Gov. Edwards Announces Boards, Commissions Appointments

BATON ROUGE, La., March 3 -- Gov. John Bel Edwards, D-La., issued the following news:

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions.

Gov. Edwards announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Louisiana Folklife Commission

The Louisiana Folklife Commission advises the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism's Office of Cultural Development on policy, objectives, and budgeting needs in the identification, preservation, and presentation of Louisiana folk cultural resources.

Herman J. Fuselier Jr., of Opelousas, was appointed to the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Mr. Fuselier is a music and entertainment writer for the Daily Advertiser. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.

Cynthia D. Bryant, Ph.D., of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Dr. Bryant is the Dean of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies at Southern University. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to serve as a representative of the university community.

Tommy Ike Hailey, Ph.D., of Ponchatoula, was appointed to the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Dr. Hailey is an associate professor of anthropology and archaeology at Northwestern State University. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Folklife Society.

Margaret "Susan" Roach, Ph.D., of Ruston, was reappointed to the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Dr. Roach is a professor and director of English at Louisiana Tech University's School of Literature and Language. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and will serve as a representative of the university community.

Cheryl L. Castille, of Opelousas, was appointed to the Louisiana Folklife Commission. Ms. Castille is the executive director of the Division of the Arts within the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and will serve as the representative of the Division of the Arts on the Commission.

Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council

The Louisiana Developmental Disability Council's mission is to lead and promote advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Kim Y. Jones, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Ms. Jones is the executive director of The Advocacy Center of Louisiana and will serve as its representative on the council.

Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board

The Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board reviews the needs of the state and local governments to make recommendations of funding to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control drug trafficking, drug related crime, and violent crime.

Paul W. Edmonson, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Major Edmonson is a Louisiana State Police Major and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He will serve as an at-large member on the board.

Stanley "Mike" Stone, of Ruston, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Sheriff Stone is the Sheriff of Lincoln Parish and will serve as a sheriff on the board.

Michael C. Cassidy, of Jennings, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Mr. Cassidy is the District Attorney for the 31st Judicial District and will serve as a district attorney on the board.

Zane M. "Mike" Tubbs, of Bastrop, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Sheriff Tubbs is the Morehouse Parish Sheriff and will serve as a sheriff on the board.

Carlos James Stout, of Lafayette, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Mr. Stout is the chief deputy of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office and the former police chief of the city of Carencro. He will serve as an at-large member on the board.

Glenn "Scott" Ford, of St. Francisville, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Chief Ford is the Chief of the St. Francisville Police Department and is a veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard. He will serve as a chief of police on the board.

Hillar C. Moore III, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Mr. Moore is the District Attorney of East Baton Rouge and will serve as a district attorney on the board.

Todd A. D'Albor, of Jennings, was appointed to the Louisiana Drug Control and Violent Crime Policy Board. Chief D'Albor is the Chief of the Jennings Police Department and will serve as a chief of police from the western portion of the state.

Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors regulates embalmer/funeral directors, funeral directors, funeral establishments, crematories, and retort operators. It also handles consumer complaints. In addition, the board prescribes requirements for funeral homes and crematories engaged in the care and disposition of dead human remains.

Rodney McFarland Sr., of Monroe, was appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Mr. McFarland is a licensed embalmer/funeral director with McFarland Funeral Companies. He will serve as a representative of district B on the board.

State Parks and Recreation Commission

The State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes the goals and objectives of the Office of State Parks, acts in an advisory capacity to the Office, and screens qualified projects for federal grants administered by the Office.

Margaret B. Schroth, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Schroth is retired. She formerly served as the head of the reference section at the State Library of Louisiana. As required by statute, she was nominated by and will serve as the representative of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Louisiana, Inc.

Children's Cabinet Advisory Board

The Children's Cabinet Advisory Board provides information and recommendations from the perspective of advocacy groups, service providers, and parents to the Children's Cabinet.

Kelly Lynn Pepper, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Children's Cabinet Advisory Board. Ms. Pepper is the president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and will serve as its representative on the board.

Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission

The Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission was created within the office of the governor for the purpose of assisting the governor's office of community programs to ensure and promote the proper treatment and well-being of animals.

