New York’s First Gentleman will be leaving concessions and hospitality giant Delaware North this month.

Bill Hochul, the husband of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and former U.S. attorney, joined Delaware North seven years ago and was serving as senior vice president and general counsel.

To avoid potential conflict between Bill Hochul’s role with Delaware North and state business, Governor Hochul recused herself from negotiations involving a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation.

While the Governor herself stayed out of talks, many Rochester area lawmakers also felt left out as they learned of potential plans for a casino in Rochester. When asked directly about those issues, the Governor repeatedly cited that it was out of her hands due to her recusal policy.

The Governor was asked about her husband’s departure Thursday afternoon and how they’d work out private and state business going forward.

“He’s already had recusals in place for almost two years that have been successful. We’ve had a serious separation because we always hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and always will in whatever next venture he chooses. But right now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with someone who I’ve not seen much of in the last two years, and I look forward to his departure at some point – I think in the next couple weeks he’ll be leaving. He’s had a great experience there, but also, he’s had a long career, 30 years as a federal prosecutor, United States Attorney for Barack Obama, seven years as an in-house counsel to a Buffalo-based company and I look forward to spending more time with them,” the Governor said.

The Governor’s Officed confirmed that Mr. Hochul’s final day at Delaware North will be August 15, adding “any recusal policies…will remain in effect” until counsel from the executive chamber can review Bill Hochul’s exit package.

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/News/Business/Governors-Husband-Bill-Hochul-Leaving-Delaware-North/