In Mayor Lloyd Snook’s own words, the Police Department of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia had been characterized by “great instability.” The City needed a visionary public safety professional who could provide leadership in a time of uncertainty and who could build trust in a community that has seen more than its fair share of highly publicized and politicized turmoil.
In September 2022, the City of Charlottesville partnered with POLIHIRE in an executive search, and in January 2023, Michael Kochis began serving as the City’s new Police Chief. Michael comes to Charlottesville with successes in hand from his time as Chief of Police of Warrenton, Virginia and high praise from Warrenton-area nonprofits as a community-minded public safety officer. Michael is well positioned to lead the city’s Police Department and has already pledged that his first 90 days will include “walk and talks” in which he engages Charlottesville residents, talking with them about their concerns and their hopes for public safety in their communities.
