Albany Med Health System terminates CEO Daniel T. Pickett III
The Albany Med Health System board of directors voted unanimously on Wednesday to terminate the employment of President and CEO Daniel T. Pickett III, effective immediately. Board Chair Raimundo Archibold Jr. announced the decision in an email to staff, stating that the board determined a leadership change was necessary to serve the best interests of the health system’s employees, community, and mission.
The removal follows a month of paid leave for Pickett, during which the board conducted an independent review of sexual assault allegations leveled against him by a former girlfriend. The health system, which serves as the region’s largest employer and operates Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College, confirmed the move to the Times Union.
Pickett denies sexual assault claims
Pickett’s tenure at the helm of the organization was marked by a legal conflict involving a 15-month relationship with a former partner. During civil court proceedings in late September, the woman alleged that Pickett forced himself on her at a Manhattan apartment on February 15, 2025. She subsequently filed a civil action on October 21 seeking damages for the alleged assault and resulting emotional distress.
Pickett has not been criminally charged by the New York City Police Department regarding the claims. Through his legal counsel, he has denied the allegations, characterizing them as a malicious attempt to damage his reputation and initiating a defamation lawsuit against his accuser.
Internal tension grew after Archibold sent an earlier email to employees asserting that the legal dispute between the two parties did not involve the hospital network. That statement prompted criticism from staff, leading to a public demonstration outside Albany Medical Center. On October 2, one day after the email reached staff, the health system retained the public relations firm Marathon Strategies. The board placed Pickett on leave shortly thereafter.
Board seeks permanent CEO replacement
Following the termination, Archibold stated that the board intends to use this period to review and strengthen its governance and decision-making processes. Matthew Jones, who has worked at Albany Med since 2017, will continue to serve as acting CEO. The board has also initiated a national search for a permanent successor. State Sen. Patricia Fahy, whose district includes the Albany area, publicly supported the board’s decision. She noted that the move allows the health system to “turn a new page” at a time when residents face challenges regarding healthcare access and affordability.
Unresolved questions regarding the independent review
While the board commissioned an independent review of the allegations from Kroll, a New York City-based risk advisory firm, it remains unclear whether the findings of that investigation will be made public.
Albany Med's board has voted to terminate CEO Dan Pickett, effective immediately, following an outside review of a sexual assault allegation he has emphatically denied. A nationwide search for his successor will begin. https://t.co/vRj4ADifBi
Frequently asked questions about the leadership transition
Who is currently leading the Albany Med Health System?
Matthew Jones, who has been with the organization since 2017, continues to serve as acting CEO following his initial appointment in early October.
What is the status of the legal claims against the former CEO?
Daniel T. Pickett III has not faced criminal charges regarding the sexual assault allegations. He remains involved in active civil litigation, including a defamation suit he filed against his accuser and a separate dispute regarding property ownership from a shared residence.
What was the scope of the board’s independent investigation?
The board retained Kroll, a financial and risk advisory firm, to conduct a review of the allegations. It is not currently known if the board will release the results of this investigation.
More on Pickett
#BREAKING: The Albany Med Health System Board has fired CEO Daniel Pickett III. He is currently facing a sexual assault allegation from a woman he was once in a relationship with. He has denied the allegation. ➡️ https://t.co/wXBbNvC4kb pic.twitter.com/6b5dYxJ0vh