Mets hire former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell

Former New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell has been hired by the Mets.

Nearly five months after resigning as commissioner, Ms. Sewell will become the team’s senior vice president of security and guest experience, the Mets said in a statement on Thursday.

Ms. Sewell, 51, who had a decades-long career in law enforcement before leading the New York Police Department, the nation’s largest police force, for less than 18 months, said the role would be her first in the private sector.

“The opportunity to bring my passions for community building and public safety to the Mets is truly a dream job,” she said in the statement. “This legendary organization is vital to local communities and to many around the world. I can’t wait to be part of building this world-class fan experience.”

Before her role in New York City, Ms. Sewell, who grew up in Queens, was chief of detectives in Nassau County on Long Island.

Ms. Sewell was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022, becoming the first woman to lead the police department. During her short tenure, she made a strong impression on rank-and-file officers after morale plummeted following the coronavirus pandemic and 2020 racial justice protests.

But in June this year, Ms Sewell abruptly resigned without explanation. At the time, current and former officials said she discovered her powers had been limited by the mayor and his allies. Before her departure, rumors swirled that Mr. Adams’ other appointees — notably Philip Banks III, the deputy mayor for public safety, and Timothy Pearson, a senior adviser to Mr. Adams — were undermining her authority.

In July, Mayor Adams appointed Edward Caban as commissioner, making him the first Latino officer to lead the agency.

Ms Sewell’s move to the private sector after leading the department is not unusual. William J. Bratton, who served twice as commissioner before resigning in 2016, had several assignments in private security consulting and founded his own consulting firm, the Bratton Group, which advised companies such as Rite Aid. James P. O’Neill, who served as commissioner from 2016 to 2019, became Visa’s head of global security.

In announcing Ms. Sewell’s appointment to the newly created position, which she will begin this month, Katie Haas, executive vice president of Ballpark Operations and experience with the Mets, highlighted Ms. Sewell’s experience in public service.

“Keechant will help us modernize our approach to safety and the guest experience at Citi Field,” she said. “While also strengthening our relationships with the community and all law enforcement and emergency services agencies.”

Ms Sewell’s salary in her new role has not been disclosed.

For the Mets, the announcement comes after a challenging season, as the team — funded by billionaire owner Steven A. Cohen — missed the postseason despite spending a record amount of money on its roster.

Maria Kramer reporting contributed.