Mets hire former NYPD commish Keechant Sewell for newly created public safety role: ‘Dream job’
Former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell has been hired by the New York Mets for a newly created public safety role, her first-ever private-sector job, the team announced Thursday.
Sewell, 51, will join the organization on Nov. 27 as its first senior vice president of security and guest experience.
The new gig comes after she suddenly resigned as the Big Apple’s top cop in June after a year-and-a-half at the helm of the largest police force in the nation.
“The NYPD’s loss is certainly Citi Field’s gain,” a retired NYPD detective told The Post.
“Keechant Sewell is a smart, no-nonsense leader who will undoubtedly surpass the expectations of those who hired her.”
Sewell, working under Mets’ Executive Vice President of Ballpark Operations and Experience Katie Haas, will oversee the safety and fan experience for the organization, the Mets said.
“Keechant will help us to modernize our approach to safety and the guest experience at Citi Field, while also strengthening our relationships with the community and all agencies of law enforcement and emergency services,” Haas said in a press release.
Sewell said she is excited to join the Mets in her first role in the private sector after a lifelong career in law enforcement.
“The opportunity to bring my passions of community building and public safety to the Mets is truly a dream job,” she said in a statement. “As someone who grew up in Queens, this legendary organization is vital to local communities and so many across the world. I can’t wait to help be a part of building this world-class fan experience.”
A source close to Sewell told The Post that the hire “makes sense” for Sewell.
“The Mets are very involved in the Widows and Children’s Foundation,” they said, referring to the Police Benevolent Association fund that assists widows and children of fallen NYPD officers. “It’s a dream job.”
A 22-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department, Sewell spent most of her career policing on Long Island before Mayor Eric Adams hired her as the 45th NYPD commissioner — the first woman to hold the powerful position.
During Sewell’s tenure, the Big Apple saw a drop in shootings despite an overall uptick in crime in the five boroughs, according to department data.
Her resignation, which blindsided the mayor, came after Sewell felt she had her hands tied making promotional decisions within her department, which, unlike previous commissioners, she had to run past City Hall, law enforcement sources told The Post.
Edward Caban, who had previously served as the first deputy police commissioner under Sewell, was named new head of the department in July.
