Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced his nomination of Hennepin County Chief Judge Toddrick Barnette for the city’s next community safety commissioner on Monday.

It comes after the departure of Cedric Alexander, who retired at the beginning of this month.

RELATED: Cedric Alexander to retire as Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner

Frey cited Barnette’s experience in managing the state’s largest county court operations, which includes 63 judges supporting more the 550 employees, as a key factor in nominating him for the role.

Barnette’s confirmation would put him in charge of the city’s Office of Community Safety and its five public safety departments: Police, Fire, 911, Emergency Management and Neighborhood Safety.

Frey shared the following written statement in a news release: 

“Over the last three decades, Chief Judge Barnette has established himself as a leading voice in Minnesota’s public safety and criminal justice communities. With his broad set of lived and professional experiences, he is uniquely situated to forge the partnerships necessary to continue building out a strong, comprehensive safety system and lead a team to keep Minneapolis safe. Judge Barnette is a rare talent, one that has deep connections in Minnesota, and I’m grateful he has agreed to serve as the next member of our administration’s cabinet.”

Mayor Jacob Frey

Barnette said the following in a written statement:

“I know public safety is a top priority for Minneapolis and the residents who live here. I am dedicated to implementing effective strategies that address crime prevention, community policing, and the overall safety and well-being of Minneapolis residents and visitors. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to work collaboratively with local, county, and state leaders to develop innovative solutions that promote safety and foster positive relationships between law enforcement, the city, and the community.”

Chief Judge Todd Burnette

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty also released the following statement:

“Judge Barnette has deep knowledge of the legal system, has demonstrated a clear commitment to community engagement, and will be a strong leader for the City of Minneapolis. I have known him a long time and look forward to continuing to partner with him in this new role. Along with Chief O’Hara and others, there is much work to do to build on recent progress on violence prevention and making our communities safer.”

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Reporter Pafoua Yang will have more details on this story during this evening’s newscasts. Check back for updates.