It’s been only seven months, but the first person close to the new Mayor Rahm Emanuel is out.
Chris Mather, the administration's Communications Director, sent a statement Thursday afternoon saying "I leave knowing we accomplished what we set out to do."
Mather hasn’t said what's next, other than through an email: "a nap."
There's no word yet if she was pushed or resigned on her own.
Mather came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the main spokesman for Emanuel, she called it a "consuming 24-7 job" and she adds: "I came back to lay the groundwork and get things up and running and that work is done."
Some in the Chicago press found her all business, but at the same time, responsive and timely.
Mather's full statement below:
While it was difficult to leave the Obama Administration, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to come back home and help ensure Mayor Emanuel's smooth transition at a time when Chicago faced enormous challenges. I am extremely proud of the work we have done in the Mayor's first year for the people of Chicago and I am also proud of the work I was able to do on his behalf. I leave knowing we accomplished what we set out to do in this first year, building a strong communications operation that will serve the Mayor and the City of Chicago well for years to come. As I look back on this first year, I have many fond memories of working with Mayor Emanuel and I will forever be a friend and ally.
While the press corps might not believe it, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and consider many of them my friends. I look forward to continuing those relationships in my next role.
Helping Mayor Emanuel hit the ground running has been an all-consuming, 24-7 job but one I have truly enjoyed and thoroughly appreciated. I wish the Mayor and his team the best of luck.
