City Hall Spotlight

August 9, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Romy Samuel

 

 

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up? 

Currently live in Lake Forest Estates, in eastern New Orleans.  I grew up on the Westbank, in the Kennedy Heights neighborhood of Avondale but have always attended school in Orleans Parish, Corpus Christi Catholic School in the 7^th ward, Xavier Prep High School and Xavier University of New Orleans. 

Describe your job to us! 

I serve as the Collector of Revenue, the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Revenue in the Department of Finance.  We are responsible for the administration, collection and enforcement of sales tax which results in more than $500 million annually shared primarily between the City of New Orleans General Fund, Orleans Parish School Board and the Regional Transit Authority. 

Tell us about your career path.  

I am a career long Finance employee, beginning as an Auditor Assistant for the Casino Unit in 1992, working my way up through Senior Auditor and ultimately as Revenue Collections Supervisor managing the Alcoholic Beverage Unit for more than 10 years.  I was promoted to Collector of Revenue in 2006.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I most enjoy serving the City of New Orleans, the business community and working with a brilliant team of Revenue employees.  I have an exceptional group of team-members who keep this machine running, meeting every challenge to make the City better and challenging me to improve and for that I am grateful.  I also enjoy customer service, assisting new business owners realizing their entrepreneurial dream and thriving.  This all helps to contribute to the City’s tax base and improve City services and the citizen’s quality of life. 

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?  

The biggest challenge is getting my team the pay and recognition they deserve for their hard-work and continued commitment they’ve made to the City.  Very few understand that not only are employees City workers but they are constituents as well, which can present it’s own challenges.  It’s been more evident during the recent pandemic, our team had to manage personal adversities but remained steadfast to their professional obligation.   

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans? 

The culture of course! The food, the hospitality and certainly how we have a good time and how we can show each other a good time!  Laissez le bons temps rouler!

July 8, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Mrs. Gloria Smith

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I am a resident of New Orleans East; however, I grew up in the 8^th Ward.

Describe your job to us! 

I am the Executive Assistant to Mayor LaToya Cantrell.  Some of my duties include meeting preparations for the Mayor, greeting and assisting constituents, handling incoming and outgoing correspondences, interacting with other staff and department heads, and contracts management, just to name a few.

Tell us about your career path.

My career started in January 1989, when I started working for the City of New Orleans, in the Department of Finance/Bureau of Revenue. I have been employed with the city for over 31 years, working in various offices/departments – Division of Housing and Neighborhood Development, Office of Housing and Urban Affairs, Mayor’s Office of Federal & State Programs, Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, Chief Administrative Office, and Office of the Mayor.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I mostly enjoy being able to assist the constituents and my colleagues, whenever possible. It makes me feel good, when I hear relief and excitement in a person’s voice, knowing that I was able to make a difference.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Getting people to realize there is something called protocol is a challenge. People think that the Mayor can do and is responsible for every and all things. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be of help, it’s never enough.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

Because I love to eat, I would say that the food is my favorite thing about New Orleans. Sometimes, just the smell of seafood and burgers make me hungry.

June 8, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Denise Chandler

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I grew up in Gentilly, and I live in Gentilly.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US! 

I am the Project Director of the Safety and Justice Challenge in the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination (OCJC). The Safety & Justice Challenge includes a set of strategies and initiatives that safely reduce the local jail population, including diversion programs pre-arrest, pre-trial (after arrest),  mental health alternatives to reduce recidivism, and implementation of policies and procedures to address systemic inefficiencies. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I gained interest in the legal profession as a student worker at Loyola University Law School where I was surrounded by law professors who were heavily involved in community work after Hurricane Katrina. Observing the pro-bono aid that was provided influenced my decision to attend law school. I attended Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, WI where I was a student advisor coordinating with attorneys and law students to run the school's pro-bono legal clinic. I enjoyed working with the community to reduce burdens caused by the legal system.  After graduation,  I moved back to New Orleans where I was interested in working on police reform on a policy level. Fast forward, I am now working on policies that safely reduce the local jail population. I enjoy working on policies that have real world results. 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

I enjoy the people I work with, especially my boss Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. She creates a great work environment. She’s the type of boss that puts you in position to grow professionally. I also enjoy the real effect our work has on the community.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE?

It is challenging to bridge the gap from community advocate to government stakeholder. When attempting to meet the asks of the community, those in government positions may be bound by specific laws, budget constraints, or overall feasibility. Much forethought must go into the solutions/ideas proposed. These challenges are not something that I enjoy but the reward makes it worthwhile.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

The festivals! I cannot wait to start attending festivals again.

May 9, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Patrick Young

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What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently live in Gentilly, I grew up in Michoud, New Orleans East and attended McMain.

Describe your job to us! 

