BBBS Kentuckiana CEO named to Louisville’s new Community Safety Commission
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As part of his Safe Louisville crime plan, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has announced the members of the new Community Safety Commission. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana CEO Gary Friedman was selected to serve on the Commission, which aims to create a safer, stronger, healthier Louisville.
This group will regularly receive reports from Louisville Metro about the plan. They will also monitor the plan’s progress and provide feedback and advice.
“In Louisville, we’re fortunate to have so many people committed to the work of public safety, and this is an amazing opportunity to tap into that resource and collaborate,” said Mayor Greenberg. “We heard from some amazing applicants, and I’m looking forward to their work getting started.”
Community safety and violence prevention are central to the mission and vision of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. The latest outcomes show that 100% of mentored youth avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system. Mentorship is a key strategy for empowering young people who need us most now—and for building more equitable communities tomorrow.
“It is truly an honor to be selected to the new Community Safety Commission,” said BBBSKY CEO Gary Friedman. “This work is mission critical for the communities we serve at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. Youth mentoring is proven to be one of the most proactive, effective tools to create positive change in the community, and I look forward to working alongside all of these community leaders to advance meaningful strategies that reduce violence and build trust across the Louisville Metro area."
The commission is comprised of three groups: nine citizen representatives—one from each of Louisville’s police divisions, and one representing home rule cities; eight community organization representatives; and seven government representatives, which are specified in the Mayor’s Executive Order.
Image courtesy of the Louisville Metro Government.
Community Organizations
• Rose Smith, Executive Director, ACE Project
• Kungu Njuguna, Policy Strategist, ACLU of Kentucky
• Gary Friedman, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
• Zenebia Law, Vice President of Programs, Center for Women and Families
• Rev. Dr. Angela Johnson, Co-President, Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together (CLOUT)
• David Lopez, Advisory Board Member, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Jessica Brown, Injury Prevention Manager, University of Louisville Hospital J. David Richardson Trauma Center
• Freddie Brown, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, Global Perspective & District Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Louisville
Community Representatives
• David Grise, LMPD Division 1, Retired Federal Prosecutor, Diplomat, and College Professor
• Mattie Jones, LMPD Division 2, Civil Rights Leader
• Madison Mobus, LMPD Division 3, Substitute Teacher, Jefferson County Public Schools
• Keturah Herron, LMPD Division 4, Kentucky State Senator for District 35
• Jack Will, LMPD Division 5, Jefferson County League of Cities Executive Director
• Scott Huber, LMPD Division 6, Thorntons Customer Service Representative
• Angei Varona, LMPD Division 7, Social Worker, Endeavors
• Rene Brown, LMPD Division 8, CEO, RCB Health Corporation
• Joni Jenkins, Home Rules City, Senior Advisor to U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey
Institution Representatives
• Gerina Whethers, Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
• Mike O'Connell, Jefferson County Attorney, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office
• Amy Hannah, Louisville Region Trial Branch Manager, Department of Public Advocacy-Jefferson County Office
• Randy White, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice
• Judge McKay Chauvin, Jefferson County Court Administrator, Jefferson County Court System
• Barbara Shanklin, Louisville Metro Council, District 2
• Misty Wright, Executive Director for Community Safety, Louisville Mayor’s Office