Office of Neighborhood Safety Leadership
Brooke Blakey, Director
Brooke Blakey, director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety, joined the City of Saint Paul from Metro Transit, where she has served as Chief of Staff to Metro Transit Chief of Police. In this role, she oversaw operations, investigations, administration and community outreach and engagement, along with ushering forward the development of the Metro Transit Police Department’s Homeless Action Team (HAT).
Prior to joining Metro Transit, she served in the Ramsey County Public Defender's Office and the Minnesota State Fair Police Department, holding an array of positions, including the department’s Public Information Officer.
Blakey has an undergraduate degree in child psychology and criminology from the University of Minnesota, a post bachelor's degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Master of Science in forensic science with an emphasis on criminal investigation from National University.
She is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command #484 and has earned advanced certifications from the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), and Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN BCA).
Lynnaia Jacobsen, Neighborhood Safety Community Council Manager
Jacobsen is a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota where she grew up in the Frogtown-Midway neighborhood and is alumni of Saint Paul Central High School. Jacobsen comes to us with an extensive background in public safety administration serving as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher for both Washington and Dakota Counties, Chief’s Executive Assistant with Metro Transit Police Department, and Executive Aide to the Commissioner with Department of Public Safety. In her positions she participated in strategic planning, organizational structure, learning policy and inclusiveness, community conversations and engagement.
During her full-time employment Jacobsen served the Union Gospel Mission Board of Directors where she assisted as the keeper of board minutes. Here she learned extensively about Board operations, none profits; strengthening her knowledge in budget/funding, philanthropy, the unsheltered epidemic and what it means to be a humanitarian.
Today, Lynnaia Jacobsen is a Metro State graduate with BS degree that focuses on ethics and equal opportunity in politics and criminal justice. Her passion remains in public safety as she continues to pursue opportunities that will allow her to assist in creating healthy and safe spaces. This includes enforcing ethics within communities, our State Government and Law Enforcement, influencing their practices, policies and personnel orders. She inspires to make sure community are not just people we serve, but they are part of our governmental structure serving as actual participants and awarded equal opportunities in the positions they hold.
Natalie Kelley, Management Assistant
Kelley brings substantial office management, networking, and communication skills to the City of Saint Paul. She most recently worked in the City Attorney’s Office, and is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the broad scope of duties and wide range of community members she serves in this role. Her prior work as a legal secretary, real estate office manager, and coach of youth and young children rounds out her experience. She grew up in Saint Paul, attended Highland Sr. High School, and studied at Saint Paul College, Concordia University-Saint Paul, and Metropolitan State University. Her first outing as a newborn was to the Winter Carnival chili contest, and she hasn’t missed a Carnival since. She and her young daughter are frequent visitors to St. Paul’s parks, recreation and aquatic centers. She loves Saint Paul, enjoys working with young people, is known for her enthusiasm and resourcefulness, and adds streamlined efficiency and effectiveness to the Office of Neighborhood Safety.
