ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul has dismissed the Director of Information and Technology Services, Dru Rai, after three years in the position. A spokesperson confirmed the termination but did not provide specific reasons for the decision. According to Hochul's spokesperson, Kara Cumoletti, the administration has lost confidence in Rai's ability to effectively represent the administration. Cumoletti stated that Governor Hochul is committed to maintaining high leadership and ethical standards within the administration. The firing was first reported by Government Technology on Monday, coinciding with Hochul's press conference announcing new regulations on AI models set to take effect next year. Rai was responsible for the state's digital transformation and improving interactions between state government and residents. Jenson Jacob has been appointed as the acting director of ITS. Rai's predecessor, Rajiv Rao, was also dismissed by Hochul in 2023 and later settled with the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government for violations related to contract awards and security protocols.
✓ AI-Debiased Article
4
Wire-neutral
provisional
✓ No loaded language, vague sourcing, or framing detected.
Governor Hochul Fires New York State IT Director Dru Rai
Governor Kathy Hochul has fired Dru Rai, the Director of Information and Technology Services for New York State, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to represent the administration. The reasons for his dismissal remain unclear. Jenson Jacob has been appointed as the acting director following Rai's termination.
People
Kathy Hochul
Dru Rai
Kara Cumoletti
Rajiv Rao
Sandra Beattie
Annotating as
No note attached
on this article.
Original vs. Neutral
Original Headline
Hochul abruptly fires NYS’ IT boss as reasons for axing remain a mystery
Neutral Headline
Governor Hochul Fires New York State IT Director Dru Rai