New York Note – Health Commissioner, Judge Nominations, Law Power 100

Governor Hochul announced the nomination of Dr. James V McDonald as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. McDonald has been serving as the Acting Commissioner of Health since January 1, and he previously served as Medical Director of the NYS Office of Public Health. Prior to his time in New York, McDonald worked for the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The Commission on Judicial Nominations has given Governor Hochul a list of seven new candidates for New York’s Chief Judge. The Governor’s first pick for the position, Hector LaSalle, was rejected by the New York State Senate over a month ago. The new short list includes only two candidates from the Commission’s picks in fall 2022. Governor Hochul now has 30 days to nominate one of the finalists selected by the Commission.

Stuart Shorenstein and Ken Fisher have been named to City & State NY’s 2023 Law Power 100. The 2023 Law Power 100 recognizes the most influential legal professionals in New York City politics and government. This is the fourth consecutive time that Fisher and Shorenstein have received this honor.