August 12, 2013

Mayor Emanuel Names Committee to Select New IPRA Chief

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that an independent committee comprised of community leaders and public safety experts will lead the search for the next chief administrator of the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA).  The former head recently stepped down from IPRA, which was founded in 2007 as an independent agency charged with investigating allegations of police misconduct, excessive force and shootings.

“IPRA plays a very important role in building and maintaining a strong relationship between the Chicago Police Department and the communities it serves. The committee will recommend a person of both integrity and professionalism to lead this agency,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. 

The five-member committee will create and complete a thorough review and selection process, solicit applicants and then recommend the top candidates to the Mayor.  The appointment also needs to be confirmed by the Chicago City Council

Committee members include:

Sarah Pang (Chair)

Sarah Pang is currently the senior vice president of CNA’s Corporate Communications department, a member of CNA’s Operating Committee, and President of the CNA Foundation community involvement initiatives. In 2011, she served as Co-Chair for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s transition team. Prior to joining CNA in 2001, Sarah spent nine years as first deputy chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, providing oversight and coordination for the city’s 48 departments and agencies, and direct management of special mayoral projects. She also served for 10 years as executive assistant to U.S. Senator Alan J. Dixon.  

Sarah is a member of the Chicago Public Safety Action Committee, the Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors, and the advisory board of the Chinese American Service League, the Lincoln Park Zoo board of directors; and the Chicago Loop Alliance board of directors. Sarah received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Iowa and attended graduate school at the National Taiwan University

Terry G. Hillard

Terry G. Hillard is one of the Co-Founders of Hillard Heintze, a private security consulting firm. Previously he served for five years as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, overseeing an annual budget totaling nearly $1 billion. Prior to his appointment as Superintendent of Police, Hillard spent over 30 years in the police department serving in numerous roles including Patrol Officer, Gang Crimes Specialist, member of the mayoral Executive Security Detail, Intelligence Division Sergeant, District Commander, Chief of Detectives, Coordinator of the Chicago Terrorist Task Force and Lieutenant in Gang Crimes and Narcotics Sections. Hillard has received several awards for his courage in the police force including the Blue Star Award, the Police Medal, and the Superintendent’s Award of Valor.

He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Corrections from Chicago State University and honorary doctoral degrees from Lewis University, Saint Xavier University, Calumet College of Saint Joseph, and the Catholic Theological Union.

Rev. Dr. Michael L. Pfleger

Father Michal Pfleger became an ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1975 and is currently the Pastor of Saint Sabina Church, a post which he has held since 1981. Since 1968, Father Pfleger has lived and ministered in the African-American community on both the west and south sides of Chicago. Father Pfleger has received numerous awards for his commitment to equality and passion stance against injustice. In addition, Father Pfleger is the founder of the Employment Resource Center, the Ark Youth Center, Saint Sabina Social Service Center, Thea Bowman Spiritual Advance Center, Samaritan House for the homeless, Saint Sabina 80-unit Elders Village and the Beloved Community, Inc.

Father Pfleger received his B.A. in Theology from Loyola University, his Master of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. He has also completed post-graduate studies at Mundelein College and the Catholic Theological Union.

Michael Rodriguez

Michael D. Rodríguez currently serves as Executive Director of Enlace Chicago, a not-for-profit community based organization formerly known as the Little Village Community Development Corporation. Enlace Chicago is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of the residents of the Little Village Community by fostering a physically safe and healthy environment in which to live and by championing opportunities for educational advancement and economic development. Through four program areas—Community Education, Community Enrichment, Economic Development and Violence Prevention—Enlace Chicago directly serves more than 5,000 youth and adults. The organization's impact reaches well beyond this number and benefits the entire community of nearly 100,000 residents. In 2012, Rodriguez was named a recipient of the White House Champion of Change award for his commitment to preventing youth violence within Little Village. Enlace Chicago recently received the LISC Chicago and Chicago Community Trust, 2011 Community Strategy of the Year award for its comprehensive violence prevention strategies. 

Mr. Rodríguez completed a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago in Community Organizing, Planning and Development where he was the recipient of the McCormick-Tribune Fellowship for outstanding leadership in Community Development. Mr. Rodríguez is a life-long resident of the Little Village community.

The Hon. Deborah L. Graham

Deborah L. Graham currently serves as Alderman of the City of Chicago's 29th Ward. Prior to her role as Alderman, she served in the Illinois General Assembly as a State Representative.  From 2003-2011, Graham served as a State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly.  Graham carved out a record supporting legislation involving gun control, health care accessibility, cracking down on predatory lending, expanding environmental protection, and increasing child safety.

Before her service in the General Assembly Graham worked for Inner Voice, a community organization dedicated to helping homeless women and victims of domestic violence find a place to call home and achieve self-sufficiency. Under Graham's direction, Inner Voice programs achieved an 87 percent retention rate. She is also currently the Democratic Committeeman of the 29th Ward. Graham holds a Bachelor's Degree from Robert Morris University in Business Administration.

 

 

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