John Roberson
Foundation Leadership
Incoming Executive Vice President, Obama Presidential Center
John Roberson currently serves as Incoming Executive Vice President of the Obama Presidential Center. In this role, he oversees the Center’s operations as in preparation for opening in 2026. Prior to joining The Obama Foundation, John was the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Chicago, managing the day-to-day operations of 37 city departments with a $16.2 billion budget.
John’s extensive career spans both the public and private sectors. He has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chief of Staff to 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, Managing Principal at Electronic Knowledge Interchange, and VP for Strategic Partnerships at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
In his time with the City of Chicago under former Mayor Richard M. Daley, John held several senior leadership positions, including Commissioner of the Department of Aviation, Commissioner of Buildings, and Chief of Development for the Chicago Housing Authority. He also served as the first Executive Director of the Department of Construction and Permits.
An Air Force veteran, John is actively engaged in community service, currently serving as Chairman of the Local School Council of Lindblom Math and Science Academy on Chicago’s South Side. He holds a degree from Roosevelt University and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. John is the father of three children: John, Jasmine, and Joelle.