Minneapolis Civil Rights Director Michelle Phillips announced her resignation today to pursue a new leadership opportunity as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Oakland, California. Director Phillips will stay with the City of Minneapolis through mid- August to ensure a seamless transition for the department.
The City will appoint Kaela McConnon Diarra, Deputy Director of Civil Rights to serve as interim director while a nationwide search is conducted for Phillips’ successor. McConnon Diara is a life-long Minnesotan with nearly 10 years of service with the Civil Rights Department, previously leading its Complaint Investigations Division and Labor Standards Enforcement Division.
"Michelle Phillips has left a lasting legacy in Minneapolis,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Her leadership strengthened our Civil Rights Department at a pivotal moment, and she led the charge to eliminate the backlog of police conduct review cases, which will be wrapped up in just a matter of months. We will miss her and understand that this major career opportunity was made possible by the major accomplishments she achieved here in Minneapolis. We’re confident our next director will build on the momentum she has created and continue to deliver meaningful results for every resident.”
”I am proud of the accomplishments the Civil Rights Department has been able to achieve during my tenure. It’s hard work that is community centered and requires dedication and commitment, especially through transition,” Phillips said. “This decision is not a reflection of that work. It’s for me to realize a professional dream. I am confident the City is in good hands, with leadership committed to the work and an amazing team that will continue to produce results for the community.”
During her tenure, Director Phillips implemented a strategic hiring and training plan focused on professional development and staff retention, increasing the department’s staffing levels from 65% to 93%. The Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR) has made significant progress on its reform responsibilities and nearing elimination of the complaint backlog.
Most recently, the department worked with Mayor Frey, City Council and the community to pass a stronger, more inclusive Civil Rights Ordinance which will go into effect August 1. Additionally, the City’s Labor Standard Enforcement Division and Contract Compliance Division partnered with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to secure Minnesota’s first-ever wage theft criminal conviction.
“It’s clear Michelle Phillips has left her mark on Minneapolis so it’s no surprise her leadership would be sought out in a community familiar with her impact,” said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, City Operations Officer. “I’m grateful for her direction in building a stronger Civil Rights Department for our community. The City will continue the momentum on this important work as we search for our next Director.”
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is tasked with enforcing the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, investigating discriminatory practices, ensuring the protection of members of protected classes and promoting the understanding of civil rights among residents, businesses and government. The department, through its Office of Police Conduct Review, also plays a critical role in implementing reform efforts required by the settlement agreement reached with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
The Civil Rights Department is currently accepting applications for a Case Investigator. More information can be found on the city’s website.