announcement

Executive Director of Public Safety to step down

To the Temple community,

 

It is with sadness that I announce Executive Director of Public Safety Charlie Leone has decided to step down, effective April 29. It goes without saying that we will miss him immensely. A member of the Temple family for 36 years and a fixture on campus, Charlie has dedicated the majority of his professional life to making Temple University a safe and vibrant place to live, learn and work for Temple’s students, faculty and staff.

 

“I came to Temple nearly 40 years ago as a student, and I loved this university so much that I never left,” Charlie said. “It is bittersweet for me to leave now, but I know campus safety is in a much stronger position today, and this is the right time for me personally to step aside and enable a new leader to build the department’s strategy for the future.”

 

Deputy Director Denise Wilhelm will assume the role of interim executive director. A member of Temple Police for more than 30 years, Denise will continue to lead our department and be an integral part of our ongoing campus safety efforts. We will begin a national search to identify a new executive director immediately and I plan to retain a consultant to ensure that we identify and hire the best possible candidate.  

 

As the city and the university have faced a growing gun violence crisis, Charlie has led the university’s efforts to safeguard the community. He will stay with the University until the end of April to assist with the onboarding of Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey as he undertakes a comprehensive review of public safety. 

 

I'm sure you join me in sharing immense gratitude for all that Charlie has contributed to Temple, supporting our community tirelessly and generously. Charlie will take some well-earned time off before pursuing his future opportunities.  

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ken Kaiser
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer