CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Rich Guidice, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff, is retiring.
The longtime City Hall insider will leave the administration at the end of the month, the mayor announced in a statement.
“For more than three decades, Rich Giudice has admirably served the City of Chicago, earning tremendous respect under four mayors and across multiple City departments,” Johnson said.
“From West Side roots and the halls of Gordon Tech High School, to leadership through some of Chicago’s most remarkable major events, Rich has long been a steady and guiding force, and a mentor to many.”
When Johnson entered office last year, he pegged the 34-year City employee to be first his chief of staff. His experience traces back to the former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s administration.
Under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Guidice served as the head of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. He held that position for four years.
“Our administration is better because of the time he spent as my chief of staff, and I wish him good health, good fortune, and the absolute best in a hard-earned and very well-deserved retirement,” Johnson added in his statement.
According to Politico, the mayor’s deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, is expected to succeed Guidice on April 1.
This staff reshuffling coincides with the recent arrival of Chief Strategy Officer Joe Calvello, a former aide to Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram I TikTok