By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Michael K. Coburn was appointed St. John the Baptist Parish’s new Chief Administrative Assistant at Tuesday’s Council meeting, an appointment announced by Parish President Natalie Robottom.

“My vision is to have the best for every citizen of St. John Parish,” Coburn said after the announcement, adding he will “work harder and harder everyday” for the people of the parish.

Coburn joined the parish’s administration team in June, when he was named a special assistant to Robottom in the area of public safety with specific duties in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.

Parish Director of Communication Paige Falgoust said during his employment, Coburn “has worked extensively on closing out projects related to Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike and is working with the Disaster Recovery Team on closing out FEMA claims for Hurricane Isaac.”

Falgoust said he is also working on Community Development Block Grant funding for housing repairs and hazard mitigation projects for drainage improvements, repairs to the Ruddock Water System and construction of a safe room.

“Mike is a quick study and has hit the ground running since joining my staff in June,” Robottom said. “I look forward to having him in this new position, which will allow him to further employ his administrative and management skills in moving St. John forward.”

Prior to joining the parish administrative team, Coburn was a long-time educator in St. John Parish Schools, serving in various capacities including principal, chief administrative officer, special projects manager and superintendent.

Known as “Coach” to many in the community because of his sports background, Coburn has also worked for the Louisiana Department of Education as the director of school and community programs.

Coburn, a resident of Garyville, holds a masters degree in health education and administrative supervision from Northeast Louisiana University.

He replaces Randy Vincent, who served in the same capacity with St. John for just over a year and recently resigned to pursue other employment opportunities.