Mayor Rahm Emanuel has appointed Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, Pat Quinn’s former executive inspector general, as the new chair of the Chicago Housing Authority. Scott replaces Jim Reynolds, the investor and Obama buddy who Emanuel just appointed to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.
Scott’s new job comes less than a month after Quinn also appointed her to the Illinois Gaming Board. A partner at Kaye Scholar LLP, Scott has worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she was chief of the General Crimes Section, and in the city’s Office of the Corporation Counsel.
“The Chicago Housing Authority’s board will play a crucial role in completing the Plan for Transformation and tackling the important challenges facing Chicagoans with affordable housing needs,” Emanuel said in a statement. “Z Scott has the track record of innovation as well as the experience needed to deftly lead this board.”
Scott will oversee the 10-member board as chairman. Members serve five-year terms. After Scott’s appointment, the board will have nine members and one vacancy.
Emanuel is also appointing Carlos Ponce to the open CHA board seat created by Reynolds’ departure. Ponce was the CHA’s interim CEO this summer, until Charles Woodyard was named CEO in mid-October. Before taking that appointment, Ponce served on the CHA’s board from 2003 to 2011.
