Gov. Kathy Hochul has nominated Terence (Terry) O'Leary to serve as Acting Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services as of March 5, 2026, keeping a veteran insider at the helm while Albany works through the confirmation process. O'Leary will run DHSES in an acting capacity while the New York State Senate weighs his nomination, a move that keeps continuity in place as the agency pushes ahead on cybersecurity efforts, emergency preparedness work and NG911 upgrades across the state.
In a press release from the governor's press office, O'Leary struck a grateful tone and made clear he plans to lean on the team already in place. "I thank Governor Hochul for the honor of leading this incredible team," he said.
The Division's website currently lists Terence O'Leary as Acting Commissioner and notes that he spent nearly a decade as DHSES's executive deputy commissioner before stepping into the top job. DHSES also documents his earlier service as deputy secretary for public safety and as an assistant district attorney, and credits him with work on New York's prescription-monitoring shift and the rollout of the state's medical marijuana program.
Programs He Led
According to Homeland Security Today, O'Leary played a key role in building out several of DHSES's marquee programs. That includes the Cyber Incident Response Team, the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit, the UAS program and the Transportation Security and Emergency Preparedness program. He is also credited with launching a slate of grant programs, from funding volunteer fire infrastructure to securing communities against hate crimes, and with helping secure more than $100 million in capital awards for NG911 readiness and capital projects such as a swift-water training facility and upgrades to the State Fire Academy.
What Comes Next
O'Leary will remain in the acting role until the State Senate votes on his confirmation, according to the governor's press office. Lawmakers have not put out a public schedule for confirmation hearings, and agency watchers say the early test for the acting commissioner will be how quickly DHSES moves its grant rounds and readiness projects that are already in motion.
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