Press Release

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Selects Executive Search Firm to Lead COPA Chief Administrator Search

Date:

August 1, 2025

CHICAGO- The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has selected The Byers Group, a nationally recognized, African American, woman-owned executive search firm, to assist in the search for the next Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)- the agency responsible for investigating police misconduct in Chicago and making disciplinary recommendations.

Founded by Brett Byers, The Byers Group brings over 17 years of experience leading executive-level searches for public agencies, municipalities, and oversight bodies. Their track record includes successful placements in cities such as Oakland, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

“COPA plays an incredibly important role in our city’s system of police accountability,” said President Anthony Driver Jr. “The Chief Administrator of COPA must be someone who can earn the confidence of the public, demonstrate independence, and lead with integrity. We need a Chief Administrator who will support a system of police accountability that people can trustregardless of whether they’re filing a complaint or subject to an investigation. The Byers Group understands the weight of this responsibility, and we’re confident that they’ll help us find that leader.”

The Byers Group will help the Commission to carry out a national search, including conducting outreach to stakeholders, recruiting candidates, coordinating interviews, and performing background checks. They will work closely with the Commission to ensure a transparent and inclusive process. The Byers Group will incorporate input that the Commission has gathered from a broad range of stakeholders, including District Councils, COPA staff, subject matter experts, City leadership, community members, and both sworn and civilian members of the Chicago Police Department- to help shape the profile for the next Chief Administrator. The application and full job description will be released later this summer.

For updates, visit www.chicago.gov/chicagocommunitycommission.