A close ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson suddenly resigned her position Tuesday as the leader of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth’s resignation was announced during a Cultural Advisory Council meeting, members of the council said.

Johnson spokesperson Cassio Mendoza confirmed the resignation Tuesday afternoon.

“Mayor Johnson has immediately begun the search for a new commissioner who will work to protect Chicago from the Trump administration’s cuts to cultural grants and institutions,” Mendoza wrote. He did not say when Hedspeth’s last day would be.

A source close to Hedspeth said the departing commissioner is taking a job in the private sector.

It’s not clear who will run the department while Johnson seeks a replacement.

Hedspet

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