After a comprehensive national search, the Greater Sudbury Police Service Board is pleased to announce that Sara Cunningham has been selected as the next Chief of Police.

“Deputy Chief Cunningham’s 26 years with the Service has made her well-equipped to assume this position,” said Chair Al Sizer. “She has served with pride, distinction, and excellence, and brings vast experience to the role. I am very pleased to have her serve as our next Chief.”

Chair Sizer and the Board describe her as an engaging and forward-thinking leader, having served as both the Operation and Administrative Deputy over the past three years.

“I am incredibly honoured that the Board has selected me to serve as the next Chief of Police,” said Cunningham. “Greater Sudbury has always been home and for the past 26 years, GSPS has been a part of my family. I am deeply committed to our members, their health and wellness and policing with pride and professionalism. I am dedicated to advancing innovative policing practices, effectively and efficiently deploying resources and continuing to engage with and learn from the diverse communities that we serve.”

In her most recent assignment as Deputy Chief of Administration, Cunningham directed the divisions of Human Resources and Professional Development, Finance, Communication and Information Technology and Information Management. This included ensuring inclusive and diverse recruitment strategies, the preparation for the integration of Next Generation 9-1-1, and fiscal prudence through transitioning the Service to a two-year budget cycle.  

Chief-designate Chief Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program. She is the recipient of the Governor General Exemplary Service 20-year medal and the Order of Merit of Police Services. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

Chief-designate Cunningham is dedicated to Community Safety and Well-bring and will continue to foster community partnership with a focus on data-driven and intelligence-led community policing practices. Cunningham believes in strengthening community partnerships to support individuals suffering from homelessness, mental health and addictions while addressing community safety, security and wellness.

“Deputy Chief Cunningham stood out in the competition with strong leadership skills and a community-focused approach to policing and organizational management. She demonstrates a strong commitment to working with community stakeholders, GSPS members and the associations. The Board was unanimous in their decision and is excited to announce the appointment of Sara Cunningham as our new Chief,” said Vice-Chair Gerry Lougheed, Jr.

“We thank former Chief Pedersen for his many years of dedicated service and continue to wish him the very best in his new role at the OACP,” continued Sizer. “We also wish to recognize the dedicated work of Deputy Chief Hiltz and Deputy Chief Cunningham who shared the role of Acting Chief during this recruitment process. We welcome Sara to her new role and wish her success in the future. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Chief Sara Cunningham.”

Chief-designate Cunningham commences her new duties as Chief of Police on September 23rd, 2024. Details on the swearing-in ceremony and the process of replacing the role of Deputy Chief of Police – Administration will be released shortly.

About: The Greater Sudbury Police Service Board is a five-member civilian Board that governs the Greater Sudbury Police Service. Under the Community Safety and Policing Act, the Board is responsible for providing adequate and effective police services to over 179,000 Greater Sudbury residents.

  • Chair Al Sizer (Councillor, Ward 8)
  • Vice Chair Gerry Lougheed, Jr. (Municipal Appointee)
  • Member Paul Lefebvre (Mayor)
  • Member Krista Fortier (Provincial Appointee)
  • Member Shawn Poland (Provincial Appointee)
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