Mary Ellen Kirkbride

Mary Ellen serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Public Safety Leadership, where she designs and manages leadership development grounded in adult learning principles for public-safety professionals preparing to step into—or grow within—leadership roles. Since joining KLETC in 2019, she has led curriculum expansion, instructor partnerships, and innovative delivery models supporting agencies of all sizes across multiple states.

Before entering the law enforcement training space, Mary Ellen spent 23 years teaching grades 5–12 in New Mexico and Kansas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instructional Design.

A lifelong learner, she is committed to helping emerging, developing, and experienced leaders grow with purpose, confidence, and service.