From Greensboro to Durham: Mardis named chief of police

The city of Durham has selected Greensboro Police Department Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis as its next police chief.

2026-08-10

Mardis, who has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience, is set to begin Sept. 8.

The city search process included feedback from residents, public safety officials and priorities identified during the city and county’s Violence Reduction Summit.

While in Greensboro, Mardis helped develop programs focused on investigative performance, support for families affected by homicide and police accountability. She founded the Police and Community Alliance for Peace Forum, created training academies for detectives and designed the department’s first body-worn camera audit and compliance system, according to the city.

Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson said community input helped shape the search.

“Durham residents helped define the priorities for this search from the very beginning,” Ferguson said. “Chief Mardis demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep operational experience, and a clear dedication to transparency and community partnership.”

Ferguson said Mardis’ experience also aligns with Durham’s violence reduction strategy, which includes focused deterrence, community outreach, place-based partnerships and trauma-informed approaches.

Robert Gaddy, president of Fraternal Order of Police Durham County Lodge 2, participated in the assessment process and said Mardis stood out for her leadership and experience.

“It was clear throughout the assessment process that Stephanie Mardis is a strong and thoughtful leader who understands both the challenges and the opportunities facing modern policing,” Gaddy said.

Mardis said she is honored to take the position.

“I am deeply honored to serve the residents of Durham as the next chief of police,” Mardis said. “Throughout my career, I have been committed to principled leadership, transparency, and strong community partnerships — values that align closely with Durham’s vision for public safety.”

She said she plans to work with officers, residents, community organizations and other public safety agencies while advancing the city’s violence reduction efforts.

Mardis is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, N.C. State University’s Administrative Officers Management Program and Leadership Greensboro.

She earned a master’s degree in public administration and public policy from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree from Bennett College. She also received a criminal justice education certificate from the University of Virginia.

She will take over as Durham begins implementing violence reduction strategies developed through its Summit on Saving Lives. The city has set a goal of reducing shootings and homicides by 10% each year.