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San Francisco Panel to Decide Fate of Women's Department Head Following Ethics Allegations

Kimberly Ellis faces potential removal as the Commission on the Status of Women meets to vote, following claims of undisclosed side work, improper contracting, and workplace misconduct.

Kimberly Ellis, director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, was placed on leave last month by Mayor Daniel Lurie amid an ethics investigation.
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Overview

  • Mayor Daniel Lurie has recommended the removal of Kimberly Ellis, head of the Department on the Status of Women, citing ethics concerns and a confidential investigation.
  • Ellis allegedly failed to disclose outside income from PowerPACPlus and bypassed competitive bidding processes to award contracts to organizations tied to personal connections.
  • A lawsuit filed by Ellis on April 1 claims retaliation for reporting misconduct and denies any wrongdoing, framing her suspension as politically motivated.
  • The Commission on the Status of Women, which oversees Ellis, is meeting in closed session to vote on her potential dismissal, as required by the city charter.
  • Ellis's tenure has been marked by high staff turnover and accusations of fostering a culture of intimidation, alongside a controversial shift in the department's focus toward political advocacy.