Mayor Brandon Johnson Appoints Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt as Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner

The longtime public servant has previously served the City of Chicago in multiple capacities, most recently as interim DCASE Commissioner and Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development.

CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson today announced his nomination of Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). A proven civic leader with over 25 years of experience, Merritt has served as Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development since 2023 and as acting Commissioner of DCASE since October 2025.

"From the start of my administration, Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt has delivered steady leadership and real results for the people of Chicago," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Her decades of experience supporting small businesses and neighborhood development, paired with her deep commitment to arts and culture, make her uniquely qualified to help our creative sector grow and thrive. I'm thrilled to nominate her to this position and continue building upon our investments in artists, cultural organizations, and the vibrancy of our city."

I'm honored and excited to step into this role and continue my commitment to Chicago's arts and cultural community," said Kenya Merritt, acting DCASE Commissioner. "The arts are integral to our quality of life and essential to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods and our city. Chicago's cultural landscape is a powerful driver of opportunity, and I'm committed to leading a bold vision that invests in our creative ecosystem, advocates for and amplifies our artists, activates our public spaces and connects culture to the broader growth of our city.

As Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development, Merritt has led the launch and implementation of key pillars of Mayor Johnson's economic agenda including the Cut the Tape initiative, streamlining over 100 housing and commercial development processes, and played a central role in advancing Mayor Johnson's $1.25B Housing and Economic Development Bond that has allowed for investments that strengthen neighborhoods across the city.

Since stepping in the Acting Commissioner role, she has advanced a strategy that positions arts and culture as an essential driver of Chicago's economy by investing in artists and arts organizations, activating public spaces and amplifying Chicago's global footprint.

Prior to her current appointment, Deputy Mayor Merritt served as First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Small Business Officer for the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, where she executed policies and programs that supported entrepreneurs, including those in the creative industries.

Merritt previously held several key financial leadership roles within the City of Chicago, including serving as Chief Financial Officer at both DCASE and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). Her extensive public service career also includes leadership in early childhood programs and supporting a citywide budget strategy. Each of these roles were met with a commitment to equity, access and opportunity.

Merritt holds a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mayor Johnson's appointment is now subject to City Council approval.

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