City Hall Spotlight

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.   

December 8, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Ellen Lee

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

I live in the St. Anthony neighborhood in the Gentilly planning district. I grew up in the 6^th Ward on the Backatown side of Treme.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I started my career in higher education as the director of a computer center. We administered some grants for the center and that led to my earning a position as a compliance officer in city government in a department that coordinated federal and state grants. From there, I served as a department head for the office overseeing the administration of grants to serve persons living with HIV/AIDS. I then broadened my scope to the director of neighborhood development. I took a break from city government after Katrina to work in state government and then worked for many years in the philanthropic sector. I started my second tour of duty in city government in housing and have finished in a great role where I have been able to bring all of my experiences together to support the Mayor in her vision for our city and its people. It’s a bit of a zig-zag, but sometimes the shortest distance between point A and point B is not the most interesting.

 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST DECISIONS YOU'VE HAD TO MAKE AS THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

It’s always hard to decide where to spend limited resources – what neighborhoods, which demographic, which partners – but you make the best decision with the information you have at the time in hopes of making the biggest impact. It’s also hard to say no – whether it’s no to an agency doing good work – but there aren’t enough resources to reach them or no to a staff member when they deserve a raise or promotion and you can’t make it happen. That said, there is always more that could be done, but I don’t have any big regrets about the decisions I have made throughout my career. I think those decisions have largely been good ones.

 

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

I have literally given blood (don’t ask), sweat, and tears over many years to help make life better for our residents. I am proud that I have been able to make changes to the way we do things in government and form relationships inside and outside of City Hall that create better administrative functioning, efficiency, coordination, and leverage so that we can serve more people and better serve them with the healthcare, housing, and other supports they need and deserve.

 

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

Stop yourself! LOL. Seriously, I would say that this work can be extremely rewarding, but anyone who comes to this work for their own praise and glory needs to find another career because that is not what city government is about. This work is about serving people and doing the things that create a better quality of life for everyone. I would also say that you have to act with both a sense of urgency  - because the need is great and patience - because the resources are few. Finally, eyes on the prize – keep doing the work even when you think you are not gaining ground. The results will come.

 

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

Cleaning my house.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

The reaction I get when I tell people not from here where I am from. It increases my cool factor exponentially.

November 9, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Tammie Jackson

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

Gentilly.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

The Department Safety and Permits (DSP) is fast paced and every day is a challenge. As the director, I am responsible for  six divisions and two bureaus, which collectively work to ensure that safety standards are met for all construction, use of buildings and properties in the City of New Orleans.  The department is also responsible for issuing all  permits for special events including festivals and  second lines. Additionally, the one stop permitting process is also located within the department which  processes all licenses.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I always had an interest in real estate. After law school, I obtained my real estate license. I started with the City as a law clerk in Finance. I was also the Finance attorney for several years. As a code enforcement attorney, I was part of the team that revamped the  administrative hearing process to ensure blight liens were actionable and launched the lien foreclosure process. 

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

I love seeing the transformation of a property, especially a blighted property. I equally enjoy seeing new business excited about receiving their occupational license.

 

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

The greatest challenge as the director of DSP is the same as in life: trying to make everyone happy.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

I cannot choose just one thing I love about New Orleans. My favorite things about New Orleans are the people and the food.

 

A little lagniappe - I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, 27 years.

October 12, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Jeffrey Schwartz

 

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

I was born on Plum Street in the Riverbend and grew up at the Lakefront. Now I live in the Irish Channel with my wife and daughter.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

I have my dream job!  As the Director of Economic Development for the City, I get to work every day to support our businesses both large and small; help create economic opportunity and reduce barriers for all of our residents; and promote an amazing quality of life.  Economic Development frequently is made too complicated, but I think it boils down to creating jobs, increasing investment, growing the tax base, and ensuring that as many New Orleanians participate in and benefit from a growing economy.  The job involves a number of different facets, and every day I get to think about how to better support our businesses and diversify our economy; support our workers to get the education, skills, and credentials they need to advance their career; be more proactive about creating new opportunities with publicly-owned assets or partnering with the private sector; and growing investment in new industries and in every neighborhood in New Orleans.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I actually am in my second stint in City Hall—I was bit by the public sector bug early in my career!  Right after graduating from college, I was a Mayoral Fellow serving in both the Health Department and the Office of Economic Development before and just after Katrina.  I then went back to graduate school for urban planning (where I focused on economic and real estate development, and city design and development).  After returning to New Orleans right after grad school, I co-founded a community economic development organization working on Broad Street and in the communities surrounding Broad Street.  While there, I got to work on many aspects that I love: supporting small business owners, developing community-led real estate development projects, and engaging in public policy to create more equitable economic outcomes.  After working there for over a decade, I then was offered the opportunity to be the Director of the Office of Economic Development last year, which affords me the ability to paint with a broader brush.

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

Every day, I get to work on projects, policies, and initiatives that help New Orleans businesses and help to ensure that New Orleans is a more vibrant and equitable place to live.  What I like most about it is that I get to think about how to connect New Orleanians to opportunities, and identify how to leverage public assets and resources to help businesses and our City grow.  I can’t think of anything cooler than great public policy and programs that change the landscape, especially for a place that you love. 

