Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a desire to clean house in City Hall saying in an appearance Feb. 10, “If you ain’t with us, you gotta go.” Some high-profile departures followed, but big vacancies in city government go back a few months.
Here’s what you need to know about the current state of city leadership.
Chicago Park District and City Council
Rosa Escareño announced Feb. 26 she’s stepping down as CEO of Chicago’s parks. Two days later, Johnson announced Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa would take over the role.
The move leaves an open City Council seat in the 35th Ward in Logan Square, which Johnson will appoint. The leading candidate is Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, WTTW reported.
Aviation Department
Jamie Rhee announced in February her retirement as aviation commissioner effective April 15. Rhee was appointed in 2018, overseeing numerous projects at O’Hare and Midway.
It’s unclear who Johnson might tap for the role as he seeks to push a major O’Hare expansion.
Office of Emergency Management and Communications
It was announced Feb. 13 that Executive Director of OEMC Jose Tirado will transition out of his position. OEMC said Tirado's exit had been planned since January when the Cook County State's Attorney's office offered him a position, Block Club reported.
Francisco Velez, Deputy District Chief and Special Events Liaison, will serve as interim executive director.
COPA is in search of a new chief administrator. (Chicago Tribune / Getty Images)
Civilian Office of Police Accountability
Andrea Kersten resigned from her role as chief administrator of COPA in February. Her departure came shortly after a civilian oversight panel discussed a ‘no confidence’ vote to remove her from office amid allegations of anti-police bias, the Sun-Times reported.
It’s up to the mayor to appoint an interim chief administrator. But the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability has begun a nationwide search for a replacement, WGN reported. It’s the first time this commission has appointed a COPA leader since it was created.
Chicago Transit Authority
Dorval Carter retired from his role as CTA President at the end of January after almost 10 years of service. The last few years of his tenure were marked by service and safety complaints from riders along with questions about his pay and appearances before City Council.
Nora Leerhsen, an employee at CTA since 2014 and the chief of staff since 2018, stepped into the role as interim CTA president on Feb. 1.
What does the future of Chicago’s administration look like? (Chicago Tribune / Getty Images)
Chicago Public Schools
The Chicago School Board unanimously voted in December to fire CEO Pedro Martinez. Martinez was accused by the Chicago Teachers Union of stalling contract negotiations. He also clashed with Johnson over budget issues, WTTW reported.
Because he was fired without cause, Martinez’s contract allows him to remain in the position through the end of the school year. While Johnson will appoint a new leader, it’ll be up to a new partly elected school board to approve the choice.
Chicago Housing Authority
Tracey Scott left her role as CEO of CHA in November after nearly five years. Scott faced heavy criticism for leaving CHA properties vacant or in poor condition during Chicago’s housing crisis, Block Club reported.
CHA Board Chair Angela Hurlock has been interim CEO since Scott’s withdrawal from office.
