About Us

Al Gardner was appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston as the executive director of Denver’s Department of Public Safety in August 2025. In this role, Gardner oversees the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver Sheriff Department, Denver 9-1-1, Community Corrections, and the Public Safety Cadet Program. 

In his first 100 days, Gardner is committed to working with safety staff, city partners and the community to build a roadmap for public safety. This includes improving budget sustainability, supporting first responder wellness, stabilizing Denver 9-1-1 funding and increasing community confidence through disciplined, transparent practices.

Prior to leading the Department of Public Safety, Gardner served as the executive director of Denver’s Department of General Services, overseeing maintenance, operations and security for nearly 6 million square feet in 140 city-maintained facilities and structures, procurement spending and management of the city’s utility payments.

Before joining the city, he held a pivotal role as the head of IT and security at a Denver-based startup hospitality company, steering it toward a successful IPO in 2022. His approach and technological expertise helped the company scale in a challenging market. Previously, his tenure as vice president of IT at Salud Family Health, Colorado’s second-largest federally qualified health care organization, underscored his commitment to bettering communities through technology.

Beyond his professional work, Gardner is deeply committed to civic engagement, actively participating in several citywide boards and commissions. Notable roles include serving on the Denver African American Commission, the Denver Civil Service Commission Board and the Denver Citizens Oversight Board, where he was chair. He has also contributed to the Denver Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board and the Denver Sheriff’s Advisory Board. Gardner was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Health by Gov. Jared Polis.

In addition, he is a past board member of the Colorado Technology Association and an adjunct instructor for the University of Denver School of Technology and Communications. His leadership during the pandemic earned him the C-Suite Award from the Denver Business Journal. His journey was also featured in the PBS “Roadtrip Nation” documentary series Leaders.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Gardner values time spent with family, friends and the community. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration. 

Jeff Holliday MBA, MSW, LCSW comes to the Department of Safety with a wealth of experience, including 12 years in the United States Army. He is a combat veteran – having served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Saudi Arabia and Iraq and earned multiple awards for leadership and valor during his military career.

Mr. Holliday is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated from the University of Denver with a Master’s degree in Social Work and the University of Colorado with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Over the past 21 years, Mr. Holliday has served in various executive leadership roles in private, municipal, and federal service, including as the Deputy Executive Director of Human Services in Broomfield and Denver, Deputy Executive Director of Provider Relations & Services for the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, and the Chief Operating Officer for Jefferson Hills Adolescent Behavioral Health Inpatient Care. Within the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Holliday is the second in command to the Executive Director, overseeing a broad group of programs and staff.

Chanee Cummings is the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Public Safety, overseeing the financial, budgetary, and contract operations for all safety agencies. 

Ms. Cummings is a native of Denver and has been with the Department of Public Safety for over 20 years. She started her career as a Staff Accountant with the Denver Fire Department and most recently served as the Finance Director for the department. She continues to be an integral part to the improvement and centralization of the department's financial operations, and now manages a financial portfolio of over $760 million aligned with department and mayoral priorities.

Ms. Cummings has a bachelor's degree in accounting, a master's degree in business administration, and is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).