State Development Corporation and other positions, 2011-2017 In 2011, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Hoyt's appointment as Regional President for the Empire State Development Corporation, In this position, Hoyt oversaw economic development efforts in the Western, Central, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions of New York State. In 2012, Hoyt was named Interim Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. He also served as chair of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Peace Bridge Authority. Resignation and sexual-harassment lawsuit Hoyt abruptly resigned in October 2017 amid a state investigation into an extramarital affair with a woman who was a fellow state employee. Hoyt had paid the woman $50,000 in exchange for her agreement to conceal the relationship. A spokesman for the governor said that "With the investigation still pending, Mr. Hoyt separated from state service." Hoyt issued a statement expressing regret for what he termed a "short term, consensual and inappropriate relationship" and stated that: "When I attempted to end the relationship, she threatened me. At that point, over a year ago, my wife and I agreed to a settlement to avoid public embarrassment to our family." In November 2017, Lisa Marie Cater, a former State Department of Motor Vehicles employee, filed a federal lawsuit against Hoyt alleging sexual harassment. Cater alleges that Hoyt sexually harassed her starting in 2015, shortly after helping her gain employment. Hoyt denies wrongdoing. Findings of New York Ethics Commission On June 11, 2018, the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics cleared Hoyt on charges of sexual harassment and assault. The Committee said it reviewed hundreds of pages of records, including emails, employment records, and information from multiple witnesses, and stated that the Cater was uncooperative during the investigation. Personal life Hoyt is married to wife, Connie, and has two sons, Clayton and Griffin. References External links Our campaigns Sam Hoyt Buffalo State College alumni Living people Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly Politicians from Buffalo, New York 1962 births 21st-century American politicians