ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – A retired Cornell Police Chief has been tapped to help Ithaca unroll a new model of public safety.

Mayor Laura Lewis has named Kathy Zoner as a consultant to help implement the city’s Unarmed Response Unit and the design of the new Deputy City Manager position.

“I am thrilled that Kathy will be working with the city in this capacity,” said Lewis. “Her expertise coupled with her local network will allow for us to design a new model of public safety for our whole community. We look forward to taking the next step in implementing the plans outlined in Council’s report and providing better service for all who live, work in, and visit the city.”

Zoner will work with the Ithaca Police Department, Ithaca Police Benevolent Association, Community Justice Center, and other key stakeholders to develop job descriptions, policies, and training resources. Zoner and the team will also work to forge relationships between officers and community organizations.

“A well-trained unarmed response unit is an integral part of the delivery of balanced, fair, and impartial safety services,” said Zoner. “I look forward to working with those invested in the successful implementation of this project which will both complement and expand the public safety services already in place.”

Zoner retired in 2019 after 28 years with Cornell Police, serving as chief her last 10 years on the job. She joined Margolis Healy and Associates as a full-time public safety consultant after her retirement. She specializes in organizational development and assessment services.