The George Washington University has created a new leadership role responsible for overseeing campus safety—leading engagement efforts among students, faculty and staff and ensuring close coordination among GW’s safety, security and access control teams.
Katie McDonald, a long-time GW staff member with deep experience in emergency preparedness and response, will serve as the interim associate vice president for campus safety, Vice President for Safety and Operations Baxter Goodly recently announced. McDonald will oversee the GW Police Department, University Resilience, GWorld and the Office of Advocacy and Support.
This change, which was implemented earlier this year, aligns with a recommendation in the recently released Report of Investigation into Certain Matters Involving GWPD. President Ellen M. Granberg shared the report in a message to the community on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of better engaging faculty, staff and students in institutional decision-making moving forward.
McDonald has led many of GW’s safety initiatives over the past several years and previously spent nine years at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including as the acting deputy administrator for protection and national preparedness. She started her career as a civilian analyst in the Chicago Police Department.
“This is an important organizational change that will best support the university by increasing collaboration and coordination among the teams critical to keeping our community safe,” Goodly said.
Additionally, filling McDonald’s previous role, Josh Lasky has been named interim assistant vice president for university resilience, which includes the Office of Sustainability, Environmental Health and Safety, EMeRG, and the Office of Emergency Management.
“I remain grateful for our many dedicated staff members in the Division of Safety and Operations and the support they provide each day to our fellow colleagues, students and their families and our faculty,” Goodly said.
The university plans to launch a national search for a permanent chief of GWPD, which is a top priority for McDonald, and will provide more information as it is available.
The additional recommendations to improve campus safety, as detailed in the GWPD report, are under consideration. University leaders plan to seek more robust community input on campus safety matters moving forward, including through the Campus Safety Advisory Committee and other university stakeholders.
“I look forward to conversations with our community about the next steps we can take to help ensure all feel safe on our campuses,” McDonald said.