Police Administration Last updated or reviewed on March 26, 2025 View the Department’s Organizational Chart Chief Michael Lamb Chief Michael “Mike” Lamb Chief Michael “Mike” Lamb started with the Asheville Police Department (APD) on February 16, 1998. He has been serving as an officer with the department for just over 25 years. Prior to holding the rank of deputy chief, he held the rank of Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. As Captain, he oversaw the Community Engagement Division. As a lieutenant, he was the Patrol Division Executive Officer and Adam and Charlie District Commander. Prior to being promoted to lieutenant, he served as a sergeant over the Public Housing Unit, APD’s Gang Unit, and the downtown district. Throughout his career with the department, he has served in various positions and roles as a Basic Law Enforcement training, physical training, and De-escalation instructor. In addition, he was a member of APD’s ERT (Emergency Response Team) for 20 years and a team commander for 9 of those years. Chief Lamb is an Asheville Native. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University in 1997 and is an A.C. Reynolds High School graduate. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police. Contact Information: Office: 828-232-4501 mlamb@ashevillenc.gov Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp Deputy Chief Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stepp Deputy Chief Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stepp started with the Asheville Police Department (APD) in October 2005. Before holding the rank of Deputy Chief, she held the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. Deputy Chief Stepp is the Department’s only female firearms instructor and the first female Deputy Chief. As Captain, she oversaw the Community Engagement Division and, before that, the Patrol Division and Finance and Support Division. As a Lieutenant, she served as the West Asheville District Commander, the Recruitment and Career Development Commander, and the Professional Standards Section Commander. Before being promoted to lieutenant, she was a sergeant in the Downtown Bike Unit and Internal Affairs. Early in her career, she held various assignments, including the Bike Team, Crowd Control Team, Field Training Officer, and Community Resource Officer. Deputy Chief Stepp is a Hendersonville native and North Henderson High School graduate. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western Carolina University. She is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute, the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Program, the Internal Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute, and the WNC Law Enforcement Leadership Academy. Contact Information: Office: 828-259-5915 jstepp@ashevillenc.gov Deputy Chief Sean Aardema Deputy Chief Sean Aardema Deputy Chief Sean Aardema started with the Asheville Police Department (APD) in July 1999. He has served as an officer with the department for over 24 years. Before holding the rank of Deputy Chief, he held the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. As Captain, he oversaw the Patrol Division. As a lieutenant, he served as the Criminal Investigations and Professional Standards Section Commander. Before being promoted to Lieutenant, he was a Sergeant over the Major Crimes Unit and South Central Patrol Unit. He has also served as a Basic Law Enforcement Instructor in the department. Deputy Chief Aardema is an Asheville native and T.C. Roberson High School graduate. He received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and is an FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Program graduate. Contact Information: Office: 828-259-5423 saardema@ashevillenc.gov
