CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has made six additional appointments to his staff, including retaining the city’s safety director. 

Karrie Howard, who now will carry the title of chief public safety officer, will continue on Bibb’s staff. Howard was appointed to the safety director post in 2020 by Mayor Frank Jackson. 

Prior to becoming the director of the Department of Public Safety, he was the department’s assistant director of safety operations. Prior to that, he was chief prosecuting attorney for the city of Cleveland. 

He’ll continue to oversee the divisions of police and fire.

Police Chief Calvin Williams stepped down when Bibb took office Jan. 3. The new mayor is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent chief. In the meantime, Interim Chief Wayne Drummond is serving until a permanent replacement is named.

Howard will supervise the police amid a changing police oversight structure after voters passed Issue 24 in November. The issue's passage will result in the formation of the Community Police Commission, which in conjunction with the Civilian Police Review Board, will oversee police conduct investigations and discipline.

Additionally, Bibb announced the appointments of Ahmed Abonamah as chief financial officer, Bonnie Teeuwen as chief operating officer, Jeff Epstein as chief of integrated development, Alyssa Hernandez as Director of Community Development and Sally Martin as Director of Building & Housing.

“The addition of key roles in our cabinet will enable us to maximize our financial position and work towards becoming a more modern and responsive city hall,” Bibb said. “As we continue to build our team, we’re focused on combining wisdom with fresh perspectives to deliver on our commitments to the residents of Cleveland.”