City of Durham names Greensboro assistant chief Stephanie Mardis as new police chief
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The City of Durham has turned to the Triad to find its new police chief.
On Monday afternoon, the City announced that Stephanie Mardis, the assistant chief in the Greensboro Police Department, has been named Durham's next chief of police.
Durham Mayor Leo Williams said the city's new police chief arrives at a critical time for the department as city leaders continue focusing on violence reduction strategies aimed at reducing shootings and homicides by 10% each year.
"I look forward to working with the new chief. She comes highly recommended," Williams said.
Mardis has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience. Her background includes leadership roles in patrol operations, narcotics investigations, tactical operations, criminal investigations, district command, professional standards, resource management, and executive administration, according to Durham officials.
"Durham residents helped define the priorities for this search from the very beginning," City Manager Bo Ferguson said. "Chief Mardis demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep operational experience, and a clear dedication to transparency and community partnership. She is prepared to lead our department forward at a pivotal moment for public safety in our city. Durham's violence reduction strategy calls for focused support and accountability, strengthened community-based outreach, place-based partnerships in areas where violence concentrates, and trauma-informed approaches at every level. She has demonstrated the leadership, empathy, and operational experience necessary to implement these evidence-based strategies while keeping community voices at the center of our work."
Mardis succeeds Patrice Andrews, who retired May 1.
DPD Deputy Chief Walter Tate has been serving as interim chief since then.
"I am deeply honored to serve the residents of Durham as the next chief of police," Mardis said in a release. "Throughout my career, I have been committed to principled leadership, transparency, and strong community partnerships - values that align closely with Durham's vision for public safety. Durham's voice clearly shaped this process, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the trust, innovation, and collaboration that residents expect and deserve. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Durham Police Department."
Williams highlighted Durham's public safety efforts and said he expects the incoming chief to build on that work.
"Durham has created an apparatus around public safety that is a stalwart for the nation. And I want to continue to just put that work forward. I want to make sure that we have a chief that comes in and that can embrace that into the culture of the department," Williams said.
ALSO SEE | 'Top 8 Crimes' down for first half of 2026 in Durham County, sheriff says
Although the position is a significant leadership role, the hiring decision was made by the city manager rather than the mayor or City Council.
" The council does not make these decisions. This is all the manager. And I think that's something that needs to be made public. The hiring of the police chief was a managerial decision," said Williams.
The finalists were not made available to speak to the public before the hiring decision was made. Earlier this year, the city surveyed community members about their priorities for the next police chief.
"We're going to be fine because the best of the best applied. And we've hired one of the best," Williams said.
People who worked alongside Mardis in Greensboro also expressed confidence in her leadership and community involvement.
Kay Brown, who serves on the Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, described Mardis as a community advocate.
"I've seen Chief Mardis actually march with moms that have lost their children to gun violence. I've seen her show up in spaces around kids that need outreach and support. Like she is really very much so entrenched in the culture of supporting community," Brown said.
According to Brown, Mardis has worked to strengthen support for families impacted by violence and founded the Police and Community Alliance for Peace Forum.
Brown also praised Mardis' willingness to consider new approaches.
"Chief Mardis has typically been somebody who's fair and is always open to having the deeper conversation and also open to being like, actually, maybe we could do something a little different than the ways that we've done it before, and being a bit more open in what progress can look like," Brown said.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead also released a statement reacting to the announcement.
"I congratulate Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis on being selected to lead the Durham Police Department," Birkhead said. "She's done groundbreaking work representing the Greensboro Police Department to connect law enforcement to the local community. Our professional paths have crossed for a number of years, while serving in organizations at both the state and national levels. Chief Mardis brings the experience, compassion, and energy that Durham needs in their next police chief. I look forward to working with and welcoming her to Durham."
ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Durham
Gene Blackmon, director of Establishing Safe Culture in Greensboro, said he worked with Mardis on efforts to address community violence and build trust between law enforcement and residents.
"She has been a bridge between law enforcement and the community," Blackmon said.
Blackmon said he believes Mardis will have an even greater effect on Durham.
"She was great here, but I think she would be even more impactful in Durham because I believe she will have the support that she needs to be more impactful," Blackmon said.
Mardis is expected to begin her role in Durham next month. Community meet-and-greet events are also expected to follow.
ALSO SEE | Durham Police Chief Andrews shares biggest accomplishments, regrets ahead of retirement
