Donna Robinson, a trailblazing 33-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD), has been sworn in as the first Black woman to serve as Police Chief for Cincinnati State. She officially assumed her role as Chief of the Cincinnati State Police Department and Director of Public Safety on December 11, 2024.
“Chief Robinson’s education, experience, and dedication to service stood out to us,” said Dr. Monica Posey, President of Cincinnati State. “Her leadership will bring immense value to our college and the broader community.”
This appointment marks a historic moment, as Robinson becomes the first Black woman to lead a local police department, according to Cincinnati State’s announcement.
“For an African American woman to be named chief is truly special,” remarked Elliot Isaac, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for the University of Cincinnati.
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Robinson joins an inspiring cohort of women in leadership positions within local law enforcement, including Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey.
“I’m deeply honored to take on this role and thrilled to see more women stepping into leadership positions in law enforcement,” Robinson said. “It sends a powerful message to women considering this career and those already serving.”
A Distinguished Career and Education
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Robinson grew up in Lexington before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. She joined CPD as a recruit in 1990, launching a remarkable career that spanned over three decades.
Robinson held various roles at CPD, including patrol officer, special investigator, district shift sergeant, district patrol shift commander, and commander of the Public Relations Unit. She also pursued advanced education, earning a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Xavier University and graduating from the FBI National Academy Program.
“Donna Robinson was an exceptional member of the Cincinnati Police Department,” said CPD Chief Teresa Theetge. “Her rise through the ranks to Lieutenant exemplified her commitment to justice, compassion, and dignity. I am confident she will carry these values forward in her role as Chief of Cincinnati State’s Public Safety Department.”
