NEW YORK (WBEN) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has appointed a new chief of staff and a new communications director as his previous director leaves the administration, his office said Friday.
Peter Ajemian, who was promoted from senior deputy communications director to communications director last August, "is leaving the administration to pursue a position in the private sector," Cuomo said in a press release.
Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to the governor, will take Ajemian's place as director of communications, while maintaining his role as senior advisor, the release said.
Cuomo on Friday also announced several other role changes, including the appointment of Dana Carotenuto — his deputy secretary for legislative affairs and policy — as his new chief of staff.
"Dana succeeds Jill DesRosiers, who has been a valued member of this administration for over eight years," the release said. "Jill has been on maternity leave since December and when she is ready to return, we will welcome her back in whatever capacity she chooses."
The announcements came amid an ongoing investigation into allegations that Cuomo sexually harassed a number of women, including several current and former staffers.
The governor previously maintained the probe, which New York State Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing, would find the allegations meritless.
"The report can't say anything different because I didn't do anything wrong," he said at a news briefing last week.
Prior to that, Cuomo apologized for anything he had done in the past that "made people feel uncomfortable."