( A real life Chess match ) Trying to figure out anticipate and prevent more shootings and killings to keep the city healthy and safe requires a lot of strategic thinking, as well as trying to predict what may happen next is challenging but exciting at the same time.

Tell us about your career path.

My career path started the moment I was arrested for armed robbery in 1998, I had to find my way back after being incarcerated for 13years. From a sign language interpreter at JazzFest to cleaning floors for Jani King, I was ready to do whatever it took to not go back to prison. I started community organizing with OPEN Orleans Public Education Network, then I began teaching adult education for the Urban League of Louisiana, the grant for the program ended but I landed a job with JOB1 as the Education Director, I really liked working with the youth but I was offered an opportunity to help launch a new initiative called STRIVE. It was a work readiness training program, in less than two years we expanded the training model to four opportunity centers across the city, after many successful outcomes I was promoted to Training Director with the New Orleans Business Alliance, unfortunately the funded for the program ended during Covid and applied to work with the city, bringing all my work experience into play to now leading the Office of Gun Violence prevention

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

When we prevent a shooting, when we actually intervene and someone changes their thinking, it gives a lot of hope and energy to the idea that people can change

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

So many people in the city are hurt and dealing with trauma and depression, when you layer poverty and a poor educational system, you run into many challenges but the greatest challenge is getting people to believe better is a real possibility not just for some but for all

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My absolute favorite thing is the music, I travel a lot and New Orleans has its own sound and feel and you can carry that sound and music wherever you go, as long as the music lives, New Orleans will live.

April 13, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Beau Tidwell

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / where did you grow up? 
 

My wife and I moved to New Orleans about nine years ago when we started our family. We landed first in Broadmoor, then moved out to Carrollton where we live now --- a couple blocks from Palmer Park. 

I grew up in Nashville, TN --- where my grandfather worked on Music Row as a record promoter for RCA back in the day. I left Nashville for college, and then spent about a decade in New York before finally finding my way ‘home’ to New Orleans. 

Describe your job to us! 
 

Communications exists at the intersection of politics, media relations and PR. I’m extremely proud to lead a team of media professionals, many of whom had a career in local journalism before joining us, who are all committed to getting the Mayor’s message out to our residents and keeping people informed with accurate, timely information. 

Tell us about your career path. 
 

I started in journalism at a young age, freelancing for local daily papers in Nashville. After college at UNC Chapel Hill (Tar Heels!), I ended up in New York where I spent nearly a decade working for The New York Times --- where I did layout and production for the Page One news package for several years. I came to New Orleans for a job with the Times-Picayune/NOLA.com in 2012, during an extremely tumultuous period for the paper and for local journalism. From there I made the jump to political work as Communications Director for the state Democratic Party --- which led to work on various campaigns. I joined the City in 2017 as Communications Director for the NOPD, and moved into my current role under Mayor Cantrell at the beginning of her administration. 

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? 
 

I am always proud when I hear from residents that they feel connected to the City and to our administration because of the message that we are getting out. In keeping with the Mayor’s priority of meeting people where they are, we have made tremendous strides in connecting with our people digitally on social media --- and taking an active role with regular weekly press updates.  

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role? 
 

Like everyone at City Hall, I inevitably find that there are not enough hours in the day. We have crammed so much into the last three years, in the face of unforeseen and historic challenges, that it all runs by in a blur. I always want to find more time and more ways to maximize what we are able to deliver for the administration, for the Mayor and for our people. 

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans? 
 

It’s difficult to answer this without resorting to cliché: but New Orleans really is unlike anywhere else. My wife and I came down for our honeymoon for a long weekend and fell in love with the city, and then kept finding excuses to keep coming back --- until finally we made it our permanent home to raise our children. For all its challenges: New Orleans truly is a magic place. I’m deeply honored by the opportunity to serve this Mayor and this City, and to work alongside the people who are showing up every day to deliver for our people. 

March 4, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Larry Barabino, Jr.

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I currently live in the Gentilly neighborhood in New Orleans. I grew up in the St. Bernard Housing Projects.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

I am the Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission. My job is exciting, fast-paced, rewarding, and critical to the families across the City of New Orleans. In the role of NORD CEO, I am responsible for planning, organizing, and managing more than 200 full and part-time employees, as well as community programs and events for NORD; I also oversee development, implementation, and administration of NORD policies, programs, facilities, and day to day operations. With a portfolio of more than 100 public parks, recreation centers, playgrounds and facilities, my days are usually very busy. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH. 

