NYAPRS Note: Gov Hochul announced several appointments today that will be very positive for our disability advocacy community, naming Kerri Neifeld as OPWDD Commissioner and Jihoon Kim as Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene, a position that oversees agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Addiction Services and Support. Both have played very positive roles in the Executive Chamber several years ago.
Governor Kathy Hochul Today Announced New Administration Nominations And Appointments
November 1, 2021
“In New York, we are working toward a better, brighter future for generations to come — there is no doubt in my mind that these are the best people to bring on to our team with that goal in mind,” Governor Hochul said. “With diverse backgrounds and wide-ranging experience, this team brings invaluable knowledge to the table. New Yorkers can rest assured that these positions are filled with individuals who will fight for them and with their best interests at heart.”
Kerri Neifeld will be nominated as Commissioner, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Previously, Ms. Neifeld served as Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene in the governor’s office and as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance where she managed the newly-created Division of Shelter Oversight and Compliance. Before that, she worked as Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner at OTDA while serving as an Excelsior Service Fellow. Prior to the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program, Ms. Neifeld was a Fellow on Women & Public Policy at Rockefeller College’s Center for Women in Government & Civil Society. Ms. Neifeld has worked as a Project Manager at the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties, a Child Protective Services Caseworker at the Albany County Department of Child and Family Services and a Youth Care Worker at WAIT House Homeless Youth Shelter. Ms. Neifeld holds a B.A. from Elmira College and an M.S.W. from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare. Ms. Neifeld will serve as Acting Commissioner until confirmation by the Senate.
Jihoon Kim, LMSW has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene. He most recently served as Special Assistant to the Executive Deputy Commissioner at the Office of Mental Health. Mr. Kim previously served in the Executive Chamber as Deputy Director of Policy, where he was responsible for coordinating major policy initiatives and as a Senior Policy Advisor for Human Services and Mental Hygiene, where he was responsible for assisting with the oversight of eight State agencies. Prior to joining the Executive Chamber, Mr. Kim worked for the New York Attorney General as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a Bachelor in Science degree from Marist College.