Paul W. Edmonson, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission. Major Edmonson is a Louisiana State Police Major and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He will serve as the representative of the State Police on the commission.

Louisiana Economic Development Corporation

The board of directors is responsible for governing the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the single review board for all financial assistance loans, incentives or inducements, customized workforce training, investment programs, and any related appropriations, grants, or joint ventures administered by the Department of Economic Development, excluding those financial incentive programs administered by the state Board of Commerce and Industry or programs only authorized by the Secretary, the Governor, and/or the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Kimberly R. Johnson, of New Orleans, was appointed to the board of directors for the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Johnson is the deputy director and continuous improvement officer for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. She will serve as a representative of women's business interests on the board.

Iberia Parish Levee, Hurricane, and Conservation District

The Iberia Parish Levee, Hurricane, and Conservation District serves to understand the dynamics of flood protection and tidal surge needs specific to Iberia Parish in order to implement a plan for such protection in conjunction with neighboring parishes. The board also determines and identifies funding sources to implement said plan.

Edwin L. LeBlanc, of Delcambre, was appointed to the Iberia Parish Levee, Hurricane, and Conservation District. Mr. LeBlanc is retired and formerly served as the president of LeBlanc Oil Co., Inc. Additionally, he is a veteran of the Louisiana National Guard. As required by statute, he was nominated by and will serve as the representative of the town of Delcambre.

Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

The Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention serves to encourage and assist the state, units of local government, and private non-profit agencies in the comprehensive improvement of the juvenile justice system in the State of Louisiana. The Board assists in the establishment of juvenile justice policy by providing advice and counsel to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, the Louisiana Legislature, and the Governor of Louisiana on ways and means to facilitate greater juvenile justice system effectiveness.

Homer "Ted" Cox III, of Shreveport, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mr. Cox is the judicial administrator for the Caddo Juvenile Court and a veteran of the United States Army.

Joshua B. Muller, of Kenner, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mr. Muller is a graduate intern and faith based coordinator with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office's Juvenile Diversion division.

Tiffany R. Wilkerson-Franklin, Ph.D., of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Dr. Wilkerson-Franklin is the project coordinator for school gardens and prison-based programs with Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Claire T. Daly, of New Iberia, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Daly is a program advisor with the 16th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Curtis L. Hooks, of Shreveport, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mr. Hooks is a retired middle school principal.

Dana A. Menard, of Scott, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Menard is retired and formerly served the Lafayette Juvenile Detention Home for over 30 years.

John S. Ryals Jr., Ph.D., of Hammond, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Dr. Ryals is an evaluation and treatment supervisor with Jefferson Parish Juvenile Services and a veteran of the United States Navy Reserve.

Larry R. Spottsville, of Woodworth, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Mr. Spottsville is retired and formerly served as the director of Juvenile Services at Rapides Parish Juvenile Court.

Amanda L. Calogero, of Harahan, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Calogero is an attorney and chief of Juvenile Prosecution with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office.

Bilie M. Giroir, of St. Francisville, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Giroir is a chief civil deputy with the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office.

Stephen W. Phillippi Jr., Ph.D., of Covington, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Dr. Phillippi is an associate professor and program chair of the Behavioral & Community Health Sciences at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Additionally, he is the director of the Institute for Public Health & Justice.

Andrell L. Ward, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Ward is a human resources manager at the Belle of Baton Rouge and is the founder of Sisters of Sophistication, a nonprofit aiming to assist single mothers.

Vi Eve M. Martin-Kohrs, of Lake Charles, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Ms. Martin-Kohrs is a quality assurance manager with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury's Office of Juvenile Justice Services.

Respiratory Care Advisory Committee

The Respiratory Care Advisory Committee safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state against the unauthorized, unqualified, and improper practice of respiratory therapy.

Michael J. Nolan, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee. Mr. Nolan is a registered respiratory therapist and owner of MJNolan Health Services. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Army. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Society of Respiratory Therapy.

Kenneth E. Alexander, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee. Mr. Alexander is a registered respiratory therapist and vice president of member services and quality improvement at the Louisiana Hospital Association. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Army. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Hospital Association.