I started my career path as a Volunteer Coach with NORD, then joined the department full time as a Rec Center Manager II at St. Bernard Recreation Center. I left NORD for a Senior Programs Coordinator position with Tulane University. While at Tulane, I remained an active Volunteer Coach at NORD’s Willie Hall Playground until after Hurricane Katrina. I then returned to NORD after Katrina as the Director (now known as the CEO position). I worked at NORD for a few years before leaving to work with the Children's Defense Fund in New Orleans. I left that role for a role at the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), as DBE/Section 3 Program Manager. In 2018, following a unanimous vote from the NORD Commission, I returned to the department in my current role as CEO of NORD.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

What I enjoy most about my job at NORD is providing quality programming, events, and critical resources to residents across the City of New Orleans.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE? 

A few of my challenges in this role include managing such a large portfolio of facilities and maintenance of those facilities. It is imperative that all our facilities are safe and operable for the public. It is also challenging to personally support and participate in the vast number of programs and events offered at NORD. I do my best to support the staff and residents as often as possible during their experience and time at NORD.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS? 

My favorite thing about New Orleans is the culture, and the people.

February 9, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Sunni LeBouf

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? 

I live in Algiers and grew up in Gentilly.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US! 

As City Attorney, I am responsible for directing and supervising the legal affairs of the City.  I am also responsible for providing legal advice to the Mayor, the City Council, and other city offices, departments, boards and commissions.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH. 

Prior to joining the Mayor’s leadership team, I served as the Acting and Deputy Civil Chief of the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA), where I represented the interest of the United States of America.  This was quite an honor. 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST? 

I most enjoy  working with such committed and selfless public servants, all focused on delivering positive results in the interest of what is right for the people of New Orleans.   

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE? 

The past year has been an incredibly challenging one for the people of New Orleans, and for those who show up to serve each day.  Together we have faced unprecedented challenges, including weather events, a building collapse, a cyber-attack and now a global pandemic.  Each day we remain focused on addressing the rapid-fire challenges that come our way, with a firm commitment to always doing what is right, and in the best interest of the people we serve.   

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS? 

The cultural richness of our community.

January 12, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Mary Pettingill

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Metairie but have lived in the City Park area for the past 35 years.

Describe your job to us! 

I am the Fiscal and Personnel Manger for the Mayor’s Office.  I handle the financial, procurement and contracts for the Mayor’s Office and Human Resources transactions.

Tell us about your career path. 

I have been with the City for 31 years.  I started in the Office of Housing & Urban Affairs, as it was called then in the Annex at 2400 Canal Street as the Fiscal Bureau Chief.  I moved to the Mayor’s Office in 1997 and have been here ever since.  My job in the Mayor’s Office has been similar with each Administration.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I like all of the aspects of my job.  It is challenging and fulfilling at the same time.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role? 

It is always a challenge trying to do all of the things we would like and need to do with the resources.  Some years are more challenging than others.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans? 

The people.  I don’t know that I can pick one thing.  I know that I have not had the desire to move any place else.  I like to visit other places but always happy to come home.  New Orleans is my Happy place.

December 8, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Cynthia Sylvain-Lear

 

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN/WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I am a New Orleans native, and I currently live in the 7^th Ward.  It is also the neighborhood in which spent most of my early years. 

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

Prior to graduating from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree, I worked for the Royal Orleans/Royal Sonesta Hotels in Human Resources and Purchasing as well as Exxon Company, U.S.A.  Over the next twenty-three years at Exxon, I worked in several areas.  The last position held was as a Sr. Financial Specialist.  During the course of working at Exxon, I received a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University of New Orleans.  I have been an Adjunct Instructor at  Southern University of New Orleans teaching general business and finances courses.  I have been a business consultant in the areas of entrepreneurship and professional development at the University of New Orleans Small Business Development Center and The Petra Group. 

I started working with the City in 1996 in the Division of Economic Development as the Director of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization and later as the Director of the Department of Parks and Parkways.  In 2002, I became the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and managed many of the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.  In May 2010, I was appointed to the position of the Director of the Department of Sanitation.

 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST DECISIONS YOU'VE HAD TO MAKE AS THE DIRECTOR OF SANITATION?

Some of the toughest decisions made as the Director of the Department of Sanitation were related to contract administration.  This is a critical area of responsibility of this department.  It has always been an area of constant challenges to overcome and manage. 

 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WHILE WORKING FOR THE CITY (OR AS THE DIRECTOR OF YOUR DEPARTMENT)?

During my time in each position, I developed, initiated and managed a number of innovative improvements which resulted in the delivery of additional services to citizens, strengthened internal controls, streamlined processes and increased performance and accountability.

I am very pleased to have positively impacted the paths of a number of employees.  It is heartwarming to see the career development of persons in several departments over the years.  In the Department of Sanitation, we have created pathways for a number of persons who started as laborers to obtain CDLs.  Some of these persons have moved into Supervisory positions.  Prior to 2010, a number of functions previously handled by contractors were moved in-house at substantial cost savings to the city.  

