Veteran law enforcement professional Todd DeKatch will become the senior director of safety and investigations for the Diocese of Cleveland, effective June 5. In his new role, DeKatch will support the activities and initiatives of Bishop Edward Malesic and the senior staff as well as provide consultation across all diocesan and parish entities.
“I am so pleased to have Todd join us in this critical role,” said Bishop Malesic. “His extensive experience in all facets of law enforcement is extremely valuable and will be essential as he guides diocesan, parish and school staff throughout our eight counties.”
DeKatch will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation and oversight of a comprehensive diocesanwide safety, security, threat management and investigation program. He is charged with advancing a proactive, intelligence-informed approach to protecting clergy, employees, students, volunteers, parishioners, visitors, facilities and operations throughout the diocese.
A former FBI attend, his career spans more than 30 years, most recently as director of special projects and training at Haven Lock, Inc., a provider of security products and services.
DeKatch spent 25 years in the FBI, retiring as a supervisory special agent in late 2024. Throughout his tenure at the FBI, his work encompassed leading the organized crime drug enforcement task force program; managing a multi-agency mission to target the most violent offenders in Northeast Ohio; leading efforts across multiple divisions to identify and mitigate national threats; directing the child abduction rapid deployment team; leading Cleveland’s crisis negotiation team during the Republican National Convention in 2016; and leading the Cleveland Division’s Criminal Branch, overseeing violent crime, drug, public corruption, white collar, health care fraud and organized crime squads. He also spent four years with the Michigan State Police prior to joining the FBI.
DeKatch earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kalamazoo College. He is a certified FBI crisis negotiator and has been recognized with awards for outstanding contributions to cooperative law enforcement and outstanding contributions to community partnerships for public safety.
He and his family live in Copley. The are members of St. Sebastian Parish in Akron.