New York Gov. Kathy Hochul nominated Acting State Police Superintendent Steven James to serve fully in the role, her office announced Wednesday.

James has served with the State Police for more than 32 years, including more than two decades in a leadership role, serving in positions as deputy superintendent for employee relation, assistant deputy superintendent, staff inspector, major, captain, lieutenant, senior investigator, sergeant, investigator and trooper. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University at Albany and a master’s in public administration from Marist College.

“The men and women of the New York State Police do heroic work to keep New Yorkers safe, and Steven G. James will be a Superintendent who will lead this force into the next generation” Hochul said in a statement. “Since taking office, I've prioritized fighting crime and investing in law enforcement, and I'm looking forward to working closely with Acting Superintendent James to keep the people of New York safe.”

James will replace Acting State Police Superintendent Steven Nigrelli, who resigned in October after being an interim replacement for Kevin Bruen, who stepped down from the agency's top post amid a reported investigation in his handling of complaints leveled against a human resources staffer.

“This opportunity comes around once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky," James said in a statement. "Governor Hochul’s nomination is my crowning achievement and I know just how fortunate I am to have been provided this chance to serve. I look forward to bringing the State Police further into the arena of cutting-edge policing and to serving as a model agency.”

James will need to be confirmed by the state Senate.