Chad Chronister

Chad Gregory Chronister (born ) is an American law enforcement officer and politician who has served as the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, since 2017. On November 30, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He withdrew himself from consideration on December 3, 2024.

Early life Chad Chronister was born in York, Pennsylvania. His parents, Helena Bentivegna and Danny, had a daughter a year later and eventually divorced. Chronister's maternal grandfather, Jack Bentivegna, lived nearby and served as a father figure. Chronister played junior varsity football and ran track before graduating from high school in 1986. After two years at Mansfield University, where he studied business and communications, Chronister moved to Tampa.

Career

Chronister has served in the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office since 1992, beginning his career as a patrol deputy and SWAT operator. He then served as a detective for several units, including environmental enforcement, warrants, narcotics, and intelligence. Chronister was a supervisor in the Warrants, Narcotics, Intelligence, and Dignitary Protection Detail. He then became deputy commander of the Community Outreach Division, and later the colonel of the Department of Operation Support.

In 2017, Chronister was appointed sheriff after the unexpected retirement of his predecessor, David Gee, who recommended him.

On November 30, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. and Terry Cole was later selected to lead the DEA.

Elections

Personal life In 1992, Chronister married Teresa Card, with whom he has a son, born in 1993. The couple divorced in 1995. In 1997, Chronister married Tammy Edwards, and they divorced in 1999. Chronister became the father of Nikki's son from a prior marriage.