Mayor Johnson’s ex-communications director faced complaints of misconduct before being fired

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ex-communications director, former campaign spokesman and longtime confidante Ronnie Reese, was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment before he was abruptly forced out of City Hall last month — charges that Reese categorically denies.

According to city personnel records, three complaints have been filed against Reese in the past year, including one from a female employee of the mayor’s press office who alleged Reese made her “severely uncomfortable” with unwanted hugs during a farewell party for another employee.

“I strongly 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 at the City of Chicago and previous employers can attest to.

‘There are many others who know my character, and who know the truth. I am confident 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,” said Reese.

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

“Several 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.

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

In a July 30 email, an equal opportunity employee for the city’s human resources department recommended Johnson’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, hold a “coaching meeting” about the complaints.

“Reese should be informed that he must treat all staff equally and not engage in misogynistic behavior, avoid physical contact (including hugs) with staff, not tell employees how to style themselves and avoid referring to protected categories such as sexual orientation, race. , national origin and ancestry, unless required as part of an official assignment,” the officer wrote.

“Reese should also be put on notice that as a higher-level supervisor with public duties, he will also be held to higher standards and may be subject to a higher level of discipline, including termination.”

Pacione-Zayas held a separate meeting the next day with press staffers about Reese, who was not present, records show. One of the complainants later said that it “has not led to additional clarity or changes.”

Reese was went on leave in October and was fired on Nov. 5 “for failure to meet professional standards,” records show.

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

Reese and Johnson were old friends dating back to their days 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 subsequently served as Johnson’s media point person during his winning mayoral campaign, joining him on the fifth floor of City Hall.

WBEZ previously reported that some former news agency employees complained of mistreatment under Reeseincluding being shouted at by senior leadership, decreasing job responsibilities, and creating conflict because you previously worked under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Reese was also named in a former employee’s pending complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights for harassment and retaliation.