Mayor Jacob Frey, in consultation with City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher, has nominated Michelle Phillips to be the City’s new director of the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. Phillips currently serves as Inspector General for the City of Oakland, California.

As the inaugural Inspector General for the City of Oakland, Ms. Phillips has a deep expertise in civilian oversight of police, providing leadership in the promotion of constitutional policing and building departmental infrastructure to ensure thorough and fair investigative processes. Prior to her service in Oakland, Phillips served as Deputy Inspector General with the City of Baltimore, leading an investigative team focused on rooting out fraud and abuse and building trust in local government.

If approved for the position of Civil Rights Director, Phillips will oversee a department with 46 employees 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.

“Michelle has dedicated much of her professional life to enhancing accountability in government,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Her deep experience and community-oriented approach is the right fit to lead the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.”  

“Michelle brings a wealth of experience from peer cities, particularly in implementing police oversight measures,” said City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “This leadership and change management expertise will benefit the City of Minneapolis at a critical moment for our Civil Rights Department.”

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next Director of Civil Rights,” said Ms. Phillips. “This is a critical time for civil rights, and I am dedicated to working with all stakeholders as we move towards a more just and equitable Minneapolis. Thank you, Mayor Jacob Frey, Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher and the Honorable members of City Council, for considering me for this vital role.” 

The mayor’s nomination has been referred to the City Council to schedule a public hearing for consideration of Phillips’ nomination. Once confirmed, she will begin her tenure with the City in July.