LaKenya White, Interim Chief Administrator

LaKenya, a Chicago native, brings over 25 years of investigative experience to COPA. She began her career in police oversight in 2000 as an Intake Aide with the Office of Professional Standards. In 2007, she transitioned to an Investigator when the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) was established, later serving as a Shooting Specialist handling numerous officer-involved shootings.

When the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was established in 2017, LaKenya took on the role of Major Case Specialist, responding to critical incidents like officer-involved shootings. She also served as the union representative for AFSCME Local 654. In 2021, she was promoted to Supervising Investigator, where she managed a team of five and ensured the thorough investigation of cases.

At the end of 2023, LaKenya was named Director of Investigations for Intake, overseeing the Intake Unit and all incoming complaints to make jurisdictional decisions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University and an MBA with a focus on Fraudulent Investigations from St. Xavier University. Outside of her professional life, LaKenya is a proud mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

LaKenya was named the Interim Chief Administrator for COPA in March 2025.