CHICAGO (WLS) — Ashlee Gabrysch, Chicago’s chief financial officer, resigned after just three months on the job, saying she could not continue in her role without compromising her integrity, a departure that intensified scrutiny of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration during an already contentious budget season.
Gabrysch announced his resignation in a statement that said in part: “As Chief Financial Officer of the City of Chicago, there is nothing more important than my fiduciary duty to the City and its taxpayers. Continuing to assume this role would compromise my integrity and my professional obligations. »
ABC7 Chicago is now broadcast 24/7. Click here to watch
Gabrysch did not say what the mayor’s office asked him to do.
Johnson said Friday that Gabrysch’s departure would not affect ongoing budget negotiations.
“Obviously our finances are very carefully taken care of by our entire financial team, and you know we will welcome any scrutiny of my administration,” Johnson said.
The mayor said he favored scrutiny after several aldermen called for an inspector general investigation following Gabrysch’s resignation.
Ald. Bill Conway, vice chairman of the Finance Committee, said Gabrysch’s statement raised serious concerns.
“His statement clearly implied that he was asked to provide false financial information, which is concerning. And heck, it could also be criminal fraud. And that’s why it’s important for the inspector general to conduct an independent investigation,” Conway said.
The town hall is also requesting an investigation into Gabrysch’s behavior. In a statement, the administration said, “During her short tenure, Ashlee was largely absent during critical periods of the city’s budget preparation process. Additionally, her decision to direct the city treasurer to issue a $75 million payment without proper legal authority or following required processes raises serious concerns.”
Gabrysch, a former Wall Street executive with years of experience in finance, stands by her original statement.
“They’re trying to smear her because they’re obviously not happy that she’s, you know, insinuating and indicating that she was asked to provide false financial information, and that’s, you know, disturbing,” Conway said.
Johnson defended the character of his administration amid growing controversy.
“When it comes to the integrity of my administration, we operate in the highest form of integrity, and you know we will continue to take responsible action to ensure Chicagoans have all the support they need,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Finance Committee Chairman Ald. Pat Dowell is calling for an independent audit of the city’s finances and possibly a special meeting of the city council. Dowell is one of 28 aldermen who have already declared the mayor’s budget plan dead on arrival.
Gabrysch is the third chief financial officer in the Johnson administration to leave his post in the past year, adding another challenge to the administration as it seeks support for its budget plan.
Read Gabrysch’s full statement: “Throughout my career, I have remained committed to the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency, and during the short time I served as CFO, I have faithfully fulfilled this duty. However, it became clear that continuing in this role would compromise my integrity and my professional obligations.
Read the full statement from the Mayor’s Office: “We have accepted the resignation of Ashlee Gabrysh, effective immediately. The city of Chicago is facing a serious budget crisis after decades of mismanagement. Disturbingly, during her short tenure, Ashlee was largely absent during critical periods of the city’s budget preparation process. “
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.
Gn usa
