Milwaukee Names New Community Wellness & Safety Director

Karin Tyler, a longtime department veteran, will lead the newly formed division.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has named Karin Tyler as the new director of the city's Department of Community Wellness and Safety. Tyler, who has worked in the department for nearly a decade, was previously a finalist for the role before the mayor appointed Adam Procell, who later resigned due to his status as a convicted felon. Tyler will now lead the newly formed standalone department, which was created after the city council overrode the mayor's veto of legislation establishing it.

Why it matters

The creation of the standalone Department of Community Wellness and Safety reflects the city's focus on public safety and violence prevention initiatives. Tyler's appointment brings stability and experience to the new department after the previous director's abrupt resignation.

The details

Tyler has worked in the Milwaukee Health Department since 2008 and formally joined the then-Office of Violence Prevention in 2017, receiving regular promotions. She served as the interim director of the office for most of last year. Tyler was one of three finalists who spoke at public forums, during which Mayor Johnson said she "impressed community leaders with her knowledge and approach to the job." She has been leading the department since Procell's resignation in January.

  • Tyler began working in the Milwaukee Health Department in 2008.
  • Tyler formally joined the then-Office of Violence Prevention in 2017.
  • Tyler served as the interim director of the office for most of 2025.
  • Procell resigned from the director position on January 30, 2026.
  • Tyler's appointment as the new director was announced on February 10, 2026.

The players

Karin Tyler

A longtime employee of the Milwaukee Health Department and the Office of Violence Prevention, who has been named the new director of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee who appointed Tyler as the new director of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

Adam Procell

The former director of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety who resigned due to his status as a convicted felon.

Scott Spiker

The Milwaukee alderman who authored the legislation that created the standalone Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

Jeff Fleming

The spokesperson for Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“For the better part of a decade, Karin Tyler has worked with the city's violence prevention activities. She has skillfully managed many initiatives and issues during her time there, and she earned the respect of her colleagues.”

— Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee (wtmj.com)

“The change wasn't over one person or one personality or even the flawed process that led to his appointment. It was about future councils, future mayors, and there being a check on that unilateral power.”

— Scott Spiker, Milwaukee Alderman (wtmj.com)

“Karin has led the department through successful transitions, and she has my strong support.”

— Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee (wtmj.com)

What’s next

Members of the public will have an opportunity to hear from Tyler at a community town hall meeting on February 19 at The Missing Peace – Community Collective (3248 W. Brown Street) beginning at 6:00p.m.

The takeaway

Tyler's appointment brings stability and experience to the newly formed Department of Community Wellness and Safety, which was created to strengthen the city's focus on public safety and violence prevention initiatives after the previous director's abrupt resignation.