Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced the appointment of Cole Stallard to serve as acting Commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) beginning Thursday, July 1, following the retirement of John Tully after 39 years of public service.

"Cole's leadership has gotten our city through a number of tough times and one of his most impressive accomplishments was managing an entire season's snowfall in less than three weeks," said Mayor Lightfoot. "With over two decades of experience, as well as a wealth of firsthand knowledge about our streets and sanitation system, it's clear that Cole is the perfect fit for this interim role. I want to congratulate him on his appointment and thank former DSS Commissioner John Tully for his invaluable years of service to our great city."

Stallard has served the City of Chicago for over 20 years and has served as Deputy Commissioner at DSS since 2014. In this role, Stallard has managed over 20 inches of snow in 2021, helped lead the Department’s efforts to support the City’s COVID-19 response and streamlined the City’s graffiti removal strategy to cut response time in half. Stallard was born and raised on the southeast side and currently resides on the southwest side.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the Department of Streets and Sanitation, which I consider my second family, and to get to continue to serve the residents of Chicago.  I know I have big shoes to fill,” said Acting Commissioner Cole Stallard. “In the last year, more than ever, we know how important it is to continue to keep our city safe and clean and I plan to continue this great work.”

Commissioner Tully leaves DSS after 39 years of public services starting in the County, serving at the CTA, and the State and finally, for nearly the last 27 years at Streets and Sanitation.  He has been dedicated to his work earning the Commissioner role in 2018 and leading the department through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Born and raised in Chicago, Commissioner Tully spent his early years in West Englewood and has since lived in the Clearing Area for over 50 years.  Commissioner Tully is looking forward to spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandson. 

###