Chicago Mayor Signals Shakeup as Top Officials Resign

Three city leaders step down following Mayor Brandon Johnson's remarks on loyalty and plans for administrative changes.

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the departures of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee and OEMC Director Jose Tirado, while COPA Chief Andrea Kersten also resigned.
Johnson recently expressed regret over not acting sooner to replace staff inherited from previous administrations, stating, 'If you ain’t with us, you just gotta go.'
Rhee, a seven-year veteran, oversaw major projects at O’Hare and Midway airports, including runway redesigns and efforts to modernize terminals.
Kersten, head of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, faced criticism from police officials and was reportedly at risk of termination by the city’s police oversight commission.
The mayor has hinted at additional leadership changes as part of a broader effort to align his administration with his vision for the city.