COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced Robert Clark, the Director of Public Safety for the city, will be leaving to pursue a new opportunity.
Clark took over as the city’s public safety director in September 2021 replacing Ned Pettus Jr. following his retirement.
“Robert brought a lifetime of law enforcement experience to Columbus at a pivotal moment when we were trying to restore trust between the community and first responders,” Ginther said. “He was key in shepherding through a number of police reforms, increasing diversity of police and fire, and of forming critical partnerships with the ATF and FBI. I am grateful for his service and wish him well in this next step in his career.”
The city says Clark helped implement historic police reforms during his time in Columbus and oversaw the recruiting and hiring of a record number of police officers and firefighters.
“The opportunity to lead the professionals who work every day to make Columbus safer and stronger has been an honor,” said Clark. “Though new professional development opportunities are taking me elsewhere, the dedicated women and men of Columbus Public Safety will always have my admiration and support.”
Clark has accepted the position of Vice President of Public Safety at the Philadelphia Housing Authority. His last day with the city will be April 15.
The city says plans to appoint a new department director will be announced in the coming weeks.
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