Detroit Police Chief James White named CEO of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
(CBS DETROIT) — After Sunday, James White will step down as Detroit police chief and Detroit Deputy Mayor and police veteran Todd Bettison will take over as interim police chief.
This comes weeks after White was named the president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
The agency says its board of directors voted unanimously with one abstention on Wednesday to offer White the role. He will lead the agency "in its mission of providing exemplary behavioral health care services and supports to over 123,000 people in Wayne County," according to a news release.
"We are very pleased with the choice of Mr. White to continue leading DWIHN and we feel confident that he is the right person for the critical job of leading this organization as we enter this next phase of growth to help our region's most vulnerable citizens," Board Chairperson Cynthia Taueg said in a statement.
The agency says White will work with Taueg to transition into the position and determine a start date. Interim CEO Manny Singla will continue to serve in his current role, which includes overseeing the day-to-day operations.
"I'm going to be here with the transition. It's not going to be when I leave I'm just done. I'm only a phone call away," he told CBS News Detroit. "I'm going to support the officers and do what I can in my new seat to drive that support."
White, a licensed mental health counselor, applied for the position last month after serving three years as Detroit's top cop.
He was appointed police chief in June 2021 after former Police Chief James Craig announced his retirement in 2021 to run for governor. White has been with the DPD since 1996 and was named the city's assistant police chief in 2009. He began working with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights in 2020 before becoming chief.
According to the city, White graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wayne State University and a master's degree in counseling from Central Michigan University.
Now, he will lead Michigan's largest community mental health organization.
"Just imagine the chief is taking on the role after we witnessed one of the breakdowns with one of his officers, and that lets you know how important him going over there to make sure that citizens are getting help," said Police Commissioner Darryl Woods.
The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners will nominate three candidates for the role, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will make the final decision.