Mayor Brandon Johnson names new deputy mayor of community safety, CDOT commissioner

Several key personnel changes announced in the mayor's administration

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:25pm

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Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago announced several high-level personnel changes in his administration on Wednesday, including the appointment of a new deputy mayor for community safety and a new commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Why it matters

These appointments come at a critical time for the city, as Johnson seeks to address public safety and transportation challenges. The new deputy mayor for community safety will play a key role in the administration's approach to public safety, while the new CDOT commissioner will oversee the city's transportation infrastructure and initiatives.

The details

Emmanuel Andre, the deputy of policy for the Cook County Public Defender's office, will be Johnson's new deputy mayor for community safety, replacing Garien Gatewood, who was fired last month. Andre has experience working on restorative justice programs and initiatives to address violence in communities. Additionally, William Cheaks Jr., a former top deputy at CDOT and the Department of Water Management, will be the new CDOT commissioner, replacing acting commissioner Craig Turner.

  • Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the personnel changes on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Garien Gatewood was fired from his role as deputy mayor for community safety last month.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago, who is making these key personnel changes in his administration.

Emmanuel Andre

The new deputy mayor for community safety, previously serving as the deputy of policy for the Cook County Public Defender's office.

Garien Gatewood

The former deputy mayor for community safety, who was abruptly fired last month.

William Cheaks Jr.

The new commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), previously serving as a top deputy at CDOT and the Department of Water Management, and most recently as an executive at a civil engineering firm.

Craig Turner

The acting CDOT commissioner who has led the department on a temporary basis since former commissioner Tom Carney stepped down last July.

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What they’re saying

“They said they wanted to move forward with different policies as opposed to the on-the-ground work that I do, on-the-ground work with community members, with people in those communities, and also like communities like this, right? From being on the ground in spaces like this where we've seen levels of violence. They said that wasn't the route that they wanted to go. They wanted to go in a different direction. That was the only explanation I got.”

— Garien Gatewood, Former deputy mayor for community safety

What’s next

Cheaks' appointment as CDOT commissioner must be confirmed by the Chicago City Council.

The takeaway

Mayor Johnson's personnel changes in his administration signal a shift in priorities, with a focus on addressing public safety and transportation challenges in Chicago. The new deputy mayor for community safety and CDOT commissioner will play key roles in shaping the city's policies and initiatives in these critical areas.