Overview

• John Roberson has served as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief operating officer since May 2023 and led preparations for last year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
• Obama Foundation officials confirmed Roberson’s appointment as executive vice president of the Obama Presidential Center, effective July 7.
• Roberson will remain in his current role through June 20 before transitioning to Jackson Park to oversee the center’s final construction and future operations.
• He is no longer under consideration for the Chicago Transit Authority presidency, putting an end to weeks of speculation and transit advocates’ calls for a nationwide search.
• The Mayor’s Office said it will name a new chief operating officer soon, marking the departure of one of the administration’s last City Hall veterans.