NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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The Waterloo Regional Police Services Board (WRPSB) is pleased to announce the election of Ian McLean as chair of the Police Services Board and Karen Redman as vice-chair.
Mr. McLean and Ms. Redman were elected to their roles during the Police Services Board meeting on Jan. 17, 2024.
Mr. McLean has served as the president and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce since September 2010. Prior to the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. McLean served for seven years as a Councillor for the City of Waterloo, representing the Uptown Ward. Mr. McLean holds an Honours BA in Political Science and History from the University of Toronto, as well as a Diploma in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. Mr. McLean is a very active member in the community, having served with a number of community organizations, including Uptown Waterloo BIA, Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council, Immigration Partnership of Waterloo Region, Waterloo Public Library Board, KW Art Gallery, and KW Oktoberfest Advisory Board.
“I would like to first express my sincere gratitude to vice-chair Redman for her leadership and dedication over the past several years,” said chair McLean. “I am extremely honoured to have been elected to this position by members of the Board and I look forward to continuing to work with vice-chair Redman, Chief Crowell, and the entire Police Services Board to provide responsible governance and guidance to the WRPS. Together, our goal is to ensure that every resident in Waterloo Region is safe and feels safe.”
Regional chair Redman has served as the Police Services Board chair since being elected to the role in January 2019. Ms. Redman is the current regional chair of Waterloo Region, having first been elected in 2018 and re-elected in October 2022.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as WRPSB Chair for the past five years, and I look forward to continuing to work with members of the Board in guiding and supporting the great work of this police Service. We are proud of the commitment demonstrated by Chief Crowell and WRPS members as they strive each and every day to deliver effective service to the residents of Waterloo Region.”
Additionally, the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board is pleased to welcome Jim Schmidt as its newest Board member. Mr. Schmidt has been appointed by the Province of Ontario for a three-year term, effective Jan. 11, 2024. A lifelong resident of Waterloo Region, Mr. Schmidt is a local business owner and previously worked for two decades in the education sector. Mr. Schmidt and his partner, Stephanie, live in Kitchener with their three children.
The Waterloo Regional Police Services Board is a civilian oversight body that governs the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Under the provisions of the Ontario Police Services Act, the Board is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services for the residents of the Region of Waterloo.
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