Overview

• Avi Small was placed on leave July 2 after a colleague alleged he inappropriately touched them at McGeary’s Pub in Albany on June 16.
• Spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe said the suspension took effect immediately upon receipt of the complaint and underscored the governor’s zero-tolerance stance.
• Small joined Hochul’s administration in 2021 and rose to press secretary in mid-2023 after prior roles in the state Senate and on Biden’s 2020 campaign.
• Since assuming office, Hochul has created an independent HR unit, mandated in-person anti-harassment training and hired Calcagni Kanefsky LLP for confidential investigations.
• Reporting by the New York Times and Politico has heightened scrutiny of the Executive Chamber’s culture and reinforced demands for swift accountability.