Former MMC exec Cherkasky up to new challenge

Michael Cherkasky isn't afraid of big challenges.

After all, he was brought in as chairman and chief executive officer of Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. in the wake of a bid-rigging scandal bird-dogged by then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. He successfully brokered MMC's $850 million bid-rigging settlement with New York before being ousted in late 2007 after MMC posted disappointing financial results.

Mr. Cherkasky went on to become CEO of U.S. Investigations Services Inc., which supplies such services to the federal government. But earlier this month, Mr. Cherkasky agreed to tackle a new challenge when New York Gov. David A. Paterson asked him to serve as chairman of the state's Commission on Public Integrity.

In announcing Mr. Cherkasky's appointment, Gov. Paterson noted the state inspector general had just issued a report highly critical of the commission.

``The inspector general's report indicates that the commission's executive director wrongfully disclosed confidential information, compromising the commission's independence,'' Gov. Paterson said in a statement. ``It also indicates that the commission failed to remedy or even recognize these breaches of confidentiality. We must do everything possible to ensure full transparency, accountability and oversight when it comes to the actions of public officials.''


That's a pretty tall order, given the political scandals that have rocked Albany in recent years, including the resignation of Gov. Spitzer after he admitted he had patronized prostitutes. But it's a challenge Mr. Cherkasky appears willing to accept.

Be assured, he's not doing it for the money. The chairman of the commission receives no salary.