Hochul hires ex-NYC mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia for top cabinet post
Kathryn Garcia has landed on her feet.
Gov. Hochul appointed the former New York City mayoral hopeful on Wednesday to serve as her director of state operations, a coveted cabinet post that comes with significant sway over policy matters.
The governor announced the Garcia hire along with the appointment of Neysa Alsina, a former counsel to City Comptroller Scott Stringer, to serve as her special adviser on coronavirus relief efforts. She called both women “tremendously accomplished and dedicated public servants.”
“They know how to run effective and professional operations, and they will be instrumental in making our state government work better for New Yorkers and restoring trust in government,” Hochul said.
Garcia returned the favor by saying she’s “honored” to be picked by Hochul.
“I’ve spent my career serving New Yorkers and I want to thank @GovKathyHochul for the opportunity to continue that service,” she tweeted. “Now, let’s go get things done.”
Garcia, a former commissioner of the city Sanitation Department, narrowly lost the Democratic mayoral primary in June to Eric Adams.
On the campaign trail, Garcia styled herself as a problem solver with deep municipal experience and a political platform focused on improving affordable housing and developing more green infrastructure, among other issues.
As director of state operations, Garcia will oversee most of the governor’s policy advisers and play a leading role in a variety of government projects.
The Garcia and Alsina appointments dovetail with Hochul’s focus on hiring women for key positions in her administration.
Last week, Hochul tapped longtime city politicos Karen Persichilli Keogh and Elizabeth Fine to serve as her secretary and counsel respectively.
The focus on elevating women appears to be part of Hochul’s pledge to change the culture at the State Capitol after ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace amid accusations that he sexually harassed several female aides.
