FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Bill Watkins, City Manager, (573) 874-6338
Toni Messina, Director, Public Communications, (573) 874-7660
Zim Schwartze, (573) 808-0340

City Manager Names Interim Joint Communications Director

COLUMBIA, MO (May 13, 2009) - City Manager Bill Watkins today announced the appointment of Columbia Police Department Captain Zim Schwartze as Interim Director, Public Safety Joint Communications.   The appointment is effective immediately, after the resignation of former Joint Communications Director James McNabb.

“I have full faith that Captain Schwartze will run an efficient, responsive shop during this transition,” Watkins said.  She is a seasoned administrator who is well-known for her energy and commitment to this community.  Schwartze will continue her current pay level during this temporary reassignment.

Schwartze started work with CPD as a Community Service Aide in 1991.  She had successive promotions to the positions of Police Officer, Police Sergeant and, in 2003, to Police Captain.

Watkins said that he will start a search process for a permanent director.  “This is a critical position for keeping Columbia safe,” Watkins said.  “I will enlist a community advisory committee and ask Joint Communications customers to participate.”  Those “customers” include the Boone County Sheriff, police departments in other Boone County towns and cities, fire departments and districts, hospitals and emergency service providers.

The City will advertise the position nationally, with a goal of having a new director in place some time this fall.

Public Safety Joint Communications is the 24-hour 911 Public Safety Answering Point serving the citizens and emergency response agencies of Columbia and Boone County.  The agency also helps prepare for and coordinate responses to natural and man-made disasters such as storms, floods and other events.

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