Mayor Rahm Emanuel has asked former Urban League President and CEO Andrea Zopp to be the city’s deputy mayor, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
Zopp, who recently lost the March Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate to Rep. Tammy Duckworth, would be in charge of overseeing major city projects if she takes the job.
According to the Sun-Times, Zopp accepted Emanuel’s proposal, although a weekend announcement was postponed. Details from the mayor's office remain scarce and City Hall officials have yet to confirm the appointment.
"As he has done for the past five years, the mayor frequently engages a wide variety of community leaders to gather feedback and hear their thoughts on policies, strategies and the path forward for our city," Emanuel spokesman Adam Collins told Ward Room. "Andrea Zopp has long been among those he has turned to as he values her insights on everything from education, which led to her service on the Board of Education, to economic development, where she worked closely with the mayor to ensure the Red Line South Project created jobs for south side residents."
"If and when there is some personnel news to make we won't be shy about making it," Collins added.
If the reports are correct, Zopp would be the mayor's second pick for the role. Steve Koch, who was appointed in 2012, currently serves as deputy mayor and handles overseas finances.
The former Urban League chief is a prominent figure in Chicago’s African-American community. She was appointed to the Chicago School Board by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and to the Cook County Health and Hospital System Board by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
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Zopp is also a Harvard Law graduate who served in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and in the United State’s Attorney’s Office.
Additionally, she held executive positions at a variety of Fortune 500 companies including Sara Lee, Sears Holdings and Exelon.
