The Texas Department of Public Safety announced the promotion of Mimzie Dennis to chief of its Driver License Division, a move confirmed by the Public Safety Commission during its meeting at DPS headquarters, the agency said in an Aug. 27 news release. Dennis succeeds Chief Sheri Gipson, who is leaving after more than 40 years with the department.
The division is among the most public-facing at DPS, and the agency said it serves millions of Texans each year. The leadership change takes effect Sept. 1.
“Sheri Gipson has dedicated more than four decades of her life to serving the people of Texas,” Colonel Freeman F. Martin said. “We are incredibly grateful for her commitment, leadership and service.” Martin said the division “carries an enormous responsibility” and expressed confidence that Dennis and incoming Assistant Chief Amelia Flores would “continue moving us forward with the professionalism, innovation and dedication Texans deserve.”
Gipson has been with DPS for 44 years and has more than 30 years of leadership experience, according to the release. She served in a leadership capacity in each of the services making up the Driver License Division, with regulatory oversight of programs including administrative license revocation, ignition interlock, safety responsibility, conviction reporting, commercial driver license, and commercial and non-commercial third party. DPS credited her with helping modernize multiple systems, expanding compliance services, implementing REAL ID in Texas and testifying before legislative members on driver license initiatives.
Dennis brings more than 30 years of service at DPS and has held roles ranging from frontline positions to executive leadership, the agency said. The release described her as a champion of integration and modernization aimed at improving efficiency and customer service, and credited her with fostering a “people matter” philosophy emphasizing servant leadership, employee well-being and professional growth, which DPS said has contributed to increased customer service and decreased service times.
Flores steps into the assistant chief role with 29 years of service, including 15 years of progressive leadership and operational experience, according to the release. DPS said she has led statewide transformation initiatives focused on improving service delivery, strengthening operations and preparing the division for the future, and described her leadership philosophy as grounded in integrity, accountability and results through people.
Both Dennis and Flores will be stationed at DPS headquarters in Austin, the agency said, with their appointments effective Sept. 1, 2026.