Mayor Johnson appoints city’s 1st Latina Chief of Staff
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed the city’s first Latina Chief of Staff.
Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zaya, who was appointed to the position on Tuesday, is a Chicago native who served as the mayor’s First Deputy Chief of Staff since may of 2023.
“Cristina’s unparalleled dedication to our city, her depth of knowledge on critical issues affecting our neighborhoods like housing, community safety and education, and her proven track record of leadership make her the ideal person to serve as my next chief of staff,” Johnson said in a news release on Tuesday. “I am confident that together, we will continue to make strides toward a better, stronger, safer Chicago.”
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Pacione-Zayas formerly served in the Illinois State Senate before she resigned from the chamber to serve as First Deputy Chief of Staff.
Pacione-Zayas previously also served as the Associate Vice President of Police at Erikson Institute.
“I am deeply honored to serve as Chief of Staff for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago,” Pacione-Zayas said. “This role presents a unique opportunity to advance our collective vision for a city determined to deliver equity and opportunity for all, and I am committed to leveraging every resource and partnership to make this vision a reality.”
Pacione-Zayas replaces Rich Guidice who retired on Monday after 34 years of service to the city.
Following Guidice’s retirement announcement, Mayor Johnson released a statement thanking him for his service to the city.
“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,” Johnson said.
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