New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, MD, Resigns

     Howard Zucker, MD, has resigned his position as New York’s health commissioner as serving as the state’s chief physician for six years, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.

     Dr. Zucker, who was appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will continue to serve until Gov. Hochul chooses his replacement.

    Today, Gov. Hochul, who thanked Dr. Zucker for his efforts to lead New York throughout the pandemic of the last year and a half is made to assist in the transition amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, also said that she agreed with his decision to step down.

    “I made it very clear on my first day in office that I'd be looking to build a new team," said Gov. Hochul, who has many times said that at the top of her agenda is to “change the moral climate in Albany” and restore New Yorkers faith in state government, in the wake of her predecessor's scandal-plagued resignation earlier this summer.

Photo by: Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo