Facts about Kevin Williams, Interim Director of Community Safety

While Reed searches for a new Director of Community Safety in order to fill the void left by the departure of Gary Granger, they have named Kevin Williams as interim director starting on November 20, 2025, replacing Dhyana Westfall ‘05 and Christo Potgieter, who have served as acting directors since Gary’s absence. 

Williams is, according to a November 17 email sent out by VP of Student Life Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black, from “an external placement firm with which Reed has an established partnership, D. Stafford & Associates,” a group that “has been a trusted resource in our work around Clery compliance.” D. Stafford & Associates describes themselves as a “professional consulting firm specializing in campus safety and security, compliance, sexual misconduct response and investigation, and law enforcement issues on college and university campuses in both the United States and Canada.”

In the same email, McConnell-Black said that Williams “brings extensive experience from institutions across the country and is known for leading with thoughtfulness, collaboration, and steady judgment.” He also said Williams has “a clear values-driven approach that aligns with our community’s expectations for engagement and care.”

A look at Williams’ LinkedIn shows that he is a retired Chief of Police, and worked in the Los Angeles Police Academy from 1984 to 2005, during which time he, according to his LinkedIn, “mentored hundreds of employees, significantly reduced grievances, taught watch commander’s school and became a nationally known instructor specializing in preparation for promotional examinations,”  before leaving the LAPD as a Police Lieutenant. 

After retiring from LAPD, he later worked as the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at University of Michigan-Dearborn from 2014-2018, was the Chief/Director of Campus Safety at Keene State college from 2019-2020, was the Interim Chief/Director of Campus Safety and Security at North Seattle College from 2020-2021, Chief/Interim Assistant Vice President for Police at Middle Tennessee State University at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) from 2021-2022 and then the director of the Vermont Capitol Police from 2023-2024. 

Williams lists over 50 skills in his skills section on LinkedIn, including Crisis Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Leadership Development, and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Weapons of Mass Destruction (according to Wikipedia, “a biological, chemical, radiological, nuclear, or any other weapon that can kill or significantly harm many people or cause great damage to artificial structures, natural structures, or the biosphere”) and Weapons of Mass Distraction (Reed fire arts club) are two very different things.

On a post by Bill Bratton, Chief of Police at LAPD from 2002-2009, Williams commented, "As a Police Chief, I have modeled my disciplinary approach after how I saw you lead us at the LAPD." D. Stafford & Associates lists Williams’ goals as “maintaining a safe campus environment, the reduction of underage alcohol consumption, increasing community partnerships and delivering superior public safety services.” 

In 1999, Williams filed a civil rights lawsuit against the LAPD, claiming that he was being denied a promotion for refusing to shave his beard due to a medical exemption. Williams’ attorney at the time, Carol Sobel, told the LA Times that they were “filing this lawsuit to send a message that the LAPD is not above the law and cannot defy federal and state anti-discrimination laws.”

Williams’ selection as Interim Director is ultimately a temporary position. McConnell-Black said, “We will launch the search for a permanent Director early in the spring semester and will ensure meaningful opportunities for the campus community to meet and engage with finalists.”

As of Wednesday, November 19, the Quest is currently waiting for comment from Community Safety and Student Life on their role in this transition, as well as contact information for Williams, and will update further on Williams’ appointment as it develops.