New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) was sworn in as the state’s first female governor in the early hours of Tuesday with a promise to create a safe environment for women.
After Governor Andrew Cuomo stepped down over a series of sexual harassment claims, Hochul announced her first two key appointments were women.
She has appointed Karen Persichilli Keogh as secretary to the governor and Elizabeth Fine as governor’s counsel.
Hochul said in a statement that the two women will help her “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.”
Carlo A. Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, praised the appointments, calling the fledgling administration “experienced and forward-looking.”
Scissura added, “The Governor’s choices of Karen Persichilli Keogh for secretary to the Governor, Elizabeth Fine for Counsel and other key positions demonstrate that she’s ready to lead on day one.”
Hochul has been an ally of the construction industry in Albany, working to secure infrastructure investment, improving the built environment and growing the economy through construction and development.
“Governor Hochul has been a strong leader throughout the crises of the last year, and we are confident New York is in terrific hands,” added Scissura.
“It is time to come together and support Governor Hochul as we recover from the COVID pandemic, continue a robust statewide infrastructure program, and endeavor to create an equitable recovery for all New Yorkers.”
Randy Peers, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce congratulates Governor Kathy Hochul for her historic accomplishment in becoming New York’s first female governor.
“The future holds enormous challenges for New York City in the continued fight against COVID-19, and on behalf of 62,000 small businesses and half of Brooklyn’s workforce, we pledge our full assistance to the governor in every way she believes it to be useful for rebuilding our economy. The many diverse businesses of Brooklyn, home to the largest number of minority and women-owned firms in NYC, are optimistic that a Hochul Administration will deliver the needed small business support to ensure an equitable recovery.”