CPSE Appointed New Senior Leadership Team
The Center for Public Safety Excellence named two new executives as part of a three-year workforce enhancement plan.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) has appointed Kyle Gaffaney as chief finance and administration officer and Jason Wells as chief programs officer. These appointments follow the board's approval of a three-year workforce enhancement plan initiated in May 2026.
Why it matters
These leadership changes are a central component of the organization's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan designed to restructure administrative and program oversight. The shifts follow a comprehensive staff and contractor evaluation conducted in 2025 to optimize the agency's operational efficacy.
The leadership changes include the appointment of a new chief finance and administration officer and a chief programs officer to support a three-year plan. Longtime COO Debbie Sobotka is departing after 22 years of service.
The players
Kyle Gaffaney
He is the newly appointed chief finance and administration officer for the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Jason Wells
He is the incoming chief programs officer at the Center for Public Safety Excellence and current Lexington fire chief.
Debbie Sobotka
She is the outgoing chief operating officer of the Center for Public Safety Excellence who is retiring after 22 years of service.
Center for Public Safety Excellence
This is an organization that provides professional development, accreditation, and credentialing for public safety agencies.
The details
Kyle Gaffaney assumed his new role on September 30, 2026, while Jason Wells is set to transition from his position as Lexington Fire Department fire chief to join CPSE in February 2027. The reorganization resulted from a 2025 staff evaluation that prompted the board to approve new reinvestment funds.
Timeline
May 2026: The board authorized the three-year workforce enhancement plan.
September 30, 2026: Kyle Gaffaney began his role as chief finance and administration officer.
October 2026: Chief Operating Officer Debbie Sobotka will retire.
January 2027: Jason Wells will depart the Lexington Fire Department.
February 1, 2027: Jason Wells will begin his position as chief programs officer.
Market Landscape
The organizational restructuring aligns with the internal goals of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. This shift reflects a broader trend among non-profit accreditation bodies to consolidate leadership expertise following comprehensive external operational reviews.
Clients and agencies utilizing CPSE services can expect administrative continuity as the organization transitions to its new leadership team. Member agencies should look for updated contact protocols as the executive suite completes its turnover by early 2027.
The takeaway
The appointment of new executives signals a significant transition in leadership for the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Organizations planning similar workforce enhancements should ensure they align recruitment timelines with the conclusion of long-term executive service to maintain stability.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts and professional moves, visit the United States People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firehouse.
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