropic efforts. Whether it’s his role as a community-focused sheriff or his personal journey, here’s everything you need to know about the man who’s been at the center of recent news.
Who is Chad Chronister?
Chad Chronister, born on February 24, 1968, is an American law enforcement officer serving as the 30th Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, since his appointment in 2017. He began his career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in 1992, ascending through various roles, including patrol deputy, SWAT operator, and detective in multiple divisions. Chronister holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th Session.
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Chronister to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, on December 3, 2024, Chronister withdrew his name from consideration amid criticism over his enforcement of COVID-19 lockdowns, notably the arrest of Pastor Ronald Howard-Browne for violating these orders. Despite the charges being dropped and the pastor’s support for Chronister’s nomination, he prioritised his commitments in Hillsborough County.
Chronister is married to Nicole “Nikki” DeBartolo, daughter of former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. They have two children. Throughout his tenure, Chronister has emphasized community policing, crime reduction, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within the HCSO.
Chad Chronister Biography
Here is a detailed biography of Chad Chronister:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chad Chronister |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Pennsylvania, USA |
| Current Role | Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida (since 2017) |
| Career Start | Joined Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in 1992 |
| Education | – Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Saint Leo University |
| – Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Saint Leo University | |
| – Graduate of the FBI National Academy (260th Session) | |
| Notable Career Roles | – Patrol Deputy, SWAT Operator, Detective |
| – Sheriff, focusing on community policing and crime reduction | |
| Nomination | Nominated in November 2024 by President-elect Donald Trump for DEA Leader |
| Nomination Outcome | Withdrew from DEA consideration in December 2024 |
| Controversy | Criticism over COVID-19 enforcement, including the arrest of Pastor Ronald Howard-Browne |
| Spouse | Nicole “Nikki” DeBartolo |
| Spouse’s Background | Daughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., former owner of the San Francisco 49ers |
| Children | Two |
| Key Focus Areas | Community policing, diversity, inclusion, crime reduction |
| Awards and Recognition | Known for modernizing the HCSO and fostering community relations |
Educational Background
Chronister holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminology from Saint Leo University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 260th Session, reflecting his commitment to advanced law enforcement training.
Family
Chad Chronister, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, is married to Nicole “Nikki” DeBartolo, daughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., former owner of the San Francisco 49ers. The couple wed in 2010 and have a son named Asher. Nikki also has a son, Asher, from her previous marriage to Ben Heldfond.
Nikki DeBartolo serves as the Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings and the DeBartolo Family Foundation, focusing on charitable initiatives within the Tampa Bay community. Her leadership has supported organizations such as Metropolitan Ministries, Meals on Wheels, and the Boys and Girls Club.
In 2023, Chad and Nikki listed their South Tampa waterfront mansion for $15.5 million. The Mediterranean-style estate, which they called home for over a decade, was their first residence after marrying and hosted numerous family celebrations.
Chad Chronister Career
Chad Chronister has dedicated over three decades to law enforcement, primarily with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Florida. His career reflects a steady progression through various roles, culminating in his current position as Sheriff.
In 1992, Chronister began his tenure with HCSO as a patrol deputy. He expanded his expertise by serving as a SWAT operator and detective across multiple divisions, including Environmental Enforcement, Warrants, Narcotics, and Intelligence.
Advancement to Leadership:
- Supervisory Positions: Chronister held supervisory roles in the Warrants, Narcotics, Intelligence, and Dignitary Protection Detail units, showcasing his leadership capabilities.
- Community Outreach: As deputy commander of the Community Outreach Division, he emphasized the importance of community engagement in law enforcement.
- Operational Support: Serving as colonel of the Department of Operational Support, Chronister oversaw critical operational aspects of the HCSO.
Appointment as Sheriff:
- Initial Appointment: On September 30, 2017, Governor Rick Scott appointed Chronister as Sheriff of Hillsborough County following the retirement of Sheriff David Gee.
- Elections: Chronister was elected Sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2020.
Chad Chronister Net Worth
As of December 2024, Chad Chronister, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million.
Primary Sources of Income:
- Law Enforcement Career: Chronister’s long-standing service in law enforcement, culminating in his role as sheriff, provides him with an annual salary of about $180,000.
- Real Estate Investments: In 2010, Chronister and his wife, Nikki DeBartolo, purchased a South Tampa waterfront mansion for $5.15 million. They listed the property for sale in March 2023 at $15.5 million.
Chronister’s wife, Nikki, is the daughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., a prominent businessman and former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, with a reported net worth of $3.7 billion. While Chronister’s net worth is substantial, his family’s connections to significant wealth through the DeBartolo family’s business ventures further enhance his financial standing.
Chad Chronister’s DEA Nomination
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This prestigious opportunity highlighted Chronister’s decades of law enforcement experience and leadership.
However, on December 3, 2024, Chronister withdrew his name from consideration. His decision came after criticism regarding his enforcement of COVID-19 lockdown measures, particularly the arrest of Pastor Ronald Howard-Browne for violating restrictions. Despite the charges being dropped, the controversy surrounding the incident led Chronister to focus on his role as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.
