Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — The newly elected Parish Council convened for the first time Monday immediately following the 2020 St. John the Baptist Parish Inaugural Ceremonies in Edgard.

The meeting outlined crucial leadership positions to officially open the next chapter in St. John Parish administration under new Parish President Jaclyn Hotard. This included the appointment of the chief administrative assistant and chief financial assistant, two of the top leadership positions behind the parish president.

Robert Figuero Jr. will continue to operate as the chief financial assistant. Figuero is a former U.S. Marine with an extensive background in budgeting, policy, vendor management, revenue optimization and policy development and implementation. He holds an MBA from the University of New Orleans and a BA in organizational information from Tulane University.

Hotard selected Dr. Deshanda Firmin as the new chief administrative assistant, filling the role previously held by LaVerne Toombs. Firmin holds a doctorate from Xavier University of Louisiana – New Orleans with extensive business management and operations experience, according to Hotard.

“She is recognized by her peers as an innovator, leader and team player with strengths in all aspects of management, as well as development,” Hotard said. “Dr. Firmin has a strong passion for fiscal responsiveness, regular adherence and employee relations and engagement.”

Firmin has worked with three Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies in her career as a director of operations and district supervisor. She has successfully owned and operated businesses in Arlington, Texas and New Orleans.

Unlike the CFA and CAA positions, St. John department director positions required Parish Council approval during the Jan. 13 meeting.

Following the October election, Hotard assembled a transition team to recommend individuals best suited for department director positions.

Kali Price will lead the parish forward as director of health and human services. She is taking the role previously filled by Rhonda Lemons, and her job responsibilities will include participating in various committees and implementing health and human services programs.

Peter Montz is the new director of purchasing and procurement, filling the role previously held by Jean Stewart. This position provides leadership in the purchasing and procurement of materials, accounts payable, contract administration and document management.

Clayton Faucheaux is the new director of public works. Interim director Verdell Kindrick previously filled the position. He will provide oversight of public works operations, including but not limited to maintenance of Parish streets, drainage, streetlights, Parish owned facilities and fleet maintenance.

Stanley Bienemy is now the director of economic development. Previous director Jerry W. Jones left in late 2018 for another career opportunity. Bienemy will develop strategies to attract and maintain long-term economic growth in St. John Parish.

Another new appointment was Greg Johnson, director of parks and recreation. Johnson replaces previous director Kerry Watkins. He will be responsible for operation and maintenance of all parks and recreation facilities.

Three department directors from the previous administration remain in place.

Baileigh Rebowe Helm is retaining her position as director of communications. She is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing communication with the public, businesses, civic associations and media.

Stacey Cador is retaining her position as director of human resources. She is tasked with assisting all departments in employee recruitment and selection, as well as administrating job classifications, wage plans, training and conflict resolution.

The other director remaining in place is Rene Pastorek, director of planning and zoning. Pastorek directs planning, zoning, building inspection and code compliance. He administers land use and growth ordinances and also represents the Parish in negotiations related to land use and development.

The director of public safety and emergency preparedness and the director of public utilities have not been named. Hotard said interviews are ongoing to find the best individuals for the positions.

The transition team that made all director nominations included Steve O. Allen (Co-chair), Glen Smith (Co-chair), Kavin Patel, Whitney Joseph, Katie Klibert, Keith Miller, Jalacey Simon, Chassity McComack and Elizabeth Johnson.

Other appointments made during the Jan. 13 meeting included the following:

Suzanne Cupit – appointed to the Economic Development Committee

Nolan Weber – appointed to the Parish Wide Water, Sewage and Drainage Board

Mark Chapman- re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board

Greg Loisel- re-appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustments

Kenneth Simoneaux- re-appointed to the Animal Advisory Board

Lennix Madere was named Council Chairman for 2020. Other Parish Council leaders included Kurt Becnel- Vice Chairman, Michael Wright – Finance Chairman, and Tom Malik – Finance Vice Chairman.