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On April 2, 2025, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the new General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, began his tenure by meeting with various stakeholders, including the Parks' executive team, department heads, and community leaders. His day commenced with an introductory staff meeting where he shared insights into his background and his vision for the Chicago parks.
"Bringing people together to accomplish big things is the cornerstone of my leadership style and philosophy," Ramirez-Rosa stated. "Responsiveness, accessibility, and solidarity are paramount to the success of this organization and towards ensuring the organization is advancing the wellbeing of all Chicagoans, particularly the most vulnerable."
Acknowledging the extensive experience within the Parks' leadership team, totaling over 461 years, Ramirez-Rosa emphasized his intention to utilize this institutional knowledge along with his organizing and governing experience to enhance the Chicago Park District.
Additionally, he engaged with representatives of SEIU 73, the union representing two-thirds of the Park District workforce. This meeting, described as unique for a General Superintendent, aims to reinforce the partnership between the District and the union to support park employees and the broader Chicago community. Such collaborations have been crucial in addressing challenges, like reopening parks post-pandemic and expanding youth opportunities.
Ramirez-Rosa's day concluded with a visit to Ogden Park in Englewood, where he conferred with 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, local staff, and residents about a proposed park fieldhouse. This project aspires to infuse significant infrastructure investment in the park and echoes the Park District's and Mayor Johnson's equity-focused infrastructure agenda.
Appointed by Mayor Johnson and the District’s Board of Commissioners on February 28, Ramirez-Rosa has dedicated over 40 hours preparing for his new role, engaging with staff, board members, and partners. His forthcoming schedule includes further interactions with park stakeholders to advance the District’s strategic goals, which focus on youth opportunities, sustainability, infrastructural equity, and collaborative governance.
For more information about Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, his biography is available on the Chicago Park District website. The public can also follow him on Instagram via the official District account @chicagoparksceo.
