Appointment of Rich Medina as Director of Public Safety Operations
Dear members of the Columbia community,
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Medina as Director of Public Safety Operations at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Rich demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of campus safety and security-related issues, trends, and best practices, all integral components to supporting safe environments in which we learn, work, live, and receive care.
Rich first joined the Department of Public Safety in January 2014. Before joining Columbia, he served 23 years in law enforcement, first with the Westchester County Department of Corrections and then the New York City Police Department. Rich also is a proud veteran and served in the United States Navy.
In his role as director, Rich will oversee all aspects of administration of the day-to-day operations of Public Safety at the medical center. Rich will continue to build on his expertise in developing and sustaining collaborative and culturally inclusive relationships with administrative staff and faculty, as well as NewYork-Presbyterian Security. Additionally, Rich will serve as the medical center’s primary liaison with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. During his time as interim director of public safety at CUIMC, Rich hosted a campus-wide public transit safety panel with Transit Police and an on-campus training tour with the NYPD 33rd Precinct and Emergency Services Unit. The partnerships and collaborations Rich has led are a fitting example of his innovative leadership.
Rich embodies the Department of Public Safety’s core values—pride, professionalism, and service—and we are so appreciative of his hard work and dedication to the University. Please join us in congratulating Rich and wishing him every success in this vital role.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Burke III, FAIA (he/him/his)
Vice President, Facilities Management, Operations & Planning
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Gerald Lewis Jr. (he/him/his)
Vice President, Department of Public Safety
Columbia University