Avi Small, longtime press secretary to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and creating a toxic workplace environment, the New York Post reported.
The resignation follows a June 2025 complaint alleging Small inappropriately touched a staffer, with the controversy raising renewed concerns over executive office culture and staff accountability.
Small officially stepped down Friday after being suspended due to an internal complaint tied to an incident during a staff outing in Albany. The touching incident reportedly took place following a staff retreat, prompting a formal internal inquiry by Hochul’s administration. The governor’s office confirmed his resignation but declined to share further details from the investigation’s conclusions.
Previous Complaints Add To Scrutiny
This was not the first time concerns about Small’s behavior were raised. In early 2024, he was named in a hostile-work-environment complaint for allegedly berating staff members, according to a Politico report. That earlier issue resurfaced publicly as the new complaint put a spotlight on the press office’s internal dynamics.
Small began working in Hochul’s administration as a deputy press aide in 2021 and was promoted to press secretary in 2023. He was frequently seen accompanying the governor at events and served as her lead spokesperson. His role gave him considerable visibility within the administration’s communications team.
The governor’s office stated that the investigation had “substantively concluded” and it was “not aware” of any criminal referrals related to the case. However, officials did not release further findings or clarify the internal steps taken during the probe.
No Criminal Charges Under Review
The Albany Police Department did not respond to questions about potential involvement in the case. Likewise, the New York State Attorney General’s office confirmed that it had not received any referrals about the matter. As of now, there is no indication that criminal charges will be pursued.
Workplace conduct advocates have raised alarms over the handling of the situation. Erica Vladimer, director of Harassment-Free Albany, said the resignation alone is not enough. She warned that broader accountability systems within state government must be reviewed and improved.
“Mr. Small’s resignation should not close the book on transparently rectifying these deficiencies,” Vladimer said. She also noted that the executive chamber still appears to have gaps in its employee protection protocols that must be addressed publicly.
Governor’s Reform Promises Resurface
Gov. Hochul took office in 2021 after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. At the time, Hochul pledged to transform the internal culture of the executive chamber and restore public trust. She vowed a workplace free from the toxicity tied to the previous administration.
“When my term ends, nobody will ever describe my term as a toxic workplace environment,” Hochul said during her first year in office. However, Small’s resignation has prompted critics to reassess whether the administration upheld that commitment when internal complaints emerged.
Observers point to multiple complaints involving Small across two consecutive years as evidence that internal oversight needs critical changes. Some critics have questioned whether there was sufficient accountability before the 2025 investigation prompted official action.
Impact On Communications Strategy
Small’s departure leaves a key leadership role unfilled within the governor’s communications team. As press secretary, he managed public messaging and response coordination—particularly vital responsibilities as Hochul prepares for upcoming legislative work. No successor has been announced to date.
The administration has yet to say how it will handle staffing changes in the wake of the resignation. Those familiar with state operations say continuity in communications strategy could be strained if the vacancy is prolonged. Political analysts are watching closely to see how Hochul navigates the fallout.
Calls for more transparency and preventive HR policies continue to grow. Advocates say this episode underscores the urgency of addressing workplace culture issues beyond individual personnel outcomes. Many are urging the governor’s office to release additional details about the investigation and planned reforms.
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Author: Christina Davie
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