A key member of the Cuomo administration's Western New York economic development operation has left his job in state government.
Sam Hoyt had served as regional president of Empire State Development Corp. until his announced departure Monday. The former Assemblyman confirmed, in a Facebook post, he left his post to "explore opportunities" in the private sector.
"I am not going far. Details of what's next for me soon," Hoyt wrote.
In a statement, ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky says Hoyt played "a key role" in Buffalo's turnaround over the last six years.
“Sam's accomplished career in public service dates back 30 years, to his work with Senator Patrick Moynihan in the late 1980s, followed by his service as a legislator and, for the last six years, his hard work at ESD. I've had the pleasure of working with Sam on the Buffalo turnaround, during which he played a key role. Sam loves Buffalo, and Buffalo loves Sam and I'm sure the next chapter in his career will be a very successful one," the statement reads.
Along with serving as an assembly member from 1992 to 2011, Hoyt has also held high-ranking positions with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and the Peace Bridge Authority. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, speaking to reporters Monday in Niagara Falls, praised Hoyt for his three decades of public service and wished him well in his transition to the private sector.
"He had a pulse of what was going on here," Hochul said. "He also was a driving force behind Canalside in his work with the Erie Canal Harbor Corporation. He has made a great contribution."
Attempts to reach Hoyt for comment have been unsuccessful.