Mary Eileen Paradis
Chief of Police & Executive Director of Public Safety, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Ms. Mary Eileen Paradis possesses a combination of 30 plus years of law enforcement, higher education public safety and emergency management experience built upon a foundation of enterprise thinking, collaboration and unquestionable integrity. Paradis currently serves as the Chief of Police and the Executive Director of Public Safety for the University of Mississippi Police Department and the Office of Public Safety (UMMC PD). Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief of Police and Executive Director of Public Safety serves as the senior law enforcement official to plan, direct, coordinate, and provide overall leadership of UMMC Police and Public Safety Department. Duties and responsibilities include enforcement of all local, state, and federal laws and adherence to UMMC policies and procedures.
Prior to UMMC PD, Paradis was the Assistant Vice President of Safety & Security, at Marymount University located in Arlington, Virginia. As AVP of Safety & Security, she oversaw the Marymount University Office of Safety and Emergency Management which promoted and contributed to the physical health and psychological well-being of the community through the prevention of campus crime, preparation and response to emergencies, and the establishment of a safe environment. Under her direction, Campus Safety and Emergency Management staff provide 24-hour general assistance, information and response to the community where needed.
Previous to her role at Marymount University, Mary Eileen Paradis served The George Washington University Police Department (GWPD) from 2014-2020. During her employment with GWPD, Ms. Paradis served as the Interim Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police. As a member of GWPD, Interim Chief of Police Paradis led and directed GWPD personnel where she oversaw the patrol, administration, communications and investigation branches. Ms. Paradis managed the safety and security pertaining to the all 5 of The George Washington University campuses located in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to Ms. Paradis assignment as Interim Chief of Police, she served as the GWPD Assistant Chief Physical Security and Information Management where she managed all internal and external physical security and information technology responsibilities.
Prior to GWPD, Ms. Paradis held the following titles; Senior Director of Safety & Security, Corcoran Gallery of Art & College of Art + Design, Director of Security at the Willard InterContinental, Corporate Director of Loss Prevention at Global Wireless Solutions, Director of Security at Westfield Wheaton Shopping Town, Public Safety Director at Tysons Corner Center and was a sworn member of the Chicago Police Department’s Intelligence Section for over 11 years.
In 2017, Ms. Paradis was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar by The George Washington University. The award recognizes students for their exemplary performance both inside and outside the classroom. In 2015, Paradis received the Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize which is presented to an exceptional graduating student from GW’s Police and Security Studies program where Paradis maintained a GPA of 4.0. Ms. Paradis is a graduate of the Chicago Police Training Academy, holds a bachelor’s degree in Police & Security Studies and graduate degree in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management from The George Washington University. Ms. Paradis lives in Jackson, Mississippi.