JCOPE Meets, Introduces New Executive Director

JCOPE held its February meeting earlier today, and Chairwoman DiFiore introduced Ellen Biben as the new Executive Director.  The Commissioners welcomed her, and then voting to delegate responsibilities to her as executive director.

Ms. Biben said:

“I am honored by the critical and rare opportunity to work with you to build this commission and help restore public trust in government.  For too long, stories of corruption and abuse have dominated the news, stories of public servants serving themselves and their friends, New Yorkers have rightfully grown cynical.”

John Milgrim, who served as press secretary under Ms. Biben at the state Inspector General’s Office and before that in a similar capacity at the Attorney General’s office, will be responsible for JCOPE’s communications.

Chairwoman DiFiore delivered some very welcome news to those who use JCOPE’s web site — JCOPE is in the process of redesigning its web site.

The Commission then voted to go into executive session to discuss her plan for staffing the commission.

The Commission returned from Executive Session, announcing a staffing plan, and then adjourned.  An organizational chart shows plans to hire a General Counsel, a Chief of Staff/Deputy Counsel, five deputy directors, four investigators and five compliance auditors.  When fully staffed, JCOPE will employ 45 people.