The New York state Senate has confirmed three new members of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s cabinet.
The governor’s office announced Wednesday that John Kagia will officially lead the state Office of Cannabis Management. Hochul in February appointed Kagia to serve as the acting executive director of the agency. Prior to his appointment, he was director of policy at the OCM.
“I am honored by the Senate’s confirmation and grateful to Governor Hochul, the Cannabis Control Board, our staff, and the stakeholders who have helped build New York’s cannabis market,” Kagia said in a statement. “Over the past 5 years, New York has built the nation’s most innovative cannabis framework, rooted in equity, public health, and economic opportunity. Together, we have made extraordinary progress, but our work is far from over. As this market continues to mature, we remain committed to strengthening the legal marketplace, supporting licensees across the supply chain, protecting consumers, and ensuring the benefits of legalization reach communities throughout New York State.”
Kagia officially takes over an office that has seen tension regarding its enforcement of illegally trafficked cannabis products and reverse licensing. Interim Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid was ousted by Hochul in December, as was OCM Deputy Counsel James Rogers.
Terry O’Leary was also confirmed as commissioner of the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, while Kathy Moser was confirmed as commissioner of the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
O’Leary previously served as assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office and was director of the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement within the Department of Health before assuming the role of executive deputy commissioner of DHSES for a decade.
“Leading this agency is the privilege of a lifetime and I thank Governor Hochul for this incredible opportunity,” O’Leary said in a statement. “The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is comprised of the hard working public servants who have dedicated themselves to creating a safe, prepared and resilient New York. It has been an honor to work with them for the past decade and I look forward to leading the Division as we advance Governor Hochul’s top priority in strengthening public safety throughout the entire state.”
Moser had been serving as acting commissioner since October. She previously worked as deputy commissioner for natural resources at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and most recently was an officer at the Open Space Institute.
“I am honored to have been asked by Governor Hochul to lead the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and grateful to the State Senate for today’s confirmation,” Moser said in a statement. “The public trust placed in stewarding the New York State Park system – one of our greatest assets – is a responsibility I take very seriously. Our State Parks are fundamentally about affordability, wellness, and access. At a time when families are looking for ways to stay healthy, connected, and engaged, our parks provide something increasingly rare – spaces that are open, welcoming, and within reach for every New Yorker.”