Art Acevedo Endowment

Art Acevedo has dedicated his life to public service and safety for three decades.

The first Hispanic to lead the Austin Police Department (APD), Chief Acevedo brought a unique understanding of the concerns of the Austin’s diverse Austin community.

Chief Acevedo steadily worked to strengthen the bond between the people of Austin and a police department composed of 2,500 sworn law enforcement and support personnel. He forged partnerships with elected officials, community organizations, youth groups, the district attorney, the defense bar, and media. He views securing the future of young people as a moral and national imperative.

Born in Cuba, Chief Acevedo was 4 years old when he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1968. He grew up in California and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. Chief Acevedo attended Rio Hondo College, earning an associate degree. He later graduated with honors from the University of La Verne in California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration.

In 1986, Chief Acevedo joined the California Highway Patrol as field patrol officer in East Los Angeles. He was promoted through various positions of increasing responsibility to become chief, California Highway Patrol, in 2005. He served with the Austin Police Department for almost a decade, also holding various leadership positions with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.