Elizabeth Carreno-Diaz, a seasoned campus safety leader, has been named Loyola Marymount University’s next director of Public Safety. Carreno-Diaz begins her duties April 29, 2024.
Carreno-Diaz worked for 11 years in various capacities within USC’s Department of Campus Safety, with more than 300 sworn officers and civilian personnel. Starting with assignments in camera surveillance and patrol, she later transitioned to a special unit, Community Relations, where she rose through the ranks to become supervisor, manager, and ultimately director, transforming the unit into a bureau. In this role, she oversaw community engagement efforts, crime analysis, and social media communications, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, she managed both civilian and sworn units, including the Noise Enforcement Team, and worked closely with LAPD Vice. She also provided leadership for more than 50 cadets.
At Mount St. Mary’s University, Carreno-Diaz served as senior director and chief of campus safety, Emergency Management, and Environmental Health and Safety. Overseeing security operations across two campuses and a satellite location, she managed a security detail of more than 25 officers, coordinated various events, and led multiple emergency management incidents.
Carreno-Diaz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from California State University, Los Angeles, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Woodbury University, and a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from USC.
Reflecting on her career, Carreno-Diaz finds great satisfaction in community engagement and building cohesive teams. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, Bosco and Bruno, as well as indulging in travel adventures.
