Catholic University President John Garvey named Major Kirk McLean of Prince George’s County Police Department as the new Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management, effective June 15, 2020. McLean succeeds Thomasine Johnson, who retired in April.
McLean has more than 21 years of law enforcement experience serving Prince George’s County in Maryland. He joined the force in 1998 and served in various roles, including criminal investigations, community policing, patrol operations, hostage negotiator, homeland security intelligence, and internal affairs.
In his most recent role as district commander, he managed all aspects within a police station, including scheduling, operations, strategic planning, administrative and labor actions, policy implementation, and discipline. He was also instrumental in overseeing the critical technology, security advancements and the opening of the newest state-of-the-art police facility (District VIII Station).
McLean holds a bachelor’s in sociology and criminal justice from Bowie State University, and a master’s in organizational leadership from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, a program offering intensive training in the latest management concepts and practices used in business and government.
In 2016, McLean completed a yearlong fellowship program with the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Alexandria, Virginia. He has served as a security liaison for the IACP and he has authored several articles on leadership for Police Chief Magazine.
“Kirk has had an exceptional career in law enforcement with the Prince George’s County Police Department. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring all that experience here to Catholic University,” said Garvey. “With his background in all areas of police operations, and his focus on leadership and community policing, he will be able to contribute in important ways to our already solid Department of Public Safety.”
“Having the opportunity to lead at the Catholic University of America is a charge that is not taken lightly by me. I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to continue the business of ensuring the safety and protecting the property of our students, staff and school community. This great institution is my new family,” McLean said.
McLean lives in Maryland with his wife Chrissy, daughter Kiera and son KJ.