Chris Wilson, the founder and CEO of WPA Intelligence, a prominent Republican polling firm, has been fired following allegations of misusing company funds for personal expenses. This development comes after the company’s CFO was terminated and charged with embezzlement earlier this year.
The situation unfolded when WPAi’s leadership team initiated an investigation into Wilson’s spending habits after the dismissal of the CFO. Two external auditing firms were enlisted to conduct thorough examinations of the company’s finances, which revealed instances where Wilson had allegedly used company money to cover personal costs such as vacations, healthcare expenses, and nanny services. It was reported that Wilson had used WPAi funds to pay significant portions of his personal credit card bills, which were also used for business purposes.
Despite the audit findings, Wilson’s lawyer, Ryan Leonard, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “defamatory and false.” Leonard asserted that Wilson had maintained transparency with his business partners and had even received a raise following a recent audit. Wilson himself expressed confidence in his ethical leadership and professional record, citing instances where he personally covered employee salaries during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, it was revealed that WPAi had covered travel expenses for Wilson’s wife to accompany him on work trips due to his health condition. Wilson, who had suffered a stroke in recent years, was advised by a physician not to travel alone overnight. However, these expenditures have raised questions about the company’s financial management and allocation of resources.
A spokesperson for WPAi acknowledged the ongoing litigation surrounding Wilson’s departure but emphasized the firm’s commitment to moving forward and overcoming the challenges posed by recent events. The spokesperson refrained from providing specific details about the legal proceedings.
Additionally, it was disclosed that Wilson had used WPAi funds to pay an employee of his personal real estate business, Carver Management, for full-time work. Documents reviewed by POLITICO indicated that the employee in question was primarily engaged in activities related to Carver Management. The revelation of financial transactions between WPAi and Carver Management raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of company resources.
The fallout from these revelations has had a significant impact on WPAi’s financial stability, with delays in vendor payments and employee bonuses reported in recent quarters. Some employees expressed frustration over the late disbursement of bonuses, which typically constitute a substantial portion of their income during election years.
Despite these challenges, WPAi had secured contracts with various Republican entities in the last election cycle, including the Congressional Leadership Fund and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Wilson’s departure marks a significant turning point for the company, which now faces the task of rebuilding its reputation and restoring financial integrity in the aftermath of these controversies. A recent incident involving Catie Gryder, a former employee of WPAi, has come to light. Gryder has been accused of embezzling money from the company, using company funds for personal expenses, and directing funds to a business owned by her romantic partner. The details of the case have not been previously reported, and Gryder’s lawyer has declined to comment on the matter.
Mark Wilson, the CEO of WPAi, has also refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, citing that it is an ongoing criminal matter. In a statement released before his departure from the firm, Wilson expressed the challenges he faced during this ordeal and emphasized his commitment to acting with integrity and upholding his faith. He stated that his primary focus has been on protecting the employees and clients of the firm from any repercussions.
According to the police report, Gryder engaged in deceptive practices to conceal her actions, such as moving money around and misusing company funds for personal expenses. Bill Simmons, the former COO of WPAi, who left the company in August, revealed that this was not the first time Gryder had committed such actions. In 2019, she had charged a significant amount to a business credit card owned by a firm of Wilson’s for personal expenses.
Despite Wilson’s attempts to reconcile and move forward, Gryder’s actions were deemed too severe, leading to her immediate termination once the misconduct was discovered. Gryder, who goes by her maiden name Catie Ross on her LinkedIn profile, describes herself as a Christian, mother, wife, and experienced accountant with a history in the accounting industry.
This incident is not the first time Wilson has faced legal challenges in his career. Two decades ago, he was fired by his polling firm’s parent company and sued for allegedly stealing corporate secrets and cash. Additionally, in 2021, he was sued by his ex-wife for allegedly misusing voter data obtained during their divorce. Wilson is currently disputing these allegations in court, with his lawyer stating that the lawsuit lacks factual basis.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the business world. The repercussions of Gryder’s actions have undoubtedly impacted WPAi and its stakeholders, highlighting the need for vigilance in safeguarding company assets and upholding ethical standards in the workplace.
