John Swenson

John Swenson brings more than three decades of distinguished leadership in public safety to The Axtell Group. Before retiring in 2025, John served as the Director of Public Safety for the City of Lino Lakes, where he led both police and fire operations with a strong focus on innovation, accountability, and community partnership.

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John’s 36-year career in service began with the United States Army and continued with impactful roles in the City of Minneapolis and the City of White Bear Lake. Known for his calm and principled leadership style, John has consistently championed proactive policing strategies, cross-agency collaboration, and the professional development of those under his command.

At The Axtell Group, John draws on his vast operational and administrative experience to help client agencies improve internal capacity, refine policies and procedures, and strengthen their relationships with the communities they serve. His expertise is especially valued in areas such as organizational assessments, leadership mentoring, and advancing 21st-century policing practices.

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John’s commitment to public service and pragmatic, people-first solutions make him a trusted resource to agencies seeking lasting improvement in both culture and performance.