Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director George Togliatti has announced the appointment of Kristen Defer as Deputy Director of the Department, effective July 4, 2025.
Defer succeeds the current Deputy Director, Sheri Brueggemann, who will retire on July 3, 2025, following an exemplary 20-year career in Nevada state service, all with the Department of Public Safety.
Defer joined the Department in 2013 and has served in various administrative, fiscal, and leadership roles. Her broad experience includes positions with the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Nevada State Fire Marshal — both divisions within DPS. Most recently, she served as the Department’s Chief Fiscal Officer, where she played a key role on the management team during multiple legislative sessions.
Before joining the Department, Defer held management and administrative positions in the healthcare industry, working with medical offices in Nevada. Defer holds a degree in Business Management and is both a Certified Public Manager and Certified Contract Manager.
“Strong, experienced leadership is essential to an organization’s success,” said Director George Togliatti. “Kristen Defer’s knowledge and expertise make her a tremendous asset to both the Department and the citizens of Nevada.”
“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to accept the appointment as Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Having proudly served in the department for over a decade, this opportunity is both a personal and professional milestone. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Nevada with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to public service and safety,” said Kristen Defer.
This leadership transition highlights the Department’s ongoing commitment to professional excellence and public service.