Raymond A. Pisani Jr., of Berwick, was reappointed to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee. Mr. Pisani is a licensed respiratory therapist and the director of cardiopulmonary services at Teche Regional Medical Center. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Society of Respiratory Therapy.

Sheila M. Guidry, of Houma, was appointed to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee. Ms. Guidry is a licensed respiratory therapist and an office manager at Advantage Maintenance. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Society of Respiratory Therapy.

Diana T. Merendino, of Shreveport, was reappointed to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee. Ms. Merendino is a licensed respiratory therapist and an associate professor at Louisiana State University Health in Shreveport. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Society of Respiratory Therapy.

Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation

The mission of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation is to assist the State of Louisiana in the development and implementation of a holistic engineering plan to achieve a sustainable coastal ecosystem, encompassing the entirety of Louisiana's fragile coast.

Jeffrey P. Hebert, of New Orleans, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Mr. Hebert is the chief resilience officer of the City of New Orleans and the executive director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. He will serve as a representative of local government.

Richard W. Egle, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Mr. Egle is the president of Egle Associates and a former president of Lafourche Parish. He will serve as an at-large member on the commission.

Mark F. Piazza, of Abbeville, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Mayor Piazza is the mayor of the City of Abbeville and will serve as a representative of local government.

Earl J. Melancon Jr., Ph.D., of Thibodaux, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Dr. Melancon is a professor of marine biology at Nicholls State University and a sea grant scholar with the Louisiana Sea Grant. He will serve as a representative of the university community on the commission.

Simone T. Maloz, of Metairie, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Ms. Maloz is the executive director of Restore or Retreat, Inc., and will serve as a representative of the nonprofit corporation community.

Karen K. Gautreaux, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Ms. Gautreaux is the director of government relations with The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana and will serve as an at-large member on the commission.

Louisiana Environmental Education Commission

The Louisiana Environmental Education Commission is a major resource in furthering environmental knowledge, awareness, and stewardship. The Commission's mission is to create a comprehensive and balanced environmental education initiative that results in a literate citizenry who will make informed decisions to effectively solve existing problems, prevent new ones, and maintain a sustainable environment for future generations.

Jennifer C. Roberts, of New Orleans, was reappointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Ms. Roberts is a senior city planner for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Environmental Educators Association.

Kea A. Sherman, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Ms. Sherman is an attorney and the owner of the Sherman Law Firm. She will serve as a representative of small business owners.

Craig R. McClain, Ph.D., of Houma, was appointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Dr. McClain is the executive director of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Board of Regents.

Cole B. Ruckstuhl, of Lafayette, was reappointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Mr. Ruckstuhl is a computer scientist trainee with the Geological Survey. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Environmental Educators Association.

Melanie F. Dupre, of Ball, was reappointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Ms. Dupre is a teacher instructional coach with the Grant Parish School Board. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Environmental Educators Association.

Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission

The Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission promotes the goals and objectives of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and advises the department and its Secretary on matters relating to antiquities, archaeology, and other cultural resources. The Commission also approves permits for excavations on state lands.

Kimberly S. Walden, of Jeanerette, was appointed to the Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission. Ms. Walden is the cultural director and tribal historic preservation officer of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana. As required by statute, she was nominated for appointment by the ex-officio members of the commission.

Heather I. McKillop, Ph.D., of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission. Dr. McKillop is a professor of geography and anthropology at Louisiana State University. As required by statute, she was nominated for appointment by the ex-officio members of the commission.

Cynthia A. Sutton, of Natchitoches, was appointed to the Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission. Ms. Sutton is the president of the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. As required by statute, she was nominated for appointment by the ex-officio members of the commission.

Kathe E. Hambrick, of Gonzales, was appointed to the Louisiana Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission. Ms. Hambrick is the executive director of the River Road African American Museum. As required by statute, she was nominated for appointment by the ex-officio members of the commission.

Northwest Louisiana Human Services District

The Northwest Louisiana Human Services District directs the operation and management of community-based programs and services relative to public health, mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services for the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster.

Gilliam "Reece" Middleton, of Shreveport, was appointed to the Northwest Louisiana Human Services District. Mr. Middleton is retired and formerly served as the executive director of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Army.

Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute

The Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute promotes public peace by establishing training programs for Sheriffs and providing management courses and skills to enhance the safety of the citizens of Louisiana and the enforcement of state laws.

Stephen W. Prator, of Shreveport, was reappointed to the Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute. Sheriff Prator is the Caddo Parish Sheriff. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Sheriff's Association.

Newell D. Normand, of Metairie, was reappointed to the Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute. Sheriff Normand is the Jefferson Parish Sheriff. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Sheriff's Association.

Gregory C. Champagne, of Luling, was reappointed to the Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute. Sheriff Champagne is the St. Charles Parish Sheriff. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Sheriff's Association.

Louisiana International Deep Water Gulf Transfer Terminal Authority

The Commissioners of the Authority serve as an oversight board for the development and operation of the Louisiana International Deep Water Gulf Transfer Terminal.

Mark T. Cognevich, of Belle Chasse, was appointed to the Louisiana International Deep Water Gulf Transfer Terminal Authority. Mr. Cognevich is a captain and responder with the Clean Gulf Association. As required by statute, he was nominated by Plaquemines Parish.

Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund Board

The Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund Board serves to determine policy for the Louisiana Tumor Registry and distribute state funds for cancer research.

Robert "Reese" Newsome, M.D., of LaPlace, was appointed to the Louisiana Cancer and Lung Trust Fund Board. Dr. Newsome is a radiologist with the Baton Rouge Radiology Group. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana State Medical Society.

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

The primary mission of the LPFA is to further education, healthcare, economic development, and job creation in Louisiana in order to make Louisiana a better place to work, live, and raise our families. We fulfill this mission by serving as a conduit issuer of tax-exempt and taxable bonds for Louisiana and its citizens. As a conduit issuer of bonds, the LPFA provides the means for qualifying projects and entities to receive tax-exempt financing and therefore achieve substantial interest cost savings. We also fulfill our mission by offering free college planning resources to students and parents through Lela, the LPFA's education division.

Michael C. Darnell, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority. Mr. Darnell is an attorney with the Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal Court and partner at Murray, Darnell & Associates, LLC.

Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board

The Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board serves to defend the public health, safety, and welfare by protecting the people of the State of Louisiana against unnecessary deaths and morbidity due to trauma and time-sensitive illness.

Tomas H. Jacome, M.D., of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board. Dr. Jacome is the trauma medical director at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. As required by statute, he will serve as the representative of the Committee on Trauma.

Louisiana Correctional Facilities Corporation

The Louisiana Correctional Facilities Corporation sets up financings on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

Larkin "Ted" Riser Jr., of Sibley, was reappointed to the Louisiana Correctional Facilities Corporation. Mr. Riser is a law enforcement liaison with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and a former sheriff of Webster Parish.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation

The Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation is a private, nonprofit corporation which operates as a domestic mutual insurer to provide workers' compensation insurance, a residual market, and services related to workers' compensation insurance for the benefit of Louisiana employers.

Thomas K. "Tommy" Huval, of Lafayette, was appointed to the board of directors of the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (LWCC). Mr. Huval is a regional president and senior lender with Brown & Brown, Inc. As required by statute, he was nominated by the board of directors of the LWCC and will serve as a representative of agents licensed to sell workers' compensation insurance in Louisiana with executive-level experience.

Louisiana Commission on Human Rights

The role of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights is to enforce specific laws pertaining to discriminatory practices in the state of Louisiana. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission uses distinct procedures for intake, investigation, mediation, and determination to process official complaints of discrimination.

Roxanna F. Foret, of Houma, was appointed to the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. Ms. Foret is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Bayou Partners and the director of Camp Bayou Pride. She will serve as the representative of the 1st Congressional District.

Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District provides a source of fresh water from the Mississippi River into Bayou Lafourche primarily for drinking water purposes. The district maintains the Bayou Lafourche waterway to clear any obstructions that may restrict the flow of water.

Scott M. LeBlanc, of Napoleonville, was appointed to the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. Mr. LeBlanc is the operations manager of LeBlanc Brothers Ready-Mix, Inc. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Assumption Parish President.

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