Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Ex-Public Health Chief, Fined $150K for Ethics Violation
A $150,000 Fine for Violating the “Revolving Door” Ethics Law
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, has been fined $150,000 for violating the state’s “revolving door” ethics law. Ezike, who led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resigned from her government job in March 2022 to become the CEO of Sinai Chicago health system.
A Violation of the “Revolving Door” Law
The “revolving door” law prohibits high-ranking state employees from taking a job with an entity that had contracts worth $25,000 or more with the state agency overseen by the employee during the year leading up to their departure. In Ezike’s case, Sinai Chicago had contracts with the health department totaling $4.2 million in the year before she left her government post.
A Settlement Agreement and Fine
Ezike filed a settlement agreement with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul in November 2024, acknowledging her violation and accepting the $150,000 fine. According to the commission report, Ezike’s attorneys claimed that she was advised that she was in the clear before accepting the job, but even an agency ethics officer wasn’t aware that grant agreements held by Sinai were considered contracts.
A Critical Role in Guiding the State Through the Pandemic
Ezike played a critical role in guiding the state through the pandemic, and her leadership was praised by Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker declared it “Dr. Ngozi Ezike Day” when she announced her departure, saying she would “go down in the Illinois history books as a woman who changed our state for the better.” Ezike was also praised for her bilingual advice, reassurance, and hard truths during 161 daily televised briefings.
A Look Ahead
Ezike has accepted her fine and has continued to work as the CEO of Sinai Chicago, where she is focused on improving public health outcomes for underserved communities. Despite the fine, Ezike remains committed to her mission of advancing health equity and improving public health outcomes.
Conclusion
Dr. Ngozi Ezike’s fine is a reminder of the importance of ethics and integrity in public service. While Ezike’s leadership during the pandemic was praised, her violation of the “revolving door” law has resulted in a significant fine. As public officials, it is crucial that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
FAQs
Q: What is the “revolving door” law?
A: The “revolving door” law prohibits high-ranking state employees from taking a job with an entity that had contracts worth $25,000 or more with the state agency overseen by the employee during the year leading up to their departure.
Q: How much was Dr. Ezike’s fine?
A: Dr. Ezike was fined $150,000 for violating the “revolving door” law.
Q: What was Dr. Ezike’s role in the pandemic response?
A: Dr. Ezike was the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and played a critical role in guiding the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What is Dr. Ezike’s current role?
A: Dr. Ezike is currently the CEO of Sinai Chicago health system, where she is focused on improving public health outcomes for underserved communities.
