CTA's Claypool named Chicago Mayor Emanuel's next chief of staff

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel late last week tapped Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool as his next chief of staff.

Claypool, who has been CTA's top executive since 2011, will succeed Lisa Schrader who is stepping down after two years in her post to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

A successor for Claypool at the CTA will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a press release issued by the mayor's office.

Emanuel, who won re-election April 7 to his second term, said in a prepared statement that he has known Claypool for 35 years. Claypool also has served as superintendent of the Chicago Park District and as Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's chief of staff.

"He has an unparalleled record of reform, accountability and leadership in city and county government," Emanuel said of Claypool. "That's why one of the first calls I made during my transition in 2011 was to Forrest to ask him to lead the CTA. He is a world-class manager, and under him, the CTA has never been run better."

Emanuel cited Claypool's leadership on the CTA's Red Line South reconstruction project as an example of his management and vision. That vision will be needed as the city faces the "biggest fiscal crisis" in its history, the mayor said.