Mayor Rybak to Name Michael K. Browne Interim Civil Rights Director
Current Civil Rights Director Jayne Khalifa to Become Deputy City Coordinator
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he will appoint Michael K. Browne to be the Interim Director for the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. Browne will replace current Civil Rights Director Jayne Khalifa, who was named today as the new Deputy City Coordinator. Browne currently serves as Director of Enforcement and Community Outreach for the Civil Rights Department where he is also responsible for assisting Ms. Khalifa with day-to-day management of the Department.
"Jayne Khalifa’s work as civil rights director has proven that she is a leader who isn’t afraid of change, and who gets things done," Mayor Rybak said. "We’re lucky to have had her leadership in the civil rights department, and now this is a new chance for her to take that experience and put it to work in other parts of the city enterprise. I’m especially excited about the leadership she will bring to our coordinated effort to revitalize the neighborhoods of north Minneapolis."
"Michael Browne possesses a stellar combination of solid management experience and intense legal expertise," Rybak said. "He has shown tremendous leadership managing and reforming our Civilian Review Authority and brings an innovative spirit to his work. I have complete confidence that Michael will guide our Civil Rights Department, and those who rely on it, through this transition."
Browne joined the Civil Rights Department in September 2005 after serving for nearly a year as a consultant to the Department conducting a review of the City’s Civil Rights Complaint Investigations. During his time with the Department, Browne most notably completed a comprehensive and independent study of the Minneapolis Civilian Review Authority. Prior to joining the Department, Browne worked as a private civil rights and criminal law attorney and served as a Special Assistant Public Defender with Hennepin County. A north Minneapolis resident and Rochester, MN native, Browne received his law degree at Hamline Law School.
"Jayne is a friend and mentor who has provided important leadership for this department," Browne said. "I am deeply honored that the Mayor has chosen me to lead the Civil Rights Department during this transition and I will do my best to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of civil rights service and enforcement for the residents of this city."
Mayor Rybak will formally submit Michael K. Browne as Interim Civil Rights Director to the City’s Executive Committee on Wednesday, May 3rd. If designated by the Executive Committee, Browne would serve as Interim Director until a new Director is confirmed.
Published May. 1, 2006