Our Executive Team

Chief Sara Cunningham joined the Greater Sudbury Police Service in 1998 and has served in a wide range of investigative and operational roles throughout her 28-year career.

In December 2021, she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations, overseeing Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Community Policing, Integrated Operations, and the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centre. In 2023, she became Deputy Chief of Administration, with responsibility for Human Resources and Professional Development, Finance, Communications, Information Technology, and Records and Information Management.

Chief Cunningham was appointed Chief of Police in September 2024. In this role, she remains committed to the safety and well-being of Greater Sudbury and to supporting the more than 450 members of the Greater Sudbury Police Service. Passionate about professionalism, teamwork, and relationship-building, she is dedicated to building on the Service's reputation as an innovative policing leader by embracing technology, leveraging data and analytics, advancing intelligence-led policing, and empowering members to succeed.

Chief Cunningham is also committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and member-centred workplace. She champions transparency, fairness, and equity while supporting the physical and psychological well-being of all members. Through strong leadership, succession planning, and a culture of recognition and growth, she ensures members feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive, recognizing that they are the Service's greatest asset.

Chief Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program. She is the recipient of the Governor General's Exemplary Service 20-Year Medal, the Order of Merit of the Police Services, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

She serves as a Zone Director with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

A proud resident of Greater Sudbury, Chief Cunningham has long been involved in community service through various volunteer initiatives. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sudbury Food Bank and is an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada.