Meet Your Executive Director!

The CPCA Board of Directors proudly announces Sara Edmonds's appointment as the Executive Director of the California Police Chiefs Association, effective July 1, 2025.

Sara has been a steadfast and dedicated leader within CPCA for more than 13 years. Throughout her tenure, she has served with professionalism, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of advancing the leadership, voice, and professional development of California’s police executives. Her leadership has consistently reflected a servant mindset, placing the association's needs, its employees, members, and the broader public safety community at the forefront.

Most recently, the Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning session that helped define a clear vision for the future, one rooted in our members' priorities and the organization's long-term success. Sara is well-positioned to help lead us into that future. With a data-informed, courageous approach and a deep respect for people, she is ready to continue advancing a long-term strategy centered on growth, service, and organizational stability.

As Deputy Executive Director and now Executive Director, Sara has also led the development and launch of the California Accreditation for Public Safety (CAPS) program, a foundational initiative for California law enforcement. She has been the driving force behind its design and implementation, laying the groundwork for what will soon become a standalone entity under CPCA’s umbrella.

As we turn the page to this next chapter, we are reminded that leadership is not defined by titles, but by action, service, and integrity. In the words of John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” By every measure, Sara embodies that ideal.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sara brings a deep sense of purpose and heart to this role. She is a proud wife, mother to two amazing daughters, and a grandmother to a growing family she holds close. Her values—humility, resilience, and compassion—shine through in every facet of her work.

Under Sara's leadership, the Board of Directors is confident that CPCA will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our members and our profession.

Please join us in congratulating Sara Edmonds as CPCA’s next Executive Director.