Mayor Brandon Johnson is shaking up City Hall by bringing in fresh blood to tighten the reins on Chicago's external relations. The newest addition to his administration is Kennedy Bartley, a seasoned community organizer and former Executive Director of United Working Families, who will step into the newly minted role of Managing Deputy for External Relations. Johnson, himself a former labor organizer, is appealing to his base by underscoring his commitment to community-focused governance with this appointment - something he promised during his trailblazing mayoral run last year.
In a move designed to more effectively bridge the gap between the city and its varied interests, Bartley's crucial role will entail dialoguing with labor unions, community groups, elected officials, and other stakeholders. According to a statement released on the City of Chicago's official website, Johnson said, "I am thrilled to welcome Kennedy Bartley to my administration." He continued to highlight her influence: "I am confident that Kennedy's background as a trusted voice within the community will be critical in ensuring we are all working toward a better, stronger, safer Chicago that benefits all neighborhoods and residents, especially those historically left behind."
Bartley's credentials include a significant stint as the leader at United Working Families, and earlier as the Director of Campaigns for the Chicago Torture Justice Center, where she played a pivotal role in lobbying for funds to honor survivors of police torture with a memorial. She is not just an organizer but a scholar, holding a Bachelor's in Public Policy from DePaul University. Her education is rounded out with a focus on African and Black Diaspora studies and expertise in Geographic Information Systems.
Embracing her new charge, Bartley relayed her enthusiasm to City Hall, “I am excited to join Mayor Johnson’s administration as the Managing Deputy for External Relations to make sure that we are executing the vision Chicago elected him to,” said Bartley. She intends to fully embody the administration's values, stating, “This administration understands its duty to serve all Chicagoans, and I know that through my work in this role, together, we will show what it means to not only talk the talk but walk it, too.” With this step, Mayor Johnson is aiming to not just energize his governance but also to make a statement that his administration will earnestly champion the interests of every citizen.
