Firm Selected to Lead Search for Next Chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Services

With the forthcoming retirement of Robert “Bobby” Maldonado, chief of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for Syracuse University, Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president of business, finance and administrative services (BFAS) and chief financial officer, has announced both the selection of a national search firm to assist in identifying and recruiting a new chief of campus safety and emergency services, and a leadership restructure that will take effect on July 1, 2021.

The executive search firm of Spelman Johnson has been selected to assist with the national search for a new chief. Spelman Johnson is recognized for its work in education, advocacy associations and social impact organizations.

“This search firm has a proven track record of identifying, recruiting and placing exceptional leaders who are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion,” says Rahnamay-Azar. “We look forward to collecting input from students, faculty and staff as we work to identify an experienced, thoughtful and compassionate public safety leader and community builder.”

The firm has conducted more than 1,700 searches on behalf of institutions of higher education over the last three decades. Rahnamay-Azar says a search committee, which will work closely with the search firm, will be appointed in the weeks ahead, with additional details forthcoming.

In addition to overseeing the DPS, this position will provide broad oversight of campus safety and emergency services. The new chief will report directly to Rahnamay-Azar; currently, the chief reports to the senior vice president for safety and chief law enforcement officer, a position that will be eliminated following the retirement of Tony Callisto on June 30, 2021. Some of the responsibilities of that position, including oversight of parking and transportation services, environmental health and safety services, and enterprise risk management, will be shifted to other leaders in the Division of Business, Finance and Administrative Services.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.