ANN ARBOR—Bringing more than 31 years of law enforcement experience in a range of settings, long-time Ann Arbor resident Gregory O’Dell will serve as the University of Michigan’s executive director for the Department of Public Safety and the university’s chief of police.

When O’Dell begins his appointment Aug. 22, 2011, he will plan and direct the crime prevention, law enforcement, and safety and security services of the university.

“Greg is known for his integrity, openness and transparency with his community policing leadership style,” said Hank Baier, associate vice president for facilities and operations, who made the announcement to Department of Public Safety staff early Monday morning. “We conducted a national search to recruit the very best candidates, and I am very pleased we found the best person for the job living in Ann Arbor.”

O’Dell currently serves as chief of police and executive director of public safety at Eastern Michigan University.

Prior to joining EMU, O’Dell held a series of progressively responsible positions within the Ann Arbor Police Department, including deputy chief and interim chief of police. O’Dell holds a juris doctorate degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor of science degree from EMU. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the EMU school for police staff and command.

O’Dell and his wife have lived and worked in the Ann Arbor community for more than 20 years.

Baier also thanked Interim Chief Joe Piersante, who successfully led the department while the search was under way, and will return to his duties as deputy chief.