Donald DiFrancesco, former president of the Senate of New Jersey who also served as governor from 2001 to 2002, has stepped down from his role of board chairman for Newark, N.J.-based University Hospital after it was revealed he appointed a friend to a $125,000 low-show job, according to NJ.com.
Mr. DiFrancesco joined the hospital's board in 2013 and hired his friend Jill Cooperman to be a staff attorney in April 2014 for $94,000 per year. Ms. Cooperman later became Mr. DiFrancesco's personal assistant for $125,000 per year.
A whistleblower complained Ms. Cooperman's responsibilities were vague and she was not expected to regularly come to work. An investigation by an independent law firm completed in April 2016 confirmed these allegations.
After the law firm deemed Ms. Cooperman's position a low-show job, she resigned later that month. Mr. DiFrancesco admitted Ms. Cooperman was a friend, although he stressed their relationship was not romantic. He announced his resignation Sunday. He made no made no mention of the recent scandal in his letter.
"I've dedicated significant effort to helping University Hospital achieve its goals and am proud of what we have achieved," wrote Mr. DiFrancesco, according to NJ.com. "I want nothing more than to see the Institution be successful. Although I have only six months remaining on my term, I believe this is the right time for me to step aside. As such, I will leave the Board on December 31."