Chris Wilson, the founder and CEO of WPA Intelligence, a top Republican polling firm, has been fired after company audits revealed potential misuse of firm funds for personal expenses. The decision to terminate Wilson came after the firm’s CFO was dismissed and charged with embezzlement earlier in the year, an accusation she denies.
Following the CFO’s termination, WPAi’s leadership team initiated an investigation into Wilson’s financial activities. Two external auditing firms were enlisted to conduct thorough examinations, and business consultants were later brought in to restructure the company and restore its financial health. Wilson, known for his work on presidential campaigns for figures such as Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz, was officially let go on December 5th and has been removed from the company’s website.
The audits conducted on the firm’s finances uncovered a pattern of Wilson using company funds for personal expenses over the course of several years. Allegedly, these expenses included vacations, healthcare costs, and even payments to a nanny. Sources familiar with the situation claim that Wilson would often use WPAi’s money to cover significant portions of his personal credit card bills, which were also utilized for company-related expenses.
Ryan Leonard, Wilson’s attorney, has vehemently denied the allegations behind his client’s dismissal, calling them “defamatory and false.” Leonard asserted that Wilson maintained complete transparency with his business partners at WPAi and had even received a raise following a recent audit. Wilson himself expressed confidence in his ethical leadership and professional track record, citing instances where he personally covered payroll expenses during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent layoffs.
Additionally, it was revealed that WPAi had covered travel expenses for Wilson’s wife to accompany him on work trips due to his health condition resulting from a stroke. A spokesperson for WPAi refused to comment on the ongoing litigation but emphasized that Wilson had not been forthcoming about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Furthermore, allegations emerged that Wilson had used company funds to pay an employee of his personal real estate business, Carver Management, for full-time work with the real estate entity. Documents reviewed by POLITICO indicated that the employee in question was indeed employed by Carver full-time. It was also disclosed that WPAi rented office space from Carver Management, leading to potential conflicts of interest.
The financial strain caused by these expenses reportedly impacted the company’s operations, resulting in delayed vendor payments and disruptions to employee compensation. Some staff members allegedly experienced delays in receiving quarterly bonuses, which constitute a significant portion of their earnings during election seasons.
Despite Wilson’s dismissal, WPAi continues to provide services to various Republican clients, including prominent political organizations and lawmakers. The firm’s future direction remains uncertain as it navigates the fallout from these financial controversies. The recent incident involving Catie Gryder and her alleged embezzlement at WPAi has not previously been reported. Gryder’s lawyer has chosen not to comment on the situation, while Wilson, the firm’s owner, has also declined to provide specific details due to the ongoing criminal matter. In a statement released prior to his departure from the firm, Wilson expressed the challenges he faced during this ordeal and emphasized his commitment to upholding his personal integrity and faith.
According to the police report, Gryder was accused of quietly diverting funds, using company resources to benefit her romantic partner’s business, and utilizing a WPAi business account for personal expenses such as insurance and phone bills. Bill Simmons, the former COO of WPAi, revealed that Gryder had engaged in similar behavior with another firm owned by Wilson in 2019, resulting in her termination once the misconduct was discovered.
Gryder’s LinkedIn profile, under her maiden name Catie Ross, describes her as a Christian, mother, wife, and experienced accountant with a history of working in the industry. However, her actions at WPAi have raised serious concerns about her ethical conduct and trustworthiness.
This incident is not the first time Wilson has faced legal challenges in his career. In the past, he was fired from his polling firm’s parent company for alleged theft of corporate secrets and cash, which he denied and later settled. Additionally, Wilson was sued by his ex-wife in 2021 for improper use of a data software platform following their divorce, a claim he is currently disputing in court.
Despite these legal battles, Wilson remains steadfast in defending his reputation and business practices. His lawyer, Leonard, has dismissed the allegations made by Wilson’s ex-wife as lacking factual basis. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that both Gryder and Wilson must address the consequences of their actions and uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in their professional endeavors.
