Albany (N.Y.) Med Health System has appointed Matthew Jones as acting CEO amid an independent, outside review of allegations against the system’s president and CEO, Daniel Pickett III, according to an Oct. 8 board statement shared with Becker’s.
The board also voted unanimously to retain Kroll, a New York City-based global financial and risk advisory firm, to review recent events involving Mr. Pickett and their potential impact on the system.
Albany Med placed Mr. Pickett, who was named system CEO in December 2025, on paid leave Oct. 3 pending an outside review of sexual assault allegations made against him by a former girlfriend in court filings tied to civil litigation between the two, the Times Union reported Oct. 3. He has denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against the woman Sept. 28 in Saratoga County Supreme Court, seeking at least $1 million in damages.
In March 2026, the woman filed a report with the New York City Police Department, and the matter was closed without charges, the Times Union reported.
Acting CEO Mr. Jones joined Albany Med Health System in 2017 and currently serves as the system’s executive vice president and general counsel.
“The Board has full confidence in Mr. Jones, the system’s senior leadership, and the affiliate
organizations and hospital CEOs,” the statement said. “Most of all, the Board fully supports its dedicated workforce as they continue providing the high-quality care and services our patients need and deserve.”
A special committee appointed by Albany Med’s board will oversee the review of Mr. Pickett as it continues to ensure the system’s long-term stability. Kroll’s findings will be reviewed by the committee and shared with the full board at its conclusion. Albany Med will not comment further on the matter until the review is complete and the board has considered its findings, the statement said.
