Myetie Hamilton, second from left, confers with Rosa Escareno, Park District CEO and general superintendent, at a board meeting in June 2023. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
On Monday, the Chicago Park District announced that Myetie Hamilton, president of the district’s board of commissioners, will step down from the role following Wednesday’s board meeting.
No reason was given for the decision. Board Vice President Modesto Valle will serve as interim president until Mayor Brandon Johnson names Hamilton’s successor.
Hamilton was appointed to the board in September 2021. At that time, she was executive director of City Year Chicago. She’s currently CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago, a civic leadership development organization.
When Hamilton initially joined the board, the Park District was embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct within the district’s aquatics program. The mishandling of that situation ultimately brought down the district’s longtime CEO and general superintendent Mike Kelly and led to the resignation of then board president Avis LaVelle.
Though a junior member of the board, Hamilton was chosen to replace LaVelle in February 2022, winning the unanimous support of her peers.
“This is a rare opportunity for us to forge a path forward in restoring trust,” Hamilton said, as she accepted the presidency. “I answer this call enthusiastically.”
During her tenure, Hamilton oversaw the creation of the Office of Prevention and Accountability, as well as passage of an amendment to the district’s code that would increase reporting and transparency. She also championed community engagement, including supporting a new process for approving large-scale festivals in parks.
“Elevating community voice, being transparent, holding ourselves accountable and making sure the Park District is investing equitably all lead to rebuilding the public’s trust and fostering a better, more patron-centered park district,” Hamilton said in a statement.
Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked Hamilton for her leadership and dedication, adding, “She’s set a powerful example of public service and I wish her the best moving forward.”
The next meeting of the Park District Board of Commissioners will take place Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., at the district’s headquarters, 4830 S. Western Ave.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
