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CCPSA Nominates LaKenya White to Lead Chicago’s COPA Permanently

Commissioners cited her deep experience and employee support in selecting her as the agency’s next chief administrator.

Overview

  • White has served as interim chief administrator since March 2025 after Andrea Kersten resigned ahead of a planned no-confidence vote.
  • The oversight commission voted Thursday to advance her nomination following a search that drew 27 applicants and five finalist interviews, according to officials.
  • Records show the commission hired an outside firm for more than $45,000 to assist the search and declined to release the full candidate list.
  • Reporting by WBEZ and the Sun-Times found White reversed firing recommendations for six officers as interim chief, drawing scrutiny of her disciplinary decisions.
  • Her nomination now goes to a 30-day mayoral review before City Council committee hearings and a full council vote, as COPA may soon take on Welcoming City Act investigations backed by the mayor and police superintendent.