Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who became a well-known figure as the face of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 response, has been fined $150,000 for breaking state ethics laws. Ezike left her role as Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health in March 2022 and quickly joined Sinai Chicago as its President and CEO. However, the move violated Illinois’ “revolving-door” ethics law.
What Led to the Fine?
The ethics violation stems from a law that restricts senior state officials from joining companies their departments regulated or had contracts with worth over $25,000. While leading the Department of Public Health, Ezike oversaw $4.2 million in contracts with Sinai Chicago. Her department also handled several regulatory issues for the hospital system, including licensing and Medicaid-related matters.
The state executive inspector general launched an investigation in 2022, and in October 2023, Ezike admitted the violation and agreed to pay the fine. Records show that her final state salary was $180,000 per year, while Sinai Chicago paid her approximately $490,000 for the year ending June 2023.
Ezike’s Defense and Settlement
While Ezike admitted to breaking the rule, her attorney claimed it wasn’t intentional. Before accepting the role at Sinai, Ezike consulted with her ethics officer, chief of staff, and even private legal counsel, all of whom reportedly advised her that the move was permissible.
The $150,000 fine is one of the largest penalties ever issued by the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission. In her defense, Ezike pointed out that the law’s lack of clarity created confusion about whether the contracts between Sinai and the public health department fell under the “revolving-door” provision.
Her attorney argued that if hospital license renewals were considered regulatory decisions under the law, doctors like Ezike would be blocked from working in any health system for a year after leaving government roles.
Public Reaction and Statements
In her statement, Ezike emphasized that she accepted the position at Sinai to continue serving vulnerable communities in Chicago. She described her career as being driven by integrity, ethics, and a passion for health equity. Despite the controversy, Sinai Chicago expressed confidence in Ezike’s leadership, while Governor Pritzker’s office praised her service during the pandemic but did not directly comment on her ethics violation.
The investigation also found that Ezike violated a 2015 executive order prohibiting state employees from negotiating employment with organizations that lobby their agencies. Records show Ezike began discussions with Sinai in November 2021 and officially received a job offer in February 2022.
Ezike’s Role During the Pandemic
Ezike joined the Illinois Department of Public Health in 2019 and quickly became a trusted public figure during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stood beside Governor Pritzker at daily briefings, providing essential updates and urging residents to follow health guidelines. Her ability to connect with the public—especially during emotional moments—earned her widespread respect.
However, her tenure also faced challenges. The department was criticized for its handling of a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at a state veterans home in LaSalle in 2020. Despite this, Governor Pritzker praised Ezike’s leadership, declaring “Dr. Ngozi Ezike Day” when she announced her departure in 2022.
Broader Issues with Illinois’ Ethics System
Ezike’s case highlights ongoing issues with Illinois’ ethics laws and enforcement. A recent investigation by the Chicago Tribune revealed that most fines issued by the ethics commission come from a small number of cases, underscoring weaknesses in the state’s oversight system.
While the fine marks the end of this chapter, it raises questions about how effectively Illinois prevents and handles such conflicts of interest in its government agencies.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
