John Roberson

John Roberson currently serves as the chief operating officer for the City of Chicago. In this role, Roberson oversees the day-to-day operations of 37 departments with an annual budget of $16.2 billion. Prior to this role, Roberson served as deputy chief of staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle where he managed government and legislative affairs and strategic operational departments and initiatives.

Roberson has had a long career in both the public and private sector. He has served as chief of staff to 17th Ward Alderman David Moore; managing principal with Electronic Knowledge Interchange, a Chicago based technology company; as well as vice president for strategic partnerships with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

Roberson's career also includes serving in several senior executive roles under former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Under Mayor Daley, Roberson served as commissioner of the Department of Aviation, Commissioner of Buildings, commissioner of Sewers, chief of development for Chicago Housing Authority, and the first executive director of the Department of Construction and Permits.

Roberson is an Air Force veteran who received commendations for his service during the Persian Gulf War. Roberson has received several awards and recognitions including Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40, Xi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Statesman of the Year, and the national Young Public Administrator of the Year of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

His community service includes serving as the chairman of the Local School Council of Lindblom Math and Science Academy, a nationally ranked selective enrollment junior/senior high school located on Chicago's South Side.

He is a graduate of Roosevelt University and a proud and enthusiastic member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Roberson is the father of three children: John (28), Jasmine (25), and Joelle (18).