Kim Babine has been named the permanent executive director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), according to an announcement on October 31st. After holding the interim executive director position since January 2025, Babine steps up as the official leader following her role as deputy director of programs since 2023. Her time at the helm began on October 22, with a background of nearly two decades in Minnesota's state government service.
During her tenure as the interim director, Babine managed the state's response to the Annunciation shooting— an effort marked by her capacity to maintain a balance between the immediate demands of crisis and a concerted, strategic partnership with local authorities. She played a critical role in organizing support networks for victims, their families, and the broader community in a time saddled with grief and distress.
Her previous responsibilities entailed oversight of both federal and state grant funds, extending policy and programming support to various system partners across Minnesota. Babine's extensive experience in operational and program management is expected to be pivotal in her continued leadership.
"Kim sees the big picture," DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said in a statement. "She understands that OJP’s work is crucial to the public safety infrastructure in Minnesota and she pursues opportunities to advance that mission." Babine's oversight will include reducing crime, attending to crime victims, enhancing the criminal justice system, and upholding the offices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls, a historic first for the nation.
Reflecting on her appointment, Babine expressed her gratitude and anticipation: "Leading the Office of Justice Programs means working alongside people and partners who bring tremendous skill and expertise to their work," she told Minnesota's Department of Public Safety. "I’m honored to work with them to build safer communities where every Minnesotan can thrive."
