Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced Monday he will nominate Deputy Police Chief Janeé Harteau to be the next Minneapolis police chief, starting in 2013.

If her nomination is confirmed by the City Council next year, Harteau will be the first woman to lead the Minneapolis Police Department.

Tim Dolan announced last week that he would not seek a third term as chief, a post he’s held since 2006.

Since joining the force in 1987, Harteau has served in various units including the narcotics, organized crime and license investigation units.

She attended St. Mary’s University and earned a bachelor’s degree in police science and a master’s in public safety administration. She also graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and is an instructor at both schools.

City Councilman Don Samuels, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Health Committee, said in a statement that Harteau “represents the best of the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis.”

“She has risen through the ranks … and she demonstrates our city’s commitment to obliterate all glass ceilings for exceptional people of color and women,” Samuels said.

Harteau is of French Canadian and Native American background.

Rybak said that nominating Harteau was an easy decision.

“She is a smart cop, a savvy
administrator and a natural leader. She is the logical next chief and will be an exceptional one,” he said in a statement.

The City Council will begin the process of confirming the nomination in January 2013.

Harteau said she was humbled by Rybak’s confidence in her.

“It is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to lead such a talented and dedicated group of men and women,” Harteau said.