On July 1, Keri Kei Shibata will become the first woman chief of Notre Dame Security Police, the university announced on Wednesday, June 8.

Shibata will succeed Phillip A. Johnson, who was promoted to Notre Dame’s senior director of campus safety and emergency management.

Shibata is a 12-year veteran of Notre Dame Security Police who has worked in the campus 911 dispatch center, security and guest services, crime prevention and outreach and Clery Act reporting, according to Notre Dame. She most recently served as deputy chief for safety services and trained several NDSP personnel and campus safety officers.

“Keri Kei is a talented law enforcement officer who has demonstrated excellence in every role she has filled with NDSP,” said John Affleck-Graves, executive vice president of the university. “I look forward to working closely with her, Phil and Mike as we seek to provide a safe and secure environment for all who live, work and visit here.”

Johnson was named chief of NDSP in 2007 and became responsible for directing campus emergency management since 2014. In his new role, he will focus on campus emergency management and manage an extensive training program for campus leaders and oversee the campus emergency alert system. He’ll also be responsible for coordinating with local, state and national police and fire departments and emergency medical services, as well as with other colleges and universities.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors on our campus, and that is especially true in the event of an emergency,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president. “We are exceptionally blessed to have a person with Phil’s experience and knowledge leading these critically important efforts.”

Notre Dame Security Police is a fully authorized police department that employs 34 sworn police officers and non-sworn campus safety officers.