Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Administration Nominees by Senate

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the confirmation of new administration nominees by the Senate.

"New Yorkers deserve the best and brightest public servants to lead us into a new era for New York," Governor Hochul said. "These nominees will help ensure that every corner of New York is being served by the best of the best. I could not be more confident in these dedicated public servants and am excited to see the progress they'll make in our great state."

Brigadier General Denise M. Donnell's promotion to Major (two star) General of the Air National Guard has been confirmed by the Senate. Donnell has been selected as the fulltime Assistant Adjutant General- Air, a state appointive position at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs in Latham, NY, and Commander of the New York Air National Guard. Prior to that appointment she served as 105th Airlift Wing, which is based at Stewart Air National Guard base in Newburgh. Donnell has commanded the wing since 2017. Donnell has more than 4,000 flying hours in aircraft ranging from the C-5 Galaxy transport to the Navy's P3 Orion patrol plane. She started her career in the New York Air national Guard in 2002. Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Darryl C. Towns has been confirmed to serve on the Parole Board. Mr. Towns is a former member of the New York State Assembly from 1993-2011. In addition to this, Mr. Towns served as Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer at New York State Homes and Community Renewal from 2011 to 2015. At the Department of Housing and Community Renewal, Mr. Towns was able to help position New York as the most active state housing bond issuer in the nation. After leaving HCR in 2015, Mr. Towns served as the Regional Director of Government Affairs for American Airlines. Overseeing the Northeast corridor, Mr. Towns was responsible for State and Federal legislation, in addition to liaising with local advocacy and community groups. Mr. Towns is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Lily Fan has been confirmed for reappointment to the State Liquor Authority. Ms. Fan has served on the State Liquor Authority since 2018. Ms. Fan is the first Asian American woman to serve as a Commissioner for the State Liquor Authority. Prior to joining the State Liquor Authority, Ms. Fan worked in the office of State Senator Daniel Squadron, Massachusetts Governor Argeo Paul Celluci, and various law firms. In addition to this, Ms. Fan serves on her local community board, is a member of the New York City Bar Association, and the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations. Ms. Fan is active in TV, documentary film, and on Broadway where she also serves as a board member for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Ms. Fan resides in New York City.

Freida Foster has been confirmed for reappointment as Vice Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. Ms. Foster was first appointed to the board in 2009 by Governor David A. Paterson. As Vice Chair, Ms. Foster brings her long professional experience in the areas of education, government service, and public relations. Ms. Foster began her career in government by serving as Director of the Governor's Office of Community Affairs, Director of Partnerships for Harlem Armory, Speechwriter and Assistant to the Governor for African American Affairs. Ms. Foster is a former Trustee of the City University of New York.

Lora Rowe has been confirmed to the Home for Veterans and their Dependents at Oxford. Ms. Rowe is an Executive Assistant at the Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. In addition to this, Ms. Rowe has been with the American Legion Auxiliary since 1988. Ms. Rowe joined this organization as a result of her father's service in World War II. Ms. Rowe is currently Parliamentarian for the Sherburne Unit, and Sgt.-At-Arms for Chenango County. Ms. Rowe was a past 6th district president of American Legion Auxiliary.

Chester Edwards II has been confirmed to serve on the Board of Visitors at the Home for Veterans and their Dependents at Montrose. Mr. Edwards is a Vietnam combat Veteran who served in the United States Navy from 1966-1972. Since leaving the armed forces, Mr. Edwards has been employed by numerous companies in Westchester, and New York City, some include NYC Department of Education, General Electric Credit Corp., Cadbury Schweppes, US Food & Beverage Div., and Burns International Security Services. From 2003-2018, Mr. Edwards was a member of the New York Guard (NYS) where he obtained the rank of Colonel. COL Edwards is currently the Executive Director of the Westchester County Veterans Alliance, Inc. Mr. Edwards resides in Port Chester, New York with his wife Mary.

Fay Christian has been confirmed to serve on Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Ms. Christian is a resident of Roosevelt Island and was previously appointed to serve on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation by Governor David A. Paterson in 2008. Ms. Christian spent the majority of her career in New York City public schools as an elementary and middle school teacher from 1984-2014. Ms. Christian began her career working for New York City by working at marketing firms such as Ogilvy & Mathers and Abraham & Cavell Advertising.

Stanley Delia has been confirmed to serve on the Port of Oswego Authority. Mr. Delia is a lifelong Oswego County resident who retired from the Oswego Valley Insurance Agencies as a Life & Health Manager. In addition to this, Mr. Delia was a financial advisor at IBN Financial Services, and managed a small business in Oswego County for 14 years. Mr. Delia is a graduate of Suny Oswego.

Kathleen Macey has been confirmed to serve on the Port of Oswego Authority. Ms. Macey is a professor at SUNY Oswego and has been since 1977. Ms. Macey was given the Award for Service to the Newman Center Community.

Sophie Liberatore has been confirmed to the Board of Visitors at the Home for Veterans and their Dependents at Oxford. Ms Liberatore was the President of the American Legion Auxiliary unit 189 for over 5 years. On top of this from 2019-2021, Ms. Liberatore was 6th District President for the American Legion Department of NY. In her local community, Ms. Liberatore is a Norwich Volunteer Firefighter, and President of the Norwich Rotary Club. Ms. Liberatore spent over 40 years working for Frontier Communications in Central, New York.

Diana Zeller has been confirmed to serve on the Port of Oswego Authority. Ms. Zeller is an English instructor at SUNY Oswego and has been since 2001. Ms. Zeller received her BA and MA from SUNY Oswego. Ms. Zeller is a former substitute teacher for the Fulton Oswego School Districts.

Lynn Magistrale has been confirmed to serve on the Veterans' Service Commission. Ms. Magistrale is a Program Director at the WNY Heroes. In this role, Ms. Magistrale oversees outreach to transitioning service members and families such as providing veterans with access to essential services, financial assistance and resources that support their lives.