2 weeks Ago By Emily Johnson
The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women has unseated Kimberly Ellis as director of the Department on the Status of Women following a unanimous decision. This move came after an investigation by the city attorney's office revealed misconduct and "unlawful activities." Mayor Daniel Lurie voiced his approval of the decision, stating, "I have the highest expectations for city employees, and the city attorney’s investigation found that director Ellis committed a range of misconduct, unlawful activities and mismanagement of the department on the status of women," as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The probe highlighted that Ellis had been involved in questionable financial activities, including steering contracts toward associates and failing to disclose personal payments received from a political action committee. According to an investigation covered by The San Francisco Standard, the department oversaw extravagant spending, like over $600,000 on a one-day conference that included massages and a fashion show, and an $85,000 contract to a friend of Ellis.Ellis, who was appointed by former mayor London Breed in 2020, has filed a lawsuit against the city, maintaining her innocence and alleging that her removal was an act of retaliation after she reported on sexual misconduct within a city-run foster care program.
City officials have dismissed these accusations as unfounded. "Her removal reflects not only unlawful retaliation but also a disturbing betrayal of the very values San Francisco claims to champion," Ellis stated in her lawsuit, as per the San Francisco Chronicle.While Ellis' attorney has not commented on her dismissal, the case has highlighted ethical concerns regarding the overlap of personal interests and public office.
Ethics experts consulted by the San Francisco Chronicle condemned the entanglements, with former chief White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter stating, "There is no way you should be giving out a city contract to someone and then taking a consulting gig from someone." Meanwhile, Linda Yeung has assumed the role of acting head of the department..
