Leadership Standoff Clouds CHA CEO Appointment

Leadership at the Chicago Housing Authority remains in flux, as the agency’s interim head defies Mayor Brandon Johnson’s attempts to block a new CEO appointment.

The $1.4 billion agency, which oversees 65,000 households, is caught between a board-approved transition and the mayor’s claims of procedural irregularities. Crain’s reported that operating chair Matthew Brewer stated in a letter to staff that the agency is moving “full steam ahead” with the appointment of Keith Pettigrew. Brewer urged employees to ignore “external noise” and confirmed that the transition process for the incoming executive is proceeding as planned.

The conflict centers on a purportedly surprise March 17 board vote that selected Pettigrew to lead the agency, which has lacked a permanent CEO since late 2024. In response, Mayor Johnson moved to replace Brewer with ally Jawanza Malone, although the board majority that supported Pettigrew remains intact, according to the publication.

Legal challenges may be the mayor’s only recourse to halt the April 20 start date for the new CEO. The mayor’s office cited potential violations of the Open Meetings Act and the Housing Authorities Act as grounds for opposition.

The drama impacts the management of one of the nation’s largest public housing portfolios. The CHA board specifically structured the CEO’s contract to require a 75 percent supermajority for removal, creating a significant hurdle for the administration, according to the outlet.

Residents and members of the Central Advisory Council — a resident advisory board — have voiced strong support for Pettigrew, expressing frustration over the prolonged leadership vacuum. CAC President Francine Washington, who also serves on the CHA board, warned against political interference in the agency’s governance.

Johnson has argued that the selection process lacked transparency and failed to serve the interests of Chicago residents. However, Brewer maintains that all CHA operations are continuing as normal and that the executive leadership team is aligned on the work ahead, according to the publication.

The political friction extends to the City Council, where the mayor’s recent board nominations are currently stalled in the Rules Committee.

— Eric Weilbacher