Guinn names new directors for DMV, Public Safety

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001 | 11:20 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn today named Richard Kirkland to head the newly created state Department of Public Safety and Ginny Lewis to become director of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The 2001 Legislature accepted Guinn's recommendation to divide the large agency, putting law enforcement groups in one department and the administration involving license plates, driver's licenses and other functions in the other.

Kirkland and Lewis will each earn $103,301. The split was effective July 1.

Kirkland, former Reno police chief, will oversee the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Division of Investigations, fire marshall's office, Division of Parole and Probation, Parole Board, Office of Traffic Safety, Criminal History Repository, Office of Criminal Justice Assistance, the Emergency Response Commission, Division of Emergency Management and the Capitol Police.

Kirkland, in addition to his $103,301, will also receive about $70,000 a month in his police pension.

Kirkland said the split of the two agencies will make it easier to manage programs that deal directly with protecting citizens.

Lewis has worked for the motor vehicles agency for 21 years and became a deputy director in 1999, responsible for the budget and overall financial management.

She was given the job of correcting many of the flaws in Genesis, the new computer system that led to long lines for registration of vehicles at DMV offices.

"Having been with DMV as long as I have, I fully realize how crucial it is to provide efficient, courteous service to our customers, especially as we continue to deal with Nevada's overwhelming growth," Lewis said.

"I plan to work hard on our continuing efforts to reduce the lines and otherwise improve customer service at DMV," she said.

If these two new departments make any organizational changes, they must be submitted to the Legislative Interim Finance Committee for approval by January.