PASADENA, Calif. (CNS) — Pasadena's interim police chief — the first woman to achieve that rank in the city's history — is retiring, authorities announced Thursday.

Cheryl Moody, a nearly 30-year veteran, will retire effective May 23, said Lisa Derderian of the city of Pasadena. Moody was named interim police chief in January.

On Feb. 3, 2020, Moody had been promoted to deputy chief and was the first woman to achieve that rank as well, Derderian said.

"I would like to thank Chief Moody for accepting the interim chief position," Pasadena Interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz said in a statement. "She has shown true leadership and has been responsive to community needs."

Moody is a founding member of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. This year, she completed a two-year term as the president of Women Leaders in Law Enforcement of Los Angeles County.

"My goal has been to strengthen the relationship between the men and women of the Pasadena Police Department and the community we serve in this great city," Moody said. "I hope that through my tenacity, hard work, diligence and willingness to push forward that I served as a role model for females — particularly women of color — who desire to reach the pinnacle of their careers."

Cmdr. Jason Clawson will assume the role of interim police chief on May 2, Derderian said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement Thursday praising Moody.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Chief Moody," Barger said. "Her commitment to both the rank-and-file police officers she has led and the community she has tirelessly served is admirable and reflects her commitment to public service. Chief Moody has also been a strong role model for women. Having achieved the rank of chief in one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County is no small feat. I thank Chief Moody for her service and wish her well in her retirement."