Leadership
What we do
The commissioner and his leadership team oversee Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) staff, programming and initiatives. The commissioner and the leadership team work with:
- Local, state and federal elected officials and legislators
- Local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies
- Public, private and non-profit associations representing public safety, law enforcement, emergency response, crime victims, etc.
The commissioner serves as chair of the:
- Statewide Emergency Communications Board
- Homeland Security Senior Advisory Committee
Learn more about our mission, vision and core values by reading our strategic plan.
Commissioner Bob Jacobson
Bob Jacobson was appointed the 15th commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by Gov. Tim Walz in January 2023.
Prior to his appointment, Jacobson served as the interim deputy assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Services.
Previously, he served for more than 33 years in active law enforcement including 16 years as the director of public safety/chief of police for the City of New Brighton where he led their police, fire and emergency management operations. He also served as interim police chief for the City of Stillwater during a leadership transition.
Jacobson also served as the interim inspector general for the Department of Human Services. He served as the professional development director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, coordinating and implementing statewide and regional training and conferences for the Association.
Jacobson has a B.A. from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and attended the Senior Management Institute for Police conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.
Julie Forbord
Julie Forbord is the executive aide to Commissioner Bob Jacobson. With over 25 years of experience, Julie brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role.
Prior to joining DPS, she worked as the office supervisor for the New Brighton Department of Public Safety where she supported the department's leadership and helped streamline office operations.
Julie serves as a key liaison at DPS, assisting with scheduling and managing requests for the commissioner’s participation in events and meetings. For event, meeting or speech requests involving Commissioner Jacobson, please email Julie.
Deputy Commissioner Cassandra O'Hern
Prior to her appointment as deputy commissioner, O’Hern served as the department’s assistant commissioner and the director of Internal Affairs and Affirmative Action. In that capacity she managed the department’s internal investigations and affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs.
Prior to joining the Department of Public Safety, O’Hern was an assistant attorney general for the State of Minnesota. As an assistant attorney general, she defended the various state agencies in civil litigation, including employment and labor law matters.
She graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1993 and she also holds a master of planning degree from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the American University in Washington, D.C., double majoring in economics and international relations.
Deputy Commissioner O'Hern oversees:
- The Office of General Counsel
- MNIT services at DPS
- Human Resources
- Fiscal and Administrative Services
- Internal Affairs and Affirmative Action
Assistant Commissioner
John Cunningham
Cunningham has more than 25 years of public safety experience and most recently served as the fire chief and emergency management director for the city of Brooklyn Park. He was also the president of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association for three terms.
Prior to moving to Minnesota in 2009 to serve as the Elk River fire chief, Cunningham was a volunteer firefighter in Greenwich, Conn., and held the rank of district chief.
He was also a member of the town's technical rescue and dive team, and a specialist with the state's urban search and rescue team.
Cunningham earned a bachelor of science in business management from Fairfield University and a master of science in homeland security leadership from the University of Connecticut. He also holds a certificate in collaborative leadership in homeland security from the University of Connecticut.
Assistant Commissioner Cunningham oversees:
Assistant Commissioner
Tim Lynaugh
Before joining DPS, Lynaugh worked in the Minnesota Department of Corrections for eight years.
He then went on to serve the St. Paul Police Department for 23 years and the Metro Transit Police Department for six.
Lynaugh earned his associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from Inver Hills Community College.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from St. Mary’s University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Concordia University.
Assistant Commissioner Lynaugh oversees:
Chief of Staff Jordan Haltaufderheid
Jordan Haltaufderheid is the chief of staff for the Department of Public Safety. Haltaufderheid has been with the department since 2018, previously serving as the legislative affairs director, legislative coordinator and agency grants coordinator.
Before joining DPS he worked for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office as a regulatory and financial analyst.
Haltaufderheid earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management double majoring in Public and Nonprofit Management and Entrepreneurial Management.
He also graduated from the State of Minnesota's Emerging Leaders Institute.
Senior leadership team
The commissioner, deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and chief of staff are supported by the following directors.
The DPS organizational chart lists the staff that report to the commissioner, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners of the Department of Public Safety.