ST. PAUL — Kim Babine has been chosen to lead the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) on a permanent basis as the new executive director.

Executive Director Babine has held the position on an interim basis since January 2025 and served as OJP’s deputy director of programs since 2023. She led OJP’s immediate response in the aftermath of the Annunciation shooting, balancing the urgency of the situation with a thoughtful, strategic approach collaborating with local leadership to plan and provide support for victims, families and the community.

Before stepping into the interim executive director position, Babine provided policy, programming and funding oversight for federal and state grant funds to system partners across Minnesota as one of OJP’s deputy directors.  

With nearly 20 years of service in Minnesota state government, Executive Director Babine brings proven leadership, skillful navigation of complex challenges, and extensive operational and program management experience to the role.

“Kim sees the big picture,” said DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “She understands that OJP’s work is crucial to the public safety infrastructure in Minnesota and she pursues opportunities to advance that mission."  

As executive director, Babine will oversee OJP’s work to reduce crime, support crime victims and improve the criminal justice system and support the first-in-the-nation offices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.

“Leading the Office of Justice Programs means working alongside people and partners who bring tremendous skill and expertise to their work,” Babine said. “I’m honored to work with them to build safer communities where every Minnesotan can thrive.”

Executive Director Babine began her role on Oct. 22.