Department of Safety & Security Leadership

 

Eric M. Heath is the Senior Associate Vice President for Operations. Eric has administrative and operational responsibility for the Department of Safety & Security, which includes the University of Chicago Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management, Transportation & Parking Services, and Campus Safety. Eric graduated from the University of Arkansas with both a Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Sociology, attended the Northwestern University's School of Police Staff & Command, and served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Prior to returning to the University of Chicago, Eric was the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police at George Mason University.

 

Kyle Bowman is the University of Chicago Chief of Police. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the UCPD and its approximately 100 police officers. He also serves as the department’s representative on campus and in the communities located within the UCPD’s extended patrol area. As chief, Kyle directs the UCPD’s policing initiatives and develops crime prevention strategies. Chief Bowman has a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and a Master of Arts in Homeland Security Leadership from Siena Heights University. Prior to coming to the University he worked for the Michigan State Police Department, as the Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Director. Earlier in his career he served as the Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Michigan.

 

Krista G. Cooley is the Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety. In this role, Krista is responsible for University-wide development and coordination of all safety and environmental initiatives, occupational safety, occupational health, fire safety, and environmental protection. Krista earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and a Master of Science in Environmental Health and Safety, both from Illinois State University.

 

Joanne M. Nee is the Director of Professional Accountability for the Department of Safety & Security. Joanne provides oversight of Clery Compliance, UCPD Internal Affairs and the complaint process, as well as the campus safety accreditation programs. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University. Prior to assuming this role, Joanne served as a Deputy Chief for the University of Chicago Police Department.

 

Beth A. Tindel is the Executive Director of Transportation & Parking Services. In this role, Beth oversees University-wide commuter, parking, traffic, and transit functions. She is responsible for parking functions in the University’s parking structure and surface lots and she manages the University’s agreement with the CTA, the daytime and NightRide shuttles, charter buses, and the University’s various alternative transportation programs. Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Georgia.

 

Diane Ziarno is the Executive Director of Management Services with the Department of Safety & Security. Diane provides departmental oversight for the budget, human resources, and administrative functions supporting all Department of Safety & Security units. Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chicago and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).