The communications director for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is leaving his post, the latest in a series of departures as the high-profile Democrat faces multiple controversies.
Peter Ajemian, who was promoted to the role in August, is “leaving the administration to pursue a position in the private sector,” the governor’s office said in a Friday press release.
“After nearly four years, and with this year’s budget done and vaccine eligibility open to everyone, I decided now is the time to pursue opportunities in the private sector,” Ajemian said in a statement, according to New York 1. “I’m grateful to the governor for giving me the chance to serve. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be part of a team working for New Yorkers in a period of unprecedented crisis and seeing the government work for the people and people work for each other.”
Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to the governor, was chosen to serve as Ajemian’s replacement as communications director.
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“Peter has spent nearly four years in the administration taking on the hard challenges during even harder circumstances,” Azzopardi said in a statement. “There’s nobody I’d rather be in the trenches with and know he’ll always be a part of Team Cuomo.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to the governor’s office for a statement but did not immediately hear back.
At least nine aides have left the administration over the past few months by New York 1’s count, including Caitlin Girouard, Cuomo’s press secretary, and more recently, Jack Sterne, another spokesman.
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Cuomo is under federal investigation over his handling of data regarding COVID-19-related deaths in nursing homes.
The governor is also being investigated by New York Attorney General Letitia James and, separately, the state Legislature, over claims from at least 10 women who have accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct.
Cuomo denied that he ever engaged in any inappropriate touching and has resisted calls to resign.
