Mayor Brandon Johnson ousts city health chief Allison Arwady

Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady was fired from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) by the Johnson Administration on Friday, August 11, according to media reports. The decision marks the end of Arwady’s 8-year tenure with the public health board, which included leading Chicago through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arwady was confirmed as the CDPH Commissioner in January 2020 by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, just weeks before Chicago detected its first Covid-19 cases. Arwady became a recognizable face during the pandemic, addressing the city with news conferences, live streams, and regular updates.

Arwady made several controversial decisions during the pandemic, notably sending Chicago Public School students back to in-person class despite concern from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Mayor Johnson previously served as a CTU organizer and has been a vocal ally of the organization.

During the 2023 Mayoral Election run-up, Brandon Johnson expressed his disapproval of Arwady’s public health approach. In a March forum with WBEZ Chicago, Johnson stated, "We have different views of public health, so no, [Arwady] will not stay on in my administration."

In the wake of Arwady’s departure, First Deputy Commissioner Fikirte Wagaw will serve as acting commissioner. (Tribune)

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot called Arwady a hero in a statement Friday, saying, “We all owe a debt to [Arwady’s] unflagging commitment to data, science and keeping us all safe through one of the worst pandemics that the world has ever seen.”

Shortly after the announcement of her dismissal on Friday, Arwady made a statement over Twitter, assuring that her work in public health will continue. “Public health remains my passion,” Arwady said in the series of tweets. “I am dedicated to continuing this work, even if I am not able to continue to serve the city I love as your commissioner.”

This article was created with AI assistance