White, who has served as the city’s top cop since 2021, is no stranger to public service or mental health. With 28 years of law enforcement experience and credentials as a licensed mental health professional, his career has bridged the gap between policing and mental health advocacy. “As a CEO of the Detroit Police Department, I’m not jumping in and out of scout cars, I’m running an organization with 3,000 people,” White said during his final public interview, emphasizing his executive experience. “It’s important to bring what I’ve learned to DWIHN, understanding that the people have an impression or an expectation that ‘here comes this chief with a policing mindset,’ which is not the case.”

White’s leadership has often been viewed through the lens of his strategic efforts to address mental health within the police department. After his appointment as chief in 2021, one of his first actions was expanding the department’s crisis intervention strategies to respond more effectively to mental health emergencies. His initiative established a new unit that pairs officers trained in crisis intervention techniques with behavioral health specialists from DWIHN. This innovative partnership became a hallmark of his tenure as chief, reflecting his deep commitment to addressing Detroit’s growing mental health crisis.

As he prepares to take the reins at DWIHN, White’s vision for the organization is centered around continuing its legacy while improving the quality and accessibility of mental health care. “We continue to have a mental health crisis in our community that needs to be addressed at multiple levels,” White said last month when his candidacy for the CEO position was first made public. His comments reflect a broader awareness of the urgent mental health needs within Detroit and Wayne County, where DWIHN provides services to individuals with serious mental illnesses, disabilities, and substance use disorders.

But as White steps into this new role, not all community members are convinced of his suitability for the position. Detroit activist Taura Brown criticized White’s appointment during a public comment session at Wednesday’s board meeting, calling it “cronyism.” She pointed to his track record at the Detroit Police Department, particularly his handling of police transparency in fatal shootings, as a reason for concern. “The board should have given more consideration,” Brown said, referencing what she described as the “dumpster fire” White left behind at the police department.

Brown’s concerns highlight ongoing frustrations with the department’s lack of transparency, particularly in the wake of a controversial shooting in which a Detroit man was killed during an eviction. The department’s failure to release body camera footage has fueled distrust among some community members. White, however, addressed this issue during his final interview, explaining the complexities involved in releasing sensitive information while protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations. “Oftentimes there’s a lack of understanding in policing as to why we don’t release certain information, and it can be quite complex,” White explained. “As much as I can talk about the fact that there was a shooting, I can’t release any information because it’ll compromise the investigation into the case.”

Despite these criticisms, White has received broad support from the DWIHN board, and many believe his unique background positions him well to lead the organization. His experience leading the Detroit Police Department out of 11 years of federal oversight, as well as his brief tenure directing the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, suggests a leader capable of navigating complex systems and driving institutional change. Speaking after his confirmation as CEO, White expressed gratitude for the board’s trust and excitement for the challenges ahead. “I know it will be challenging, but I’m excited,” White said. “We have a good team here, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and make an impact on mental health and work with the dynamic team that you already have in place.”

DWIHN serves as a vital resource for the community, addressing some of the most pressing public health issues facing Detroit and Wayne County. The organization’s work includes providing support for individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse disorders, and developmental disabilities. With over 60 candidates applying for the CEO position, the board’s decision to hire White reflects their confidence in his ability to build on DWIHN’s legacy and advance its mission in new and innovative ways.

The timeline for White’s official start date remains unclear, as contract negotiations between him and the board are ongoing. However, it is evident that his leadership will bring significant changes to DWIHN at a time when mental health services are more crucial than ever.

For Detroit and Wayne County, White’s appointment as CEO of DWIHN marks a critical juncture. His tenure as police chief was characterized by his dedication to reforming the department’s mental health response and steering the city through complex crises. Now, he faces the challenge of leading one of Michigan’s largest healthcare organizations, where the stakes are just as high. As White himself has acknowledged, “This is an extremely important role at a critical time for Detroit and Wayne County,” and the community will be watching closely to see how his leadership unfolds.