Leadership
Members of Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability were confirmed by City Council on May 22, 2024.
Commissioners
Anthony Driver, President
Anthony Driver is a lifelong southside resident, Bulls fan, and seasoned political strategist. Politically active since his youth, Anthony has experience in municipal, state, and federal politics as well as in both the private and public sectors. He is a graduate of Howard University and an advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After receiving his degree in Political Science and History from Howard, Anthony went on to serve as a Policy Associate for the Estell Group, the first and only Black woman-owned full-service government relations firm at the national level. He later would hold research and consultant roles that examined the juvenile incarceration rates in the US and how they are influenced by state policy.
He is currently the Executive Director of the SEIU Illinois State Council , where he is responsible for leading policy initiatives, organizing campaigns, and advocacy work on behalf of the 160,000 + SEIU members.
In his previous role at SEIU HCII, Anthony served as lead strategist on winning campaigns that raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour in Chicago and created a Civilian Oversight Board over the Chicago Police Department. In August of this year, Anthony was appointed as a Civilian Oversight Commissioner for the City of Chicago, and subsequently selected as president of the Commission. Using a combination of skills and relationships developed as a lobbyist and strategist, Anthony has successfully secured over $100 million in federal, state, and municipal funds to be redirected to support marginalized and disinvested communities. He has worked to successfully build bridges between residents and the local, state, and federal officials elected to serve them, as well as to increase African American voter turnout. With several electoral campaign victories under his belt, he is looking forward to contributing to building a more just and representative society in Illinois and beyond. He is a former Chicago Federation of Labor Delegate, an inaugural Black Bench Cohort member and serves as a board member of the Peace and Education Coalition of the Back of the Yards.
South Side/ Back of the Yards
Email: Anthony.Driver4@cityofchicago.org
Remel Terry, Vice President
Remel Terry is a distinguished community leader and advocate based in Chicago's Westside, with an impressive professional background spanning over 15 years in technical leadership, case management, advocacy, people leadership, program development, and community organizing. Her unwavering commitment to advancing the Black community and empowering its youth is a testament to her dedication and values instilled during her upbringing within a tightly-knit community. Early on, Remel demonstrated a deep passion for community sustainability, focusing her efforts on social justice issues by collaborating with prominent organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and Black Lives Matter. Her work in addressing social justice, police misconduct, and accountability showcased her determination to eradicate racial disparities. Remel has consistently partnered with grassroots organizations to confront legislative and enforcement inequities, economic development, education, legal system reform, healthcare, affordable housing, and political action. She has received recognition from the Fred Hampton Scholarship Fund for her empowering leadership, particularly in revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting financial and social equity in Chicago. As a former Vice Chair for the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Targeted Community Engagement Council and an advisory council member for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), Remel has demonstrated her dedication to community service. She also contributed her expertise to the Good Governance Transition Committee during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, highlighting her commitment to good governance.
In her recent role as Vice President for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), Remel continues to make strides in public safety. She co-led the most recent Superintendent search for the Chicago Police Department, making history yet again. Remel co-owns Black Gaming League, a company focused on digital gaming awareness and opportunities while actively engaging in community initiatives targeting youth and violence prevention. Remel Terry is renowned for being a voice for the voiceless and a collaborative force within the community, working closely with residents, non-profit organizations, and elected officials. Currently, she serves as the 1st Vice President and Political Action Committee Chair for the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, showcasing her dedication to civil rights and community development. Remel earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration with a Minor in Business from Lewis University. With over a decade of membership in the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, she remains deeply involved in her community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Remel finds joy in traveling both domestically and abroad, further enriching her perspective and experiences. Her transformative work in community engagement was duly acknowledged through a resolution from the Board of Commissioners Cook County, IL, sponsored by 2nd Cook County District Commissioner Dennis Deer.
West Side/ Lawndale
Email: Remel.Terry@cityofchicago.org
Aaron Gottlieb
Aaron Gottlieb is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Aaron’s research on the criminal legal system has been published in a wide range of academic journals across disciplines including social work, criminology, sociology, public health, and the law. This research has received awards, including the 2022 Frank R. Breul Memorial Prize and The Society for Social Work and Research’s Excellence in Research Award for 2023, and has been cited in media outlets, including The New York Times and The Atlantic. Aaron has also been recognized for his contributions to student learning and was honored with the 2024 Crown Family School’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring. Outside of the classroom, Aaron has worked on police accountability issues as part of a coalition that worked to pass the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance and as part of a community working group that worked with the Chicago Police Department to improve use of force policies and training. Aaron holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Affairs from Syracuse University, an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Princeton University. He lives on the Northside with his wife and dog.
North Side
Sandra Wortham
Sandra Wortham is the owner and principal attorney of The Law Office of Sandra J. Wortham, LLC. Prior to founding her firm, Sandra served as a civilian Deputy Director with the Chicago Police Department.
As a lifelong Chicagoan, Sandra is the daughter of a retired Chicago Public School teacher and a retired Chicago Police Sergeant and the sister of a fallen Chicago Police Officer. With strong ties to her Southside community, Sandra is committed to advancing smart, effective public safety policy in Chicago. She serves as President of the Nat King Cole Park Advisory Council, Executive Board President of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and Chairperson of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases. Sandra is a graduate of Howard University and the Chicago-Kent College of Law.
South Side
Abierre Minor
A lifelong South Side resident and eldest daughter of nine, Abierre Minor's leadership journey began at DuSable High School. As a student, she co-organized a 'read-in' that successfully saved her school’s librarian position during Rahm Emanuel's budget cuts, demonstrating her commitment to education equity. While balancing three jobs and student organizations, Abierre pursued a double major in Political Science and International Studies at Monmouth College. There, she led the Student Government, spearheading a $43,000 COVID-19 student relief fund and earning Student Leader of the Year for three years running.
Upon graduating college, Abierre immediately began her career in Illinois politics. She has served as a Policy and Budget Staffer for the Illinois Senate Democrats, the Chief of Staff for Assistant Majority Leader Mattie Hunter, the Chief Fiscal Officer for The Progressive Minds Show, and the South Side Organizer for The People's Lobby. Abierre has developed a keen understanding of policy and grassroots perspectives in these roles. She has supported major initiatives, including co-organizing community conversations in the Bronzeville area, coordinating canvases for elected officials, and co-facilitating town halls focused on public transportation.
As Chief of Staff for State Senator Mattie Hunter, she coordinated key task forces centered on public health, equity, and social justice. Notably, she revitalized the five-year dormant Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Taskforce, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the Chicago community. She has also served as an operation consultant and program developer for several non-profit organizations, including the John Bruckner Youth Initiative and a special project with Majority House Leader Camille Lilly. Witnessing the devastating impact of structural racism on marginalized communities, she has consistently sought solutions to dismantle institutional disparities. These experiences have allowed her to confidently navigate contentious discussions, effectively negotiate with various stakeholders, and write sound policy proposals.
Most recently, Abierre was appointed to the first permanent Commission for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). She is committed to collaborating with residents, officers, and institutions to create lasting change. Her experience in public policy and community organizing has given her the skills to navigate this arena effectively. As a commissioner, she is committed to fostering a legitimate, equitable, and transparent relationship between the community and the police.
South Side
Email: Abierre.Minor@cityofchicago.org
Angel Rubi Navarijo
North Side
Email: Angel.RubiNavarijo2@cityofchicago.org