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Chicago Board of Ethics Remains Leaderless, Stalling Probes
Vacancy in top position has forced cancellation of recent meetings, frustrating some aldermen
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The Chicago Board of Ethics has been without a permanent leader for over six months, causing several investigations at City Hall to stall. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been slow to fill the position, forcing the board to cancel two recent meetings. Some aldermen say the delay is frustrating and argue that government oversight should be a top priority, while the mayor says the hiring process is about finding the right person. A five-member committee is now leading the search for the next chair.
Why it matters
The Chicago Board of Ethics is responsible for overseeing ethics and integrity in the city government. The prolonged vacancy in the top position is hindering the board's ability to conduct important investigations, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in City Hall.
The details
The Chicago Board of Ethics has been without a permanent leader for more than six months, forcing the cancellation of two recent meetings. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been slow to fill the position, though he agrees that ethics are important and says the hiring process is about finding the right person. For the first time in Chicago history, a five-member committee is leading the search for the next chair, including Bryan Zarou, vice president of policy at the Better Government Association.
- The Chicago Board of Ethics has been without a permanent leader for over six months.
- Two recent meetings of the board have been cancelled due to the vacancy.
The players
Brandon Johnson
The mayor of Chicago who has been slow to fill the position of permanent leader of the Chicago Board of Ethics.
Bryan Zarou
The vice president of policy at the Better Government Association, who is part of the five-member committee leading the search for the next chair of the Chicago Board of Ethics.
What they’re saying
“Johnson agrees ethics are important and says the hiring process is about finding the right person.”
— Brandon Johnson, Mayor (abc7chicago.com)
What’s next
The five-member committee is continuing its search for the next permanent chair of the Chicago Board of Ethics.
The takeaway
The prolonged vacancy in the leadership of the Chicago Board of Ethics is hindering the board's ability to conduct important investigations, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in City Hall. Finding the right person to lead the board is crucial to ensuring effective government oversight in Chicago.
