April 22, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION APPOINTMENT
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he will appoint the Honorable Joseph Fisch to serve as New York State Inspector General.
Judge Fisch is currently a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the Criminal Term, Bronx County. He was appointed to that position in 2003 after serving, since 1990, as a Justice of the New York State Court of Claims, where he was designated an Acting Supreme Court Justice and assigned to the Criminal Term, Bronx County. Judge Fisch also serves on the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics.
“Judge Fisch is one of New York’s top jurists and I couldn’t be more pleased that a leader of his caliber has decided to take on such a critical watchdog role,” Governor Paterson said. “He brings an impressive mix of legal, law enforcement and government experience.”
After his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1956, Judge Fisch served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, including a stint in the Judge Advocate General’s Office, stationed in Frankfurt. After returning from Germany, Judge Fisch began his legal career in 1959 at the New York State Commission of Investigation, which investigates the conduct of public officers. During his 18 years at the Commission, Judge Fisch served as a Law Assistant, Assistant Counsel, Chief Counsel, and Deputy Commissioner.
In 1977, Judge Fisch became the First Assistant District Attorney at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. He was later promoted to Chief Assistant District Attorney, serving in the highest position to the District Attorney until 1984. He later returned to the Queens District Attorney’s Office as Executive Assistant District Attorney from 1987 to 1990.
Judge Fisch has also served as a Deputy Inspector General and General Counsel at the Office of the Inspector General of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as Executive Director of the Office of Professional Discipline with the New York State Education Department. Just prior to his appointment to the Court of Claims, Judge Fisch served as Deputy District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Fisch received his Bachelor of Arts from New York University in 1953.
The Office of the State Inspector General is responsible for detecting and investigating allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest and abuse involving state agencies, departments, commissions and authorities headed by appointees of the Governor. Its mission is to ensure that state government maintains the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The office receives and investigates complaints of misconduct in covered agencies, and proactively addresses corruption and develops measures to prevent fraud and misconduct.
As Inspector General, Judge Fisch’s salary will be $155,200. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Judge Fisch will begin as Inspector General on May 12, 2008.
