Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability outlines search for new COPA chief administrator
CHICAGO — Officials offered updates on the search for a new Chief Administrator for Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) following Andrea Kersten's resignation two weeks ago.
During a meeting on Thursday, the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) explained that COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten's last day would be Wednesday.
On Feb. 13, Kersten announced that she would be stepping down after four years at the helm of the office.
'Over the last four years, it has been a privilege to lead this agency in the service of all Chicagoans and I am incredibly proud of the transformative work that has been accomplished during my tenure,' Kersten said in a statement announcing her resignation.
Kersten had been appointed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, but commissioners said, by law, the mayor has the power to select an interim chief administrator to lead office until a permanent chief administrator is selected, confirmed and takes office.
The commission also is responsible for appointing the permanent chief administrator and their selection is subject to city council approval, similar to the superintendent process.
'The commission will host four public hearings on the search for the next chief administrator. One on the north side, one on the west side and one on the south side. And the fourth and final one will be virtual. At these hearings, commissioners will provide information about corporate function, responsibilities and jurisdiction,' Community Commission president Anthony Driver said.
Commissioners say they will gather public comment on what qualities the community would like in a new chief administrator and what priorities should be the focus.
The commission said they must now gather 10 candidates for the role through a nationwide search.
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