Fresh off moving into its new headquarters, the Albuquerque Community Safety Department has a new — yet familiar — director.
Jodie Esquibel, who had been the department’s acting director since March, officially took the permanent position Friday.
In a press release announcing Esquibel’s selection, Mayor Tim Keller said ACS is transforming public safety in the city and has the right leader. The job was advertised as paying $168,000 a year.
“Jodie brings the right experience and perspective to make sure that ACS continues to meet the needs of our community and get people connected to the right help, at the right time,” he said.
Esquibel became acting director after Mariela Ruiz-Angel was promoted to associate chief administrative officer in Keller’s administration.
Keller said Esquibel’s prior experience as a paramedic and a professional athlete — she’s a mixed martial arts fighter — along with her history of leadership and successfully building and managing programs made her an ideal candidate.
Esquibel said she looks forward to continuing to work with and grow the department.
“Albuquerque Community Safety was created based on direct feedback from the community, and we remain dedicated to evolving in response to their needs,” she said. “Together with the public (and) our partners in law enforcement and emergency services, we are building a stronger, more inclusive network to ensure folks get the help they need.”
The City showed off its new office in the International District in May and held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the building over the weekend.
Abq community safety is a huge animal to lasso. Wishing her the best and hope she has all of the necessary tools to turn or city around.