One of Governor Kathy Hochul’s top communications officials has been suspended after a staffer accused him of sexual harassment, according to reports confirmed by the administration, as reported by The New York Post.
Avi Small, press secretary to Gov. Hochul, was placed on leave following a complaint of "inappropriate touching" made by another state employee.
The allegation reportedly stems from an incident that occurred at McGeary’s Pub in downtown Albany, following a staff retreat for Hochul’s office, as first reported by The New York Times and Politico.
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“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,” Hochul spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe said in a written statement.
“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.”
Small is a longtime member of Hochul’s communications team. He previously served as deputy press secretary before being promoted to replace Hazel Crampton-Hays as press secretary in mid-2023.
According to state policy, sexual harassment is defined as “unwanted verbal or physical advances, sexually explicit derogatory statements or sexually discriminatory remarks made by someone which are offensive or objectionable to the recipient.”
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Erica Vladimer, founding director of Harassment-Free Albany, responded to the reports by urging a careful, victim-centered approach.
“Any investigation of workplace sexual harassment must not only be thorough, speedy and independent — it must also be survivor centered,” she said in a statement.
“Knowing how others who have come forward were treated in the past, I hope the person who made the complaint is getting the support and guidance they deserve.”
The suspension and investigation come amid heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct in Albany following the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2021, who stepped down amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment.
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Hochul, who succeeded Cuomo, implemented revised sexual harassment policies shortly after taking office.
Before joining Hochul’s administration, Small held positions on President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and worked for New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat representing Manhattan.
The investigation into the allegations is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.
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