Chicago’s top public health official, who led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, was let go by Mayor Brandon Johnson Friday, according to sources with firsthand knowledge.
Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady gives an update about the COVID-19 vaccines and other pandemic news at City Hall, Dec. 1, 2020.
Arwady’s termination is part of a larger cabinet shakeup at City Hall that also saw the city’s chief of planning and development exit his role.Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox told his staff in an email Friday that he’s leaving his job, a high-level leadership change at City Hall that comes as Johnson approaches 100 days in office and appears poised to decide how many of his predecessor Lori Lightfoot’s allies to retain.
Prior to his election, Johnson was a Chicago Teachers Union organizer, and the CTU had serious clashes with Lightfoot and Arwady over the reopening of schools during the pandemic. The union forced several delays in the resumption of in-person classes and twice refused the city’s directives to return to classrooms.
Arwady released a statement late Friday saying in part: “It has been the best chapter of my life leading the CDPH team, especially through the COVID pandemic, when public health was needed more than ever.”She added: “I have every confidence in the CDPH team. I applaud them for all that they have done and continue to do, and I was especially disappointed not to get a chance to say goodbye. Public health remains my passion.
A Department of Planning and Development spokesperson said Cox’s last day was still to be determined and a spokesperson for the mayor’s office did not immediately respond to request for comment.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mayor Brandon Johnson to choose Chicago's next top copMayor Brandon Johnson faces a Sunday deadline to make one of the most consequential decisions of his time leading the city so far: who to select as the next permanent superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
Read more »
Chicago planning Commissioner Maurice Cox is leaving City HallChicago’s chief of planning and development is exiting his role, in the latest departure under Mayor Brandon Johnson of a cabinet member appointed by his predecessor.
Read more »
Chicago health board asks mayor not to fire commssioner ArwadyThe Chicago Board of Health is asking Mayor Brandon Johnson to keep Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady in her post following his campaign promise to replace her.
Read more »
Announcement on Chicago's next top cop expected this weekend, mayoral spokesman saysMayor Brandon Johnson is expected to reveal his choice for who will be the next leader of the Chicago Police Department this weekend, a mayoral spokesman told NBC Chicago.
Read more »
N.J. town was right to deny inmate a marriage certificate, court rulesBrandon Hardy wants to marry Matthew Galloway, who is in imprisoned in another state.
Read more »