Former University of Minnesota Police Chief Matt Clark Appointed Golden Valley Police Chief

GOLDEN VALLEY, MN

The City of Golden Valley on April 13, 2026, announced the appointment of Matt Clark, former chief of the University of Minnesota Police Department, as the permanent chief of the Golden Valley Police Department, effective immediately.

Clark had been serving as interim chief since October 2025, when he stepped into the role following the resignation of former chief Virgil Green. City officials said the appointment follows a formal selection process that included external candidates before Clark was ultimately chosen to lead the department on a permanent basis.

According to city leadership, two external finalists were considered in March 2026. After determining neither candidate was the right fit, Clark applied for the position and was named the sole finalist on April 7.

Mayor Roslyn Harmon and City Manager Noah Schuchman cited Clark’s performance during the interim period as a key factor in the decision, pointing to his ability to quickly build trust within the department and the broader community.

Clark brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience. His career began in 1991 and includes service in multiple Minnesota agencies. He spent 22 years with the Minneapolis Police Department, rising to the rank of assistant chief, and later served nearly a decade as chief of the University of Minnesota Police Department before retiring from that role in May 2025.

Earlier in his career, Clark also served in the southern Minnesota communities of Lake Crystal and Madelia.

He assumes permanent leadership of a department that has experienced recent leadership turnover. His predecessor, Virgil Green, resigned in October 2025 amid investigations related to alleged data privacy violations and internal misconduct.

During his six-month tenure as interim chief, Clark was credited by city officials with stabilizing operations and addressing internal challenges, including staffing and morale.

A formal swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place later this year.

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life.