Darin Rasmussen selected as new AVP for Risk, Ethics, Safety, and Resilience

Darin Rasmussen has been selected as WWU’s Assistant Vice President for Risk, Ethics, Safety, and Resilience (RESR), a new position that combines a previously separate set of functions to help ensure our university is a safe, resilient and supportive place to live, learn and work. Rasmussen has served our university for more than nine years, becoming Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police in 2014. He received his Master of Business Administration degree from WWU in 2018 and is a member of the Society of Certified School Risk Managers. His public safety career also includes over 22 years with the Marysville Police Department. Rasmussen brings a unique set of skills and experiences to this new position, and brings a high level of dedication to ensuring WWU is a safe and resilient university. 

The functions of the new AVP for RESR include environmental and occupational health and safety, fire safety, emergency preparedness, business continuity, risk management, compliance, and ethics. The AVP for RESR participates as a member of the Business and Financial Affairs leadership team and holds the designation of University Ethics Advisor. 

“This new role is a great opportunity to promote Western’s values and support this vibrant campus through helping to develop a culture of care and resilience,” Rasmussen says. “I am honored to work with the dedicated professionals who have done so much to provide a safe, ethical, and resilient environment for the entire Western community.”     

Rasmussen’s first day as AVP for RESR will be April 11, 2022. Jennifer Sloan will also be joining the team from Internal Audit/Assistant Attorney Generals’ Office, providing administrative support and office management for the newly formed unit. 

“I look forward to synergies that will come from having this terrific team of professionals from EH&S, Risk, Public Safety, and Compliance work together under Darin’s leadership to build a culture a safety, ethics, and resilience at WWU,” says VP of Business & Financial Affairs Joyce Lopes.

An Interim Director of Public Safety/Interim Chief of Police will be appointed to fill the vacancy Rasmussen will leave until we can post and search for a new Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police.