Community Safety Director Named to “40 Under 40” for Public Safety Innovation

ALBUQUERQUE — Albuquerque Business First has named one of the city’s rising public safety leaders to its 2025 “40 Under 40” list, recognizing Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Director Jodie Esquibel for her dedication to advancing a more compassionate approach to emergency response. Each year, this prestigious award recognizes 40 rising stars under the age of 40 who are making significant impacts in their industries, communities, and companies.

Over the past year and a half, Director Esquibel has helped strengthen and expand the work of ACS, a department focused on sending trained professionals to nonviolent 911 calls involving mental health, substance use, and homelessness.

A lifelong Albuquerque resident, Director Esquibel and her team are redefining how the city responds to nonviolent emergencies. Under her leadership, ACS continues to be a national model for alternative emergency response, dispatching behavioral health responders and outreach specialists to calls.

“Director Esquibel brings the heart of a first responder and the vision of a trailblazer,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “She’s helping lead a transformation in public safety that puts care at the center of crisis response—Albuquerque is a safer, more compassionate city because of her work.”

“I’m incredibly honored to be part of a team that is making a real difference in our community,” said ACS Director Esquibel. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone at ACS, and I’m proud to help lead this transformation in public safety.”

Before joining ACS, Director Esquibel served as a paramedic in high-intensity emergency settings and is also a former UFC athlete, bringing unmatched grit, resilience, and dedication to her public service.

Her selection to the “40 Under 40” list recognizes not only her leadership but her deep commitment to the well-being of all Albuquerque residents. 

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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.