Mayor Brandon Johnson's chief of staff Rich Guidice to retire

CHICAGO - Rich Guidice, the chief of staff for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, announced he will retire at the end of March.

Guidice came out of retirement after Johnson was elected in 2023. He had previously served 18 years in Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. He was head of the OEMC from 2019 to 2023.

Johnson released a statement Thursday commending Guidice:

"For more than three decades, Rich Guidice has admirably served the City of Chicago, earning tremendous respect under four mayors and across multiple City departments. 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.

To come out of retirement to serve in my administration is a testament to his belief in our work and our vision for the City of Chicago, and for that, I am grateful.

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's statement read.

Guidice's final day will be on April 1.