New Spitzer Appointments

By Associated Press | January 5, 2007

Governor Spitzer yesterday named longtime adviser Lloyd Constantine to become a senior adviser to the new administration.

Mr. Constantine, a lawyer in private practice in New York City, was co-chairman of Mr. Spitzer's transition team. Mr. Constantine also served as chairman of Mr. Spitzer's transition team in 1998 after the New York City Democrat was elected state attorney general.

Mr. Spitzer also announced that Joe Baker will serve as the assistant deputy secretary for health and human services. Mr. Baker was chief of Mr. Spitzer's health care bureau in the attorney general's office.

Debra Bachrach was appointed deputy commissioner of the state's new Office of Health Insurance Programs and director of the state's Medicaid program. OHIP is a newly created office in the state Health Department. Ms. Bachrach has been a partner in the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips law firm.

Mr. Spitzer also announced that Marlene Turner will serve as chief of staff in the governor's office.