Crime & Safety
Midtown Alliance Names New Public Safety Director
Chris Leighty is a former commander of Atlanta Police Department's Zone 5, which includes Midtown, and spent 22 years with APD.
Midtown Alliance has announced the appointment of Chris Leighty as Director of Public Safety effective April 28, 2014.
Leighty has 25 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as Chief of Police with the City of Morrow, and 22 years with the Atlanta Police Department (APD).
Leighty currently oversees all law enforcement responsibilities for the City of Morrow, and has been instrumental in recalibrating the department and reducing crime city-wide. He also served as Interim City manager.
Prior to this, Leighty served in numerous leadership roles with the Atlanta Police Department, most recently with the rank of Major and as the Zone 5 Precinct Commander, which includes Midtown.
He replaces Col. Wayne Mock, who retired as public safety director last year.
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“Chris Leighty is a seasoned law enforcement professional with an impeccable reputation,” Kevin Green, president and CEO of Midtown Alliance, said in a news release. “He knows Midtown, brings solid leadership capabilities, and understands the importance of strong partnerships. We are delighted to welcome Chris to the team.”
A native of Ohio, Leighty holds a Masters Degree Public Administration and Justice Administration from Columbus State University where he graduated Summa cum Laude and a Bachelors of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership from Mercer University, where he was also a Summa cum Laude graduate. Prior to his law enforcement career, Leighty also served for 10 years in the United States Marine Corps.
Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I have seen the transformation of Midtown first-hand through the work of the Midtown Alliance, the Midtown Improvement District and their partners,” said Leighty in the release. “Today, Midtown is an exceptional part of our City and I am excited to work to ensure that it remains safe, attractive and welcoming.”
Midtown Alliance is a non-profit membership organization and a coalition of leading business and community leaders – united in its commitment to Midtown as a premiere destination for commerce, culture, education and living.Governed by a board of the district's top private sector leaders, its mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work and play here. The Alliance accomplishes this goal through a comprehensive approach to planning and development that includes initiatives to enhance public safety, improve the physical environment, and strengthen the urban amenities which give the area its unique character.
Guided by a visionary master plan – Blueprint Midtown – and in partnership with the Midtown Improvement District, Midtown has become a national model for urban excellence.
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