‍Newark, NJ—June 30, 2022— Mayor Ras J. Baraka today announced the appointments of new Department directors, as he enters his third term.

“We have appointed new executive leadership to continue moving Newark forward,” the Mayor said. “These dynamic individuals will bring fresh ideas, energies, and progressive strategies into action as we enter this new term. We have already put into action many initiatives and programs that have transformed our city. Our new leadership will continue to deliver the highest quality of public service to our residents. Together, we will continue leading the way and take our city to an even higher level.”

The following individuals were named:

• Emanuel “Manny” Miranda was appointed Acting Chief of Police. He has 21 years on the force; served five years in patrol; and seven years as a detective (including as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain). Most recently, he served in Major Crimes. His experience, from patrol through captain, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Police Division. In addition, Chief Miranda is bilingual, which provides him with an added benefit to community policing. Chief Miranda will succeed Chief Lee Douglas, who is retiring from the Police Division after 25 years of service. During his 18 months as chief, Douglas continued the progress of reducing crime.
• Dolores Martinez-Wooden was appointed as Acting Director of Engineering. She gained her Master’s Degree in Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. She comes to the City after 17 years with Turner Construction Company, where she was most recently a Project Engineer. Ms. Martinez-Wooden is a native Spanish speaker, which provides added benefit to our many Spanish-speaking residents, who interact with Engineering. She is the first Latina Director of Engineering.
• John Sharpe James was appointed Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The former South Ward Council Member and retired U.S. Army Major, who served in combat in Afghanistan, earning a Purple Heart, will replace Dorian Herrell, who is retiring.
• Ketlen Baptiste-Alsbrook was appointed Acting Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness. Haitian-born, she moved to Newark as a child, and speaks French-Creole. She has been with the department for more than 20 years, serving as Manager of Health Planning and most recently as Chief of Staff.
• David L. Whatley was appointed as Director of Alcohol Beverage Control Unit of the Department of Public Safety. Director Whatley retired from the Newark Police Division after 25 years of service, at the rank of Detective Lieutenant.
• Donnell Redding was appointed Acting Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services. Director Redding has worked for the City since 1998, serving more than 20 years in the Department of Recreation, most recently as Program Coordinator/Special Events. He replaces Patrick Council, who is the newly-elected South Ward Council Member.

Earlier today, Mayor Baraka also announced in a statement the appointment of Brian O’Hara as Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives for Police Services/Public Safety and Raul Malave as Interim Director of Public Safety.

-NEWARK-

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