By Kathy Bergen and Ray Long | Juan Ochoa, chief executive of the agency that runs McCormick Place, has broached the possibility of resigning with Gov. Pat Quinn, according to sources close to the situation.

Whether he made a formal offer or had a more informal exchange remains unclear. There was no information as to whether Quinn had accepted an offer. His office declined to comment.

Ochoa briefed his staff about his future Monday, sources said. A Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority spokeswoman said that as of 6 p.m. Monday, Ochoa had not resigned. John Gates Jr., chairman of the interim board of McPier, declined to comment.

Ochoa’s possible exit comes ahead of expected action in Springfield, where the General Assembly is preparing to restructure operations at McCormick Place later this week.

The Legislature’s chief adviser on the McCormick Place overhaul is recommending installation of a state-appointed trustee for an 18-month transition period, and if the Legislature goes along, this step would mean Ochoa’s ouster as CEO of McPier. That state-city agency, known as McPier, owns and operates McCormick Place and Navy Pier.

The adviser also is recommending privatizing management of McCormick Place, reducing McPier to a stripped-down caretaker role.

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said the legislative proposal is still being drafted but he wanted a vote by Friday.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said the four legislative leaders have reached a consensus of the “major pieces” of McPier reforms, but she said she needs to examine how the final legislation comes together before making a commitment.

Ochoa was appointed as CEO of McPier in 2007 by now-ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Prior to his appointment, he was president and chief executive of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. He also had advised and raised funds for Blagojevich.