DNC Host Committee closes probe into ‘toxic’ allegations
Last month, Liz Gilbert and Adam Alonso were abruptly fired following allegations of a toxic work environment at the host committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. An investigation was launched.
And Thursday, the case was closed, without the report being made public.
“The investigation is complete and appropriate actions have been taken,” said a statement from the host committee’s board of directors issued Thursday.
“Because the investigation related to employment matters, out of respect for the confidentiality of all those involved, we will not provide further comment regarding the investigation,” the statement said.
Gilbert, former president of the host committee, and Alonso, her chief of staff, were fired in February.
The move came one day after the board suspended the pair and launched an investigation into the toxic workplace allegations.
The Journal Sentinel first reported in early February that a group of senior women staffers had written an unsigned letter complaining of being “bullied and intimidated” by Alonso — something they said Gilbert did nothing to stop. They also said Alonso’s actions fostered a “toxic and unstable” culture.
Alonso and Gilbert disputed the allegations. Gilbert’s attorney, Peg Schaffer, said at the time that Gilbert had cooperated with the investigator, was hoping to be exonerated and called the actions by the board “outrageous and unwarranted.”
Alonso has said he was never interviewed as part of the investigation.
The board hired the local firm of Foley & Lardner to coordinate the investigation. Foley brought on another firm — Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart — to look into the specific accusations and report its findings to the board.
Last week, the Host Committee announced new leadership, tapping two local leaders.
Raquel Filmanowicz, director of U.S. community giving for BMO Harris Bank, was named as the chief executive officer of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee by its board. Paula Penebaker, former chief executive officer of the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, was tabbed as the new chief operating officer overseeing daily operations.
The host committee — the civic, nonpartisan arm of the convention — is responsible for raising $70 million to stage the July event at Fiserv Forum and recruit some 15,000 volunteers. A separate group, the Democratic National Convention Committee, will run the July convention.