Mayor’s Communications Director Resigns Amid Latest Staff Shakeup
Ronnie Reese Leaving as Communications Chief
One of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s closest confidants, who served as his communications chief through both his mayoral campaign and tenure in office, is leaving, effective immediately, according to a mayoral spokesperson. Ronnie Reese, who has been the communications director since March, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A source with direct knowledge of Reese’s departure, who was not authorized to speak on the personnel matter publicly, said the exit was "not voluntary."
Deputy Press Secretary to Take Over
Deputy press secretary Erin Connelly will serve as acting communications director in Reese’s place. Connelly confirmed to WBEZ that Reese is no longer with the mayor’s office but would not say whether Reese resigned or was fired. Representatives with the city’s Human Resources department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "I will be running the press office moving forward," Connelly said. "I’m really honored to take over this role."
Reese’s Tenure under Johnson’s Mayoralty
Reese helped propel Johnson into the mayor’s office, running campaign communications after spending more than a decade as a deputy press secretary at the Chicago Teachers Union, where Johnson was a paid organizer. However, under Reese’s helm, the mayor’s press office experienced rapid turnover in Johnson’s first year and a half in office. The press office went without an official communications director for nearly a year until Reese was officially named to the role in March. He was paid $189,324 annually.
Controversies during Reese’s Tenure
Some former press office staffers complained of mistreatment under Reese, including being yelled at by senior leadership, having job responsibilities diminish, and experiencing conflict for previously working under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Reese referred three former press office staffers to be placed on the city’s do-not-hire list, usually reserved for cases of extreme misconduct. Ald. Matt Martin (47th), chairman of the City Council’s Ethics Committee, called for hearings on the mayor’s office’s use of the list.
Reese was also named in a former staffer’s complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights alleging harassment and retaliation. A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Rights said last week the case is pending. The mayor’s office previously said they "wholeheartedly reject all claims of hostility."
New Direction for the Mayor’s Office
Reese’s departure marks the second attempt at a reset in the mayor’s communication strategy. In March, Johnson brought on a new senior aide, Joe Calvello, previously communications director for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). That’s when Johnson named Reese to the permanent communications director role as well. Calvello’s hiring came after complaints of a lack of media availability and of Johnson failing to answer questions directly. The changes – both appointing Reese permanently to the role and bringing on Calvello – appeared to make a difference, with Johnson taking media questions more often and answering those questions a bit more directly.
Bumpy Leadership for the Mayor’s Office
Reese’s exit comes after several high-profile departures from Johnson’s top leadership. Deputy Mayor for Education, Youth and Human Services Jen Johnson is taking a leave of absence due to health and personal issues. She was recently involved in the mayor’s replacement of the entire Chicago Public Schools Board of Education. Before joining the administration, she had served as chief of staff at the Chicago Teachers Union. Several leaders on Johnson’s intergovernmental affairs team, which will play a key role during the upcoming budget negotiations with alderpersons, also recently left the administration. Johnson’s first chief of staff, City Hall mainstay Rich Guidice, departed earlier this year and was replaced by Johnson’s former first deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas.
Conclusion
The mayor’s office is facing yet another shake-up with the departure of Ronnie Reese as communications director. With Deputy Press Secretary Erin Connelly taking over the role, it remains to be seen how this change will impact the mayor’s communication strategy and overall leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Ronnie Reese leave as communications director?
He left effective immediately, according to a mayoral spokesperson. - Why did Ronnie Reese leave?
It is unclear why Reese stepped down, but a source with direct knowledge of the departure said it was "not voluntary." - Who will take over as communications director?
Deputy press secretary Erin Connelly will serve as acting communications director. - Are there any ongoing investigations related to Reese’s tenure?
Yes, the Illinois Department of Human Rights is investigating a former staffer’s complaint alleging harassment and retaliation.
