Christine Bernard-McNamara Named New Public Safety Director at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Christine Bernard-McNamara, a Massachusetts State Police captain, has been appointed the new director of Public Safety at the College of the Holy Cross. She will assume her duties on Nov. 1, 2004.

Bernard-McNamara, a resident of Sterling, Mass., served 24 years with the State Police. During her tenure, she rose through the ranks from trooper to become the fifth highest-ranking female member of the force.

"Christine's qualifications are unique and varied," said Jacqueline Peterson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. "Not only does she have wide-ranging experience in community service and work with diverse populations, she is a skilled investigator and has a long list of academic achievements. We're delighted to welcome her to the Holy Cross community."

As a trooper from 1983 – 1995, Bernard-McNamara was assigned to several posts including a five-year appointment at the State Policy Academy in Framingham, where she wrote and proposed a legal advisory unit that was implemented by Commissioner of Public Safety William McCabe in 1990. She also worked in narcotics investigation, a position that required periods of undercover work with federal and state agencies. A skilled investigator, she has testified at both the district and superior court level.

When she was made sergeant in 1995, she supervised DARE, domestic violence and community services personnel, and was a member of several community and government committees dealing with crime, school violence, car seat safety and underage drinking. Promoted to lieutenant in 1999, she served as a liaison to the Executive Office of Public Safety. In July 2003, she was promoted to captain.

"I am pleased and honored in my appointment as the New Public Safety Director at the College of Holy Cross," Bernard-McNamara said. "It is a great opportunity for me to combine my love of academics and law enforcement, while providing the College with the benefits of my extensive career background and experiences. I am looking forward to working within the collegiate community and with the public safety personnel in providing an exceptional program which offers the very best of services while ensuring a safe and secure community for Holy Cross."

In addition to her work with the State Police, Bernard-McNamara served as community advisor to the graduate program at Fitchburg State College from 1995 – 2000, where she helped develop a new Master of Criminal Justice curriculum. She also served three years as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at the College.

Bernard-McNamara holds a law degree from the New England School of Law, a master's degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College, and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Fitchburg State College. She also attended the F.B.I. National Academy and the F.B.I. National Law Institute. She is married to William McNamara and they have three children, William, Bernard, and Caitlin.