Mayor Brandon Johnson is shaking up his team at City Hall, appointing big names to key Chicago departments. Veteran city hand Tom Carney is set to steer the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), while Alfonzo "Randy" Conner Jr. is tapped for a comeback as commissioner of the Department of Water Management. Sandra Blakemore climbs the ladder to head up the Department of Human Resources, according to a city announcement.
Acting as CDOT's interim chief since August, Carney has been to quickly implement a robust $2 billion in citywide projects. "Tom Carney has served admirably as the acting commissioner of CDOT, working to make the entire city accessible to all Chicagoans," Mayor Johnson stated. With his eye on inclusive accessibility and large-scale improvements, Carney's confirmation seems all but ensured. His previous multiple leadership roles within CDOT and his latest jaunt as NASCAR Infrastructure Committee Chairman boast of his readiness for the permanent gig.
The Department of Water Management will see a familiar face with Conner's return. His prior stint as commissioner from July 2017 until December 2020 included converting pumping stations to electric power, notching up savings and slicing down the carbon footprint. "We are excited to be welcoming Randy back as a proven leader and someone who knows the ins and outs of infrastructure and water management," Mayor Johnson expressed.
On the human resources front, Blakemore is stepping up from her commissioner role at the Department of Assets, Information, and Services (AIS). A strategic move by Mayor Johnson aims to leverage her experience in both the private and public sectors. During her AIS tenure, Mayor Johnson claims that she "led the procurement of an energy contract to meet the City's goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2025," a nod to her forward-thinking prowess. Boasting an impressive educational background with a B.A. from Harvard and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland, Blakemore's step to foster fair employment practices in the city is eagerly anticipated.
All selections made by Mayor Johnson are awaiting the nod from City Council, setting the stage for these leaders to embark on their new roles, pending approval. The announcement has raised the bar for expectations in terms of citywide improvements in transportation, water management, and human resources. The residents of Chicago are to keenly watch these developments as the new appointees prepare to put their stamp on the city's future.
