CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as the Chicago Park District General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Alderman Ramirez-Rosa will build on the legacy of Superintendent Escareño to ensure that our Park District equitably serves every community in Chicago, with a focus on our young people and our elders.  

  “Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is a passionate public servant with a decade of municipal leadership experience and a successful track record of building coalitions and delivering significant community investments,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration is committed to investing in our city’s residents and communities. Making our Park District more equitable and accessible, particularly in disinvested communities, is critical to improving the quality of life for all Chicagoans. Carlos is an effective leader and will be a strong Superintendent of the Chicago Park District.  

 “I also want to take this opportunity to reiterate how grateful I am for CEO Escareño’s leadership. She took over our Park District during a difficult time and did the hard work of rebuilding trust in communities across the city. I know that she will be a fantastic resource for Alderman Ramirez-Rosa as we make this transition.” 

 Elected three times to represent the 35th Ward’s diverse communities, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa brings a wealth of experience in securing funding for park improvements and enhancing public spaces. Ramirez-Rosa co-led the successful passage of Municipal Ordinance 2024-10158, which significantly increased funding for parkland acquisition.  

 “I am excited to support the appointment of Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to serve as Chicago Park District CEO,” said Chicago Park District Board President Dr. Marlon Everett. “Carlos is a lifelong Chicagoan and proven public servant who will work in the interest of all Chicagoans.”  

 Ramirez-Rosa has worked closely with community members to address key issues like public safety, homelessness, and maintenance at City parks. Alderman Ramirez-Rosa has a proven track record of securing millions in funding for urban green space improvements and advocating for equitable infrastructure and youth programs. 

 “I want to thank Mayor Johnson for this opportunity and CEO Escareño for her leadership. I also want to thank the residents of the 35th Ward who have put their trust in me to advocate on their behalf for the past decade. It has been the honor of my life to serve you all,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “I look forward to carrying on that spirit of service to this new role to ensure that all Chicagoans can enjoy our parks.” 

 Prior to Alderman Ramirez-Rosa’s service in Chicago’s City Council, Carlos worked as a congressional aide, a union staffer, a deportation defense organizer with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), and a Local School Council representative at Avondale-Logandale School on Chicago’s Northwest Side.  

Carlos earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Crain’s Chicago Business recognized Carlos as a “20 in their 20s” in 2016 and a “40 Under 40” in 2023. 

The Mayor’s selection is subject to Chicago Park District Board approval. Mayor Johnson will outline a community-led process to identify and appoint a qualified candidate to serve as the next Alderman of Chicago’s 35th Ward, centering the community's voice in his decision.  

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