Hon.

Janet DiFiore
CHAIR

Ravi Batra Patrick J. Bulgaro Hon. Joseph Covello Hon. Vincent A. DeIorio Mitra Hormozi Daniel J. Horwitz Marvin E. Jacob Seymour Knox, IV Gary J. Lavine Mary Lou Rath David A. Renzi George H. Weissman Ellen Yaroshefsky
MEMBERS

NEW YORK STATE JOINT COMMISSION ON PUBLIC ETHICS

540 BROADWAY ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207
PHONE: (518) 408-3976 FAX: (518) 408-3975 www.jcope.ny.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2012 Contact: Theresa A. Schillaci (518) 408-3976

ALBANY-The Joint Commission on Public Ethics today announced that Ellen Biben has been chosen as its new Executive Director.

Janet DiFiore, Chair of the Commission, said After a review of many well qualified candidates, the members of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics overwhelmingly determined that Ellen Biben is the clear choice to become Executive Director of JCOPE. Ellens reputation as a tough and independent defender of public integrity has been demonstrated throughout her career. I am pleased the Commission has authorized her being offered this important position and that she has accepted this offer. We look forward to Ellens arrival to assist us in our work.

Ellen Biben said "I am honored to accept the position of Executive Director of JCOPE, and I look forward to assisting the Commission in its critical mission of restoring ethics and public trust in government."

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Former Chief Judge Judith Kay said "Ellen and I worked closely together for well over a year on an important public integrity investigation. Based on my daily experience with her, I found her to be a consummate professional, totally trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the law. Ellen's experience and integrity make her the perfect person for this position."

Ms. Biben was appointed as New York States 8th Inspector General by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on January 1, 2011. For four years prior to becoming Inspector General, Ms. Biben was the Special Deputy Attorney General for Public Integrity with the New York State Attorney Generals Office. In addition, Ms. Biben served for more than 10 years as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorneys Office.

Ms. Biben will earn $148,000 as Executive Director of the Commission.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics was enacted pursuant to Chapter 399 of the Laws of 2011. The Commission has jurisdiction over Executive Branch officers and employees, Legislative officials and employees and registered lobbyists and their clients.