Gloria Reyes Appointed as Ramsey County's New Deputy Manager of Safety and Justice Service Team

Gloria Reyes, an experienced hand in public safety and criminal justice reform, has been tapped to be the new deputy county manager of the Safety and Justice Service Team for Ramsey County. The county, following a competitive search process that began in January, announced as they gear up for the looming retirement of the current deputy county manager of Safety and Justice this June. According to the official county press release, County Manager Johanna Berg is primed for Reyes' arrival: "I am thrilled to welcome Gloria Reyes to Ramsey County. Gloria is a strategic thinker with the determination, passion, and collaborative spirit that will drive this critical work to the next level, creating a safer and more just future for all."

Reyes brings to the table over two decades of experience across various sectors of government and public safety. Her extensive work includes stints at the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and Madison’s Mayoral Office where she served as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. A key initiative Reyes is lauded for is the Madison Community Safety Intervention Team, which tackles gun violence by understanding and acting on its root causes. Reyes is set to officially start on May 13, allowing her to seamlessly transition into the role with the assistance of Scott Williams, the outgoing deputy county manager, who will retire after a 19-year stint with the county.

Tasked with overseeing a robust service team that manages a budget of around $160 million and comprises over 1,000 employees, Reyes' role is especially critical, encompassing various facets such as the County Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Management among others. The team centers its efforts on enhancing the well-being and safety of both residents and visitors within the county through effective service delivery.

Reyes's latest post was as the co-deputy director of Dane County Human Services in Wisconsin, where she directed initiatives for a department that serves over 65,000 individuals annually. Emphasizing her dedication, Reyes expressed her commitment to collaborative progress, "I am honored to step into this role and look forward to collaborating with leadership, staff and partners from across the community to take the good work already being done and drive it forward towards transformational change in alignment with the county’s strategic plan," she told Ramsey County's newsroom. The community's embrace for Reyes opens a new chapter that many hope will usher in an era marked by equity and safety for all.