illi News - Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Appointment of Kenneth Gunn as Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of Kenneth Gunn as the new Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). With over 35 years of experience in human rights enforcement, anti-discrimination law, community relations, and public administration, Gunn is a highly respected civil rights attorney and public servant.

In a statement, Mayor Johnson praised Gunn's dedication to protecting civil rights and promoting justice for all Chicagoans. "Kenneth Gunn has devoted more than three decades to protecting civil rights, strengthening communities, and ensuring every Chicagoan is treated with dignity and respect," said Mayor Johnson. "His deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice has helped shape Chicago's approach to human relations and civil rights enforcement for a generation."

The CCHR serves as the City's civil rights agency, responsible for investigating and adjudicating complaints of discrimination, supporting victims of hate crimes, mediating community tensions, and providing education and training to promote understanding across Chicago's diverse communities.

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Gunn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner. "It is an honor to serve as Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations," said Kenneth Gunn. "For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of working alongside residents, advocates, community leaders, and public servants committed to advancing civil rights and fostering understanding across our city. I look forward to continuing that work and strengthening our efforts to ensure every Chicagoan is treated fairly, welcomed, and able to fully participate in the life of our city."

Gunn has been serving as Acting Commissioner since March 2026 and previously held the role of First Deputy Commissioner since 2000. In addition to his work with the CCHR, he has also served as Chair of the Cook County Commission on Human Rights where he helped advance policies expanding fair housing protections and strengthening workplace rights for residents.

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Before joining the CCHR in 1986, Gunn worked as an Assistant Public Guardian with the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, advocating for abused and neglected children and their access to safe homes, healthcare, education, and supportive services.

Gunn is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts in History and Juris Doctor degree. He is a recognized leader in the human rights field and remains actively involved in civic and community organizations focused on conflict resolution, fair housing, civil rights, and community development.

Mayor Johnson's appointment of Gunn is subject to approval by the City Council. If approved, Gunn will continue to lead Chicago's efforts in enforcing anti-discrimination protections, supporting victims of hate crimes, strengthening community relations, and advancing civil rights for all residents. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to justice, Gunn is well-suited to continue building a city where every resident feels safe, valued, and able to fully participate in the life of Chicago.

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