Mayor Ginther Appoints Kate Mcsweeney-Pishotti Public Safety Director

Published on April 17, 2023

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today announced that Kate McSweeney-Pishotti has been appointed the Columbus Director of Public Safety. McSweeney-Pishotti succeeds Robert Clark, who was recently named Vice President of Public Safety at the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

“Kate brings a wealth of experience gained over more than three decades of public service in criminal justice, neighborhood safety and public policy,” said Mayor Ginther. “The relationships she’s forged with community stakeholders and with Columbus Police and Fire, combined with her deep commitment to the residents of Columbus, will ensure her success.”

McSweeney-Pishotti is the first woman to serve as safety director. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Ginther, acting as the liaison to the Department of Public Safety and working closely with the Divisions of Fire, Police and Support Services. McSweeney-Pishotti will oversee more than 3,700 uniformed and civilian employees and an annual budget exceeding $700 million. She will also work closely with the newly formed Office of Violence Prevention to advance non-law enforcement-based strategies to continue to reduce violent crime in Columbus.

“I am honored and humbled by this incredible opportunity to lead the Department of Public Safety,” said McSweeney-Pishotti. “It is an immense responsibility, but one I am prepared to accept. I am eager to continue the great work we’ve started, to support the women and men who keep our city safe, and to continue to advance change and reform our residents expect.”

As Deputy Chief of Staff, McSweeney-Pishotti helped implement the city’s first-ever Civilian Police Review Board and the establishment of the Office of the Inspector General. She championed the Rapid Response Emergency Addiction Crisis Team (RREACT), linking residents who experienced an overdose with treatment. She also helped guide the development of the Right Response Unit (RRU), which imbeds social workers and clinicians with 911 dispatchers to provide a holistic emergency response. She was also integral to the creation of the Public Safety Wellness Center – one of the first of its kind in the nation. 

McSweeney-Pishotti previously served as Deputy Director for the Department of Public Safety following 18 years of service to Columbus City Council in the Legislative Research Office and as an aide. Prior to that, she worked as a probation officer and as a bailiff for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Kate holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton.