Annette Nance-Holt

Annette M. Nance-Holt serves as the Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, the second-largest fire department in the nation. With more than 36 years of experience in fire service and emergency management, she leads a workforce of over 4,900 members and oversees an annual budget of close to $900 million.

Commissioner Nance-Holt has built her career on advancing safety, preparedness, and equity within the fire service. Having held almost every rank from Firefighter to Commissioner, she brings a unique combination of frontline operational expertise and strategic executive leadership. She has directed major initiatives in training, risk mitigation, and interagency coordination, and played a key role in the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 response and continuity-of-operations planning.

A dedicated community advocate, Commissioner Nance-Holt is a co-founder of Purpose Over Pain and the Blair Holt Scholarship Foundation, both established in honor of her late son – Blair Holt. She works tirelessly to support families impacted by gun violence and champions youth-focused initiatives, including organizing Peace Day at Percy L. Julian High School and mentoring emerging leaders. She serves on numerous civic and professional boards, extending her commitment to public service beyond the firehouse.

Commissioner Nance-Holt’s leadership and advocacy have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award, the Percy L. Julian Peace Day Award, induction into the Chicago Vocational High School Hall of Fame, and formal commendations from the Illinois State Senate and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Commissioner Nance-Holt continues with courage, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to protecting and uplifting the people of Chicago.