LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom has named Governor’s Office of Homeland Security employee Kia Callendar Price as the new Purchasing and Procurement Director.
Price was selected from a number of applicants based on her experience with local, state and federal programs and her attention to detail. Price is a highly motivated, team-oriented public administrator with a wealth of experience with advanced research, data analysis, marketing, contract negotiations, grant writing and budgeting. She is skilled at identifying problems and successfully implementing solutions for government entities.
“As the parish moves into full recovery from Hurricane Isaac, critical projects will be completed using a variety of funding sources, and it is critical that standard procedures and timelines are followed for purchasing and procurement, contract management and negotiations and grant reimbursements,” said Robottom.  
Price is familiar with parish staff and procedures as she has been assigned to St. John Parish as the State Applicant Liaison for GOHSEP since Hurricane Isaac. She brings the tools necessary for the position, including a wealth of experience with advanced research, data analysis, marketing, contract negotiations, grant writing and budgeting. While at GOHSEP, Price oversaw over $200 million in disaster recovery projects across several parishes, state agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Price was also previously employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency serving in a variety of positions throughout the Individual Assistance Division. These positions included: special needs specialist, funeral specialist and applicant services specialist. She also served as the lead point of contact for eligibility determinations for federal assistance following declared disasters.