By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie H. Robottom received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Phoenix Award for her outstanding contribution to disaster recovery in her role as a public official in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.
The award was presented to Robottom during a breakfast event held in Washington, D.C., on June 21 during National Small Business Week.
When the National Weather Service sent out the first Hurricane Isaac warning on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, Robottom took action. The St. John the Baptist Parish president coordinated with local officials to secure road barricades in anticipation of flooding and executed door-to-door evacuation efforts. She also shared storm updates with parish residents via press releases and social media. By Wednesday, more than 3,000 residents and 200 pets were evacuated. Hurricane Isaac’s wake left five feet of floodwater, mountains of debris, power outages and an emotionally devastated community.
Robottom organized the distribution of food, ice, water and tarps. The parish president then directed her staff to work with the U.S. Depart-ment of Hous-ing and Urban Development, the Louisiana Housing Task Force and FEMA to address housing needs of residents. Robottom also worked with SBA, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the local Small Business Development Center to establish a Business Recovery Center. She connected with an association that educated residents about building contractor fraud, and set up a volunteer center where the elderly and disabled could get help. Meanwhile, Robottom went to Washington, D.C., to testify before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to advocate for levee protection and parish recovery. With an uplifting message and a determination to rebuild better and stronger, Robottom demonstrated vision and tenacity as she led the efforts to make St. John the Baptist Parish whole again.
“It’s definitely an honor to be recognized for your efforts, even though you are not thinking about that at the time. I could not have done it without the help of a very strong and committed staff and supporting cast at the local, state and federal level. The success of St. John’s recovery is truly the result of
a team effort by government, emergency personnel, non-profits
and the faith-based
community working toward a common goal. We’ve learned a great deal and stand ready should we need it, but we are hoping for an uneventful hurricane season. There is a great deal of comfort knowing that you are prepared with a strong support system,” said Robottom.
“Parish President Robottom’s courage, decisiveness and clear headed leadership helped the community rebound quickly in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Isaac. Natalie Robottom displayed tremendous courage and resourcefulness in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, and she exemplifies the spirit one must have to rebuild after a disaster like this,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills.
Robottom’s progressive approach to management was also evident as she embraced the new concept of the National Disaster Recovery Framework in St. John’s recovery efforts. The NDRF was activated for the first time in Louisiana, with Robottom leading the way in the development and implementation of a multi-level, multi-partner plan for leveraging state and federal assistance.
“President Robottom and her staff stayed up day and night
during Hurricane Isaac, leaving behind their homes and families to take care of the
citizens of St. John Parish. Without her leadership and their hard work and dedication, St. John Parish would not have made the strides it has in recovering from this devastating hurricane,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA federal coordinating officer.