I am also very proud of the work done to help the City during and after Hurricane Katrina.  I played a role in the renovation or rebuilding of a number of City buildings.

Another key accomplishment was in restarting curbside recycling and in the growth of the Recycling Drop Off Center.  At the Drop Center, a number of partnerships were developed which allow us to accept tons of glass and  hazardous waste in addition to paper, plastics, metals and cardboard.   

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT?

I would advise anyone interested in working in municipal government to apply!  It has been the most challenging but rewarding part of my career.

It allows individuals to directly impact the community in which they live and to see the results of their efforts.

  

WITH RETIREMENT ON THE HORIZON, HOW DO YOU HOPE TO SPEND YOUR NEWFOUND FREE TIME? 

I plan to spend more time with family and enjoy my city.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

My favorite thing about New Orleans is its people!  After travelling to other cities and countries, there is no place like home!  I have not witnessed the friendliness to family and strangers exhibited routinely by New Orleanians.   

December 8, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Ann Macdonald

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN/WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

My house is in Vascoville, the neighborhood.  I’ve lived there my entire life.  Growing up we called it Boscoville. I love Chilly Gentilly - it is centrally located and many of my neighbors are second and third generation residents. New Orleans’ culture is built in neighborhoods like Vascoville that are rich in tradition.   

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

When I was in high school, I wanted to be an actress. I was very active in student government and the drama club (I was voted most leadership in the senior superlatives).  My parents did not see a way forward for that dream and definitely did not support it.  In college, I majored in business management and got a job with the City’s Housing Department in the late eighties, where I worked before taking a position as the Secretary of Recreation in 1994.  I worked at NORD for seven years prior to transferring to Parks and Parkways in 2001.  I became the Director of Parks and Parkways in May of 2002 and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.  Having the opportunity to lead a City agency for almost 18 years has been an honor.  I often tell my co- workers the work we do impacts every citizen and visitor. 

 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST DECISIONS YOU'VE HAD TO MAKE AS THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND PARKWAYS?

Budget decisions are also difficult, although I recognize these challenges impact all city departments. Municipalities around the country deal with the need to do more with less every day.  I knew early on in my tenure that it was necessary to literally get down into the weeds to understand every aspect of Parks and Parkways so that I understand the consequence of every budget decision.  These decisions impact the workforce, equipment and the quality of life for the entire city.               

Making a decision to terminate an employee is always tough.  I tell employees all the time we do not hire without a plan to terminate, but that we have numerous counselling sessions and try our best to course correct before it reaches that point. 

 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WHILE WORKING FOR THE CITY (OR AS THE DIRECTOR OF YOUR DEPARTMENT)?

Being a part of rebuilding the department post Katrina is one of my greatest accomplishment while working for the City.  At one point, we were down to 75 employees (from 250), our campus was flooded, and every building was uninhabitable, including our greenhouse.  The buildings were restored in 2014, and we are also back in the greenhouse.  Having a functional place to work does wonders for morale.

I am most proud of the fact I made a conscious effort to hire former offenders, in addition to individuals who have dealt with substance abuse, offering an opportunity for them to turn their lives around and positively impact their entire family. We also provide a space where mistakes do not mean the end.  Demonstrating to employees that you support them through challenges builds confidence, loyalty and a dedicated workforce.   Everybody is different and leaders are required to use a variety of approaches to inspire. 

Additionally, Parks and Parkways completed a citywide Tree Inventory for the first time in over 25 years.

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT?

Remember who you work for ultimately.  We are all here to serve the people of this unique, diverse and culturally rich city.  Gratitude and glory may never come with this work.  Many days I felt like I was on a hamster wheel but when an opportunity presents itself to make a  difference, you feel absolute joy.  Strive for small victories every day in pursuit of incremental change.   

Represent your agency by being an informed  advocate, and when given the opportunity to impact decisions, make sure that they are data-driven. Having power means you are responsible for finding solutions. Recognize that the opportunity to help an employee, a colleague and a citizen is energizing.  You must also have the courage to speak up when asked to do the impossible but even then, come up with a compromise. Do not let what you can’t do negatively impact what you can do!    

 

WITH RETIREMENT ON THE HORIZON, HOW DO YOU HOPE TO SPEND YOUR NEWFOUND FREE TIME? 

Doing whatever I want to do (LOL)… I will continue to contribute by volunteering for city initiatives if needed. Honestly, carrying one cell phone or no cell at all will be FREEING.  I will have an opportunity to empty my bucket list which includes a great deal of travel and home improvement projects.      

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

It’s home, nobody is a stranger and the food is amazing 😊.  With all the challenges, I feel the city wrapped around me like amour, I absolutely love this place.