Meet Pernell
Pernell is the most qualified candidate, with extensive experience both in managing large government agencies and in law enforcement.
For the last seven years, Pernell has worked for Harris County Precinct 2, where he serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety and Organizational Development, managing more than 400 employees. Previously, Pernell served as the Budget Director for Precinct 2, overseeing a $90 million annual budget.
Pernell comes from a law enforcement family. His mother was a police officer with the New Orleans Police Department and Pernell has served as a deputy constable in Harris County and a sergeant in the Fort Bend County office.
Pernell has devoted his life to public and community service. He cuts grass and delivers free air conditioners for seniors, gives away backpacks and school supplies at back-to-school events, and walks the picket line with struggling workers.
Pernell’s journey hasn’t been easy, but that’s what makes it powerful. Raised by a single mom who served as a police officer, she understood both the responsibility of protecting others and the fear of protecting her own. She knew what it meant to have “the talk” with her Black son about how to stay safe, stay smart, and still walk tall. He learned early what it means to work twice as hard and still show up with purpose.
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Growing up with parents who believed in helping everyone, Pernell carried two struggling aunts financially when he didn’t have much himself, leading to a bankruptcy when he was young. He also provided housing to two other family members who were later evicted. He did not let those setbacks break him. Instead, they built the grit that drives his fight for fairness and opportunity today.
Pernell has been recognized for his work many times. Recent honors include:
The Community Impact Award from the World Youth Foundation
The Human Resources Impact Award from the Houston Business Journal
The Leadership Excellence Award from Harris County Precinct 2’s Circle of Excellence