The Austin City Council approved the city manager’s selection for the Austin Police Department’s new police chief, Lisa Davis, in a special meeting on Tuesday.

Davis previously served as assistant chief and investigations bureau commander for the Cincinnati Police Department. She will be the second woman in Austin’s history to hold the permanent chief position. 

A city of Austin press release notes that Davis has experience addressing at-risk populations, including the LGBTQ+ community and homeless youth. 

“Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety,” Davis said in the press release. “I am honored to be selected as Austin’s Chief of Police and I can’t wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

City Manager T.C. Broadnax said Davis has served various roles throughout her career, prioritizing community relationships, problem-solving and evidence-based policing to address crime in Cincinnati.

“There is no doubt that Chief Davis has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I’m confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin police officers and of all of you as well as the community,” Broadnax said at Tuesday’s meeting.

Davis is succeeding interim Chief Robin Henderson, who is retiring. Henderson led the department for almost a year following Chief Joseph Chacon’s retirement last August. Broadnax expressed gratitude to Henderson for her leadership during this period.

The City Council passed the motion unanimously, and Davis spoke after the motion was approved. She said she is very humbled by the opportunity to be police chief. 

“Austin is now my home, and I feel very lucky to be here,” Davis said. “I value trust and collaboration and public safety, and I look forward to building strong relationships with all members of the (Austin Police Department), the city leaders, community members and business community to ensure a safe and welcoming Austin for everyone.”