Governor Paterson Announces Administration Changes

ALBANY, NY (10/28/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced the designation of Deputy Secretary for the Environment Peter Iwanowicz to Acting Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) effective immediately. Governor Paterson also announced that Communications Director Morgan Hook will resign his position effective November 12.

Peter M. Iwanowicz, who was appointed as Deputy Secretary for the Environment on March 12, was today appointed to Acting Commissioner of the DEC, and he will continue to serve in both positions. As Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Iwanowicz is responsible for representing the Governor on the full range of environmental policy matters. Previously, Mr. Iwanowicz served as Assistant Secretary for the Environment and was the first Director of the New York State Office of Climate Change. While leading the Office of Climate Change, Mr. Iwanowicz's oversaw the State's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Before joining State government in 2007, Mr. Iwanowicz served as Vice President for the American Lung Association of New York State, and also worked for Albany-based Environmental Advocates of New York.

"Peter has been an outstanding public servant and an outstanding caretaker of the environment throughout his professional career," Governor Paterson said. "I credit Peter with successfully negotiating a deal on the E-waste law that was passed during this past session, and his expertise on RGGI has helped New York lead the nation on this critical cap and invest program. I know he will bring that same professionalism to DEC."

Mr. Iwanowicz will not receive any additional compensation for serving as Acting Commissioner of DEC, and his appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

Morgan Hook was appointed as Director of Communications on March 17, and has served in the Executive Chamber since January of 2008. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Hook worked in a variety of roles for Governor Paterson, including Upstate Press Secretary and manager of the Albany press office, serving as the primary point person for all aspects of the Governor's communications strategy in upstate New York. Before joining the Executive Chamber, Mr. Hook had a decade of experience in broadcast journalism, working as a reporter and news anchor for a number of television stations across the country. Beginning November 15, Mr. Hook will be joining the State University of New York as Director of Communications for Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and the University Administration.

"Morgan has been an invaluable member of my Administration and I thank him for his counsel and tireless work on behalf of the State," Governor Paterson said. "During Morgan's tenure in my Administration, he has worked closely with me and displayed incredible dedication. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

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