NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — In the shadow of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's final full day in office, incoming Gov. Kathy Hochul announced two senior appointments amid an effort to "clean house."
Hochul, who will make history as New York's first female governor during a swearing-in ceremony at midnight, announced Karen Persichilli Keogh will serve as secretary to her role and Elizabeth Fine will be her legal counsel.
"Karen Persichilli Keogh and Elizabeth Fine bring the depth of knowledge, leadership,and experience that it will take to meet the challenges New Yorkers face," Hochul said. "As Governor, I will assemble a strong team to turn the corner on the pandemic and serve the best interests of New York, whether it's defeating COVID, getting more people vaccinated, or strengthening our economy."
Persichilli Keogh, a former senior staff member and staff manager to then-Senator Hillary Clinton who also helped Senator Kirsten Gillibrand transition from the U.S. House to the Senate, was praised by the lieutenant governor for her "two decades of operational and managerial experience."
"[She] played a vital role in the aftermath of 9/11, including health funding for first responders, and fought to keep military bases open across New York State, including Fort Drum in Jefferson County, New York ... [and] most recently served as the Head of Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she managed $2 billion in global philanthropic investments. She joined JPMorgan Chase in 2010 as Managing Director and Head of State and Local Government Relations," Hochul added.
Hochul also commended former Department of Justice, White House Counsel under President Bill Clinton's administration, Elizabeth Fine. Fine is now an Executive Vice-President and General Counsel of Empire State Development (ESD), New York's economic development agency.
"As chief legal officer of ESD, she is responsible for all aspects of legal representation, guidance, and policies for the state's principal infrastructure and business development entity," Hochul said. "She has a long career in public service at the federal, state, and local level."
Hochul made her announcement before Cuomo gave his final address on Monday afternoon.
Cuomo once again slammed Attorney General Letitia James' report of his alleged sexual misconduct, but also spoke highly of New York's future.
"I believe that for New York, the best is yet to be, because I believe you will make it so," he said.
However, in describing leadership style, Hochul contrasted with Cuomo on Wednesday arguing that she has a "different approach to governing."
"I get the job done because I don't have time for distractions, particularly coming into this position," she added.
Hochul is scheduled to be sworn in as New York's new governor by Janet DiFiore, chief judge of the Court of Appeals, during a private ceremony at the State Capitol building one minute after midnight Tuesday.
A public ceremonial swearing-in will take place at 10 a.m.
She then plans to meet with state legislative leaders and deliver a virtual address to the people of New York at 3 p.m.
