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Pettigrew's exit spotlights continuity risks; nominees recommend deputy as interim
Summary
After Executive Director Keith Pettigrew announced he would leave to lead Chicago Housing Authority, nominees and committee members discussed interim leadership; Raymond Skinner recommended Deputy Director Nicole Whitcliffe as interim and the committee pressed for contract transparency to protect continuity.
Committee members pressed nominees on how the agency will sustain its recovery after Executive Director Keith Pettigrew's announcement that he will lead the Chicago Housing Authority. Chair Robert White and nominees agreed the timing raised concerns about continuity and the need for clear oversight.
"I think I learned, at the same time that you did," Raymond Skinner said of the public news reports about Pettigrew's departure, acknowledging the committee's surprise. Skinner recommended that the board designate Deputy Director Nicole Whitcliffe as interim director during deliberations about the next permanent executive.
Members repeatedly asked who would be responsible for making sure the three-year recovery plan stays on track during the transition; Skinner said the board must provide monitoring and hold senior staff accountable and that Whitcliffe, who helped build the recovery plan, could oversee implementation in the near term.
Chair White urged that the next executive director's contract be visible to the committee to clarify expectations, length of service and any penalties for early departure. Skinner said he would consult general counsel and could not commit to public release if legal constraints exist.
The committee asked staff to follow up with the board for details about the interim leadership plan, the status of senior staff and the timeline for a permanent director search.
