Avi Small, Gov. Kathy Hochul's press secretary, resigns amid investigation

ALBANY -- Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press secretary has resigned amid an investigation into alleged sexual harassment, an administration official has confirmed.

Avi Small, who has been a key member of Hochul’s staff since she became governor in 2021, had been placed on suspension when the investigation was divulged publicly last week. Days later, Small submitted his resignation, according to the Hochul administration.

The New York Times first reported the investigation.

Small was named a deputy press secretary when Hochul became governor after Andrew M. Cuomo resigned in August 2021. Small moved up to press secretary in July 2023.

The Hochul administration didn’t comment on the resignation. When the probe became public, Anthony Hogrebe, the governor’s communications director said: "Governor Hochul has zero tolerance for misconduct by any New York State employee, and has instituted the strongest workplace protections and training policies in state history. While we cannot comment on an open investigation, as soon as a complaint was brought to the chamber the employee in question was placed on leave."

By Yancey Roy

yancey.roy@newsday.com@yanceyroy