Mayor Johnson replaces Chicago Housing Authority Board Chair after appointment of new CHA CEO

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has removed the chair of the Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Matt Brewer.

The mayor is now appointing Jawanza Malone as CHA Board Chair.

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The mayor's announcement comes weeks after the board named Keith Pettigrew as the new CEO of the housing authority.

Mayor Johnson claims Brewer unilaterally decided to appoint Pettigrew, calling it a violation of the Open Meetings Act.

Brewer says the board followed the law and process, with seven of 10 commissioners approving the appointment of Pettigrew.

The leadership of the authority has been a point of contention for months.

Mayor Johnson was backing former Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. for the role, but the CHA committee felt Burnett did not have the proper experience.

READ MORE | Mayor Johnson's pick for Chicago Housing Authority CEO had 'lack of operational experience': Letter