Former Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno has been named the interim general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District.
In an Oct. 13 statement, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "I am grateful that the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners accepted my recommendation to appoint Rosa Escareno as the interim general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District.
"Rosa is an experienced and highly competent executive and a consummate professional. Rosa has my full support and confidence. Having served three mayors and with more than three decades of public service experience, Rosa has proven leadership skills and a breadth of experience that will inform her efforts to lead our Park District and maintain our beautiful public spaces and facilities during this interim period. Rosa is the right leader for this moment to bring confidence back into our Park District and to ensure it continues to provide crucial services to our community.
"As we conduct our search for the next general superintendent, I look forward to ushering in a new era of accountability in our parks system."
Escareno succeeds Michael P. Kelly, who recently announced his resignation amid a controversy over sexual harassment and abuse. According to WBEZ.org, he was being paid $230,000 a year.
Escareno, according to her LinkedIn profile, was deputy chief operating officer for the mayor's office during 2011-17. She retired from the BACP on July 31, 2021, according to WTTW.com .