Mayor Johnson’s former communications director faced misconduct complaints before being fired

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s former communications director, former campaign spokesman and longtime confidant Ronnie Reese was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment before he was abruptly ousted from City Hall last month, allegations that Reese categorically denies.

Three complaints were filed against Reese over the past year, according to city staff records, including one from an employee in the mayor’s press office who claimed Reese made her “severely uncomfortable” with unwanted hugs during a party. dismissal of another employee.

“I firmly and unequivocally deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” Reese said in a text message to the Sun-Times. “Throughout my career, I have conducted myself with the utmost professionalism and respect for all of my colleagues, something that many of my former colleagues in the city of Chicago and previous employers can attest to.

“There are many, many others who know my character and know the truth. I trust in that truth as I continue to prioritize my wife, my children and the health of my family in the next chapter of my career,” Reese said.

The allegations, first reported by the Chicago Tribune, also included “xenophobic, homophobic and anti-Latino behavior.”

“Several of the team members indicated that Mr. Reese… blatantly indicated that he was ‘untouchable’ and could not be fired,” according to documents obtained by the Sun-Times through a Freedom of Information Act request. Information.

“Team members indicated that Mr. Reese refused to share work-related information that affected their jobs, had unrealistic expectations, and often created or contributed to conflicts within the team,” one of the complaints said.

In a July 30 email, an equal employment opportunity official with the city’s human resources department advised Johnson’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, to hold a “training meeting” about the complaints. .

“Reese should be advised to treat all staff equally and not engage in misogynistic behavior, avoid physical contact (including hugging) with staff, refrain from telling employees how to dress, and avoid referring to protected categories such as sexual orientation, race. , national origin and ancestry unless necessary as part of an official assignment,” the officer wrote.

“Reese should also be informed that as a higher-level supervisor with public-facing duties, he is also held to higher standards and may be subject to a higher level of discipline, up to and including termination.”

Pacione-Zayas held a separate meeting with press office staff the next day about Reese, who was not present, records show. One of the whistleblowers later said that it “did not result in any additional clarity or change.”

reese was leave position in october and fired Nov. 5 “for failing to meet professional standards,” records show.

For a year and a half, Reese ran a City Hall press operation for Johnson that has seen a revolving door of media relations staff.

Reese and Johnson were longtime friends from their time at the Chicago Teachers Union, where Johnson worked as an organizer and Reese as deputy press secretary under former CTU presidents Karen Lewis, Jesse Sharkey and Stacy Davis Gates. Reese then served as Johnson’s media representative during his winning campaign for mayor and joined him on the fifth floor of City Hall.

WBEZ previously reported that some former press office employees complained of mistreatment under Reeseincluding yelling from senior management, diminished job responsibilities, and conflict over having previously worked with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Reese was also named in a former employee’s still-pending complaint to the Illinois Department of Human Rights alleging harassment and retaliation.