Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart has been temporarily appointed acting deputy city manager while the city searches for a permanent candidate, according to Evanston Now.

City Manager Luke Stowe made the temporary appointment around Aug. 6. Under the arrangement, Stewart will serve in the additional role until a permanent deputy city manager is hired or the end of September, whichever comes first.

Stewart will continue serving as Evanston's police chief while taking on additional administrative responsibilities for the city during the FY2027 budget process.

The temporary assignment comes as Evanston searches for a permanent deputy city manager. The city has been interviewing candidates, according to the Evanston RoundTable.

A second leadership transition

Evanston is also operating with interim leadership at the Fire Department. Matt Smith was serving as interim fire chief by July, according to the Daily Dispatch.

Smith previously served in several leadership roles within the department, including as a division chief. City records from 2025 identified Paul Polep as fire chief and Smith as a division chief.

The temporary leadership arrangements come as Evanston prepares its FY2027 budget and continues work on several major city projects.

What happens next

Stewart's temporary assignment is scheduled to end when a permanent deputy city manager is hired or at the end of September, whichever occurs first.

The city has not publicly announced whether the arrangement could be extended if the permanent search continues beyond September.