Rahm Emanuel's Communications Director Resigns

Kelley Quinn replaces Sarah Hamilton at City Hall in early June

After 2 1/2 years, Sarah Hamilton is leaving her post as communications director for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Hamilton, who stepped into the gig in December 2011 after a stint with the Chicago Police Department, departs City Hall in early June. She'll be replaced by Kelley Quinn, a veteran press secretary for a long list of polticians including Gov. Quinn and his predecessor Rod Blagovejich, whom she repped during his corruption trial.

“Serving the people of Chicago in the Emanuel Administration has been an extraordinary experience for which I will be forever grateful," Hamilton said in a statement. "I can’t thank the Mayor, my colleagues, and members of the press corps enough for making these last three years so rewarding. It has been an honor to work with so many talented people."

Hamilton, a native Chicagoan, previously served as the police department's head public affairs. She was poached to join the Emanuel Administration while working as a senior press secretary for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Hamilton's impressive resume also includes roles as deputy director of communications for Bill and Hillary Clinton's foundation.

"Sarah has dedicated herself to serving the people of Chicago seven days a week, at all hours of the day, to ensure that the public got the information it needed and deserved," said Emanuel in a statement. "Sarah has also been a valued and trusted member of my team for the past three years, and I will miss her. But we know she won't be far away from us, and we all wish her the very best."

Hamilton said she will remain in the city.

Meanwhile, Quinn stated: "I'm very excited, it’s a big challenge. I look forward to working for the mayor."

A big challenge indeed.

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