LAPLACE — LaVerne Saulny is the new parish director of purchasing and procurement, after the parish Council unanimously approved her recommendation by Parish President Natalie Robottom.

Over the past six months, Saulny worked in the economic development department during the absence of the Economic Development Director Torri Buckles.

While serving as purchasing and procurement director, officials said Saulny will continue to work on special projects in economic development in an effort to build a strong local economy.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have served in the absence of Ms. Torri Buckles in the economic department and the support of the business community,” Saulny said, adding she looks forward to working together with other officials to build upon the progress to move St. John the Baptist Parish forward. “I sincerely thank Parish President Robottom and the parish Council for putting their trust in my abilities. I see this position as an exciting opportunity to be a productive part of an already highly competent team.”

Robottom recommended Saulny to replace Kia Price, who Robottom said returned to a position in state government.

“Saulny’s years of experience in government and her tenure in parish government speaks to her ability to implement systems and programs to meet the needs of the parish,” Robottom said. “Her organizational skills, knowledge of best practices and ability to work with others to get things done are assets to the parish. In addition to her department duties, she will continue to work on special projects, such as the National Disaster Resiliency Grant and CDBG Home and Business Loan Program, and will serve as liaison between commercial business owners and the planning and zoning department.”

Saulny, a native of Homer, served as the New Orleans Area Regional Manager for Senator Landrieu from 2002 to 2014. Officials said her qualifications include grantsmanship, public speaking, program development and implementation and event planning and coordination. She has received numerous awards and served on a variety of civic and community organizations and is an active member of the Greater New Orleans Junior League.

Saulny founded a consulting firm, which provided management and development consulting to nonprofit organizations. Saulny attended LSU Shreveport, where she majored in Forensic Psychology and was an Institute of Politics Fellow at Loyola University.