The Jacksonville Aviation Authority announced Aug. 15 the promotion of Cindy Leavens to director of public safety and security.
She replaces Chip Monts, who retired in April.
Leavens joined JAA in October 2020 as a police lieutenant. She has 25 years of law enforcement experience, working for Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Duval County School Police Department, the JAA said in a news release.
“In the past 4 years, Cindy has learned and become adept at the uniqueness of Law Enforcement in the Aviation context and is now recognized within the JAA for her energy, her approachability, and professionalism,” the news release said.
“For the past 3 months, Cindy has served the JAAPD as the Director in an interim capacity and effective July 22nd, has accepted the challenge of this responsibility on a permanent basis.”
Leavens graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Liberty University in 2006 and earned a master’s in human services, with a specialization in criminal justice in 2008.