 

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

The greatest challenges in economic development are frequently those of our own making.  We don’t see the assets we have in New Orleans, from our people and our communities, to our infrastructure and publicly-controlled properties.  So much of economic development is actually about ‘connecting the dots,’ and making sure that we are investing in and prioritization the initiatives that will actually diversity our economy and bring more opportunity to our businesses and entrepreneurs, and it is frustrating when that alignment has not historically existed.  However, I am an eternal optimist, and these are the best sorts of challenges to work on!

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

The people!  There is really nowhere else like it, and while our architecture and music are close seconds, it’s the community here that makes New Orleans singular in all the world.

September 8, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Sarah Babcock

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

I grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA and have been in New Orleans for 10 years.  I currently live in Gentilly. 

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

I am the Director of Policy for the New Orleans Health Department where I oversee health policy, emergency preparedness, healthy environments, and communications. In my job, there are no two days that are the same.  Tasks I work on vary everyday from cleaning homeless encampments with NOPD and the Department of Sanitation, writing policy memos, developing COVID-19 reopening, managing  shelters in a hurricane, to enforcing public health ordinances. 

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

In college, I discovered public health while spending a summer in Zambia.  After college I spent a year volunteering with AmeriCorps in a health department where I was able to work with children born with disabilities and help their families access healthcare.  I completed by Masters in Public Health at Tulane University and interned with NOHD during that time. After a short hiatus to work in a HIV clinic, I returned to NOHD full time in 2013. 

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

I love being able to work on a wide range of topics and having variety in my day.  I have a great team to work that really support one another, especially while working long hours. 

 

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

Many of the topics that I address on a daily basis are complicated, sometimes controversial, and directly impact people's lives.  It can be difficult to balance the needs of all stakeholders, but my goal is always to address to needs to the most vulnerable New Orleanians. 

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

I love driving through New Orleans looking at beautiful homes under a canopy of trees. 

August 10, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Leila Darwish

 

 

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

I live in Mid-City, and I’m originally from Canada. 

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

As the Community Engagement Coordinator for the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, I work with non-profits, community organizations and residents to prepare, responde, and recover from disasters. I also help recruit and train NOLA Ready volunteers for City Assisted Evacuation, to ensure that our most vulnerable residents can get out safely in teh event of a major hurricane. 

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I worked for many years as a community organizer focused on social and environmental justice issues. As climate changes intensifies and extreme weather impacts our communities more frequently, working in emergency management was a clear next step for me, as it’s a tangible way to help people who are the most vulnerable in our community, and take an active role in equitable disaster response and recovery. 

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

No two days are the same. I get to work on a variety of issues, from hurricane preparedness to COVID19 and food relief. I love that I get to work with and support passionate and courageous community leaders, non-profit organizations, and first responders who are willing to give it their all when it comes to disaster response and recovery. 

 

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

This last year has been filled with many challenges, as we are navigating the COVID19 pandemic now intersecting with an active hurricane season. It's a constantly shifting landscape, and requires endurance, perseverance, creativity, and team work to stay focused and keep innovating to find new resources and ways to support our residents through it all. 

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

My favourite thing about New Orleans is the people - I love how kind and warm New Orleanians are, and the joyful and resilient spirit of this city.  

 

If you are a community organization or house of worship that would like to be more involved in COVID19 relief efforts, please email Leila at Leila.darwish@nola.gov. If you are interested in getting trained up and volunteering with NOLA Ready this hurricane season, check out the training schedule at: https://ready.nola.gov/stay-connected/volunteer-(1)/evacuation-volunteers/

July 13, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Artis Thomas

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I have lived in New Orleans East, District E, since 1983. Before this, I grew up in Zion City which is now the Xavier University area.

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

For almost eight years, I have been employed by the City of New Orleans in the Information Technology and Innovation Department as a Help Desk Technician II. Some of my duties include providing technical support and assistance, whether on the phone, in person, or remotely, related to computer systems, hardware and software. I also respond to customer’s request to provide technical assistance. I was employed with Sewerage and Water Board for 20 years as a Water Service Inspector II before Hurricane Katrina.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

My career path before becoming employed as a Help Desk Technician with the City of New Orleans was with Cox Communication as a Field Technician, served as a front-line representative of the Cox brand and was a key member of a supportive, service-oriented team.

During Hurricane Katrina, my family and I moved to Lake Charles, LA where I went back to school and attended Sowela Technical Community College. I graduated in May 2012 with an associate degree in Information Technology. While studying at Sowela, I became a student intern in the IT Department and later was employed as an IT Technician where I was committed to delivering secure, responsive, efficient, and customer-oriented services that support the mission of the IT Department and college.

Also, I attended Southern University in Baton Rouge studying in Computer Science/ Information Technology.

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

What I enjoy the most about my job is the sincere appreciation I receive from not only my boss, but also the people I work with. A heartfelt “thanks” goes a long way to improving my attitude and productivity.

I enjoy interacting with employees on all different levels of the organization and across all functional areas. I love that I get to learn new things about the company every day.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

My favorite things about New Orleans is family, food and tradition. I am a big fan of Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Saints. I love visiting family in different area of the city, going out to the French Quarters and different restaurants.

 

FINALLY, AS A SURVIVOR OF COVID-19, CAN YOU TELL US HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT ALL NEW ORLEANS RESIDENTS WEAR MASKS AND TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS?

As a survivor of COVID-19, wearing a mask or face covering is one of the prevention measures that can limit the spread of COVID-19. However, the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection. Other measures should also be taken, such as washing hands often, social distancing and staying home as much as possible.

While I was infected, I did all the above and sanitized everything I touched. As of today, my household is virus free. 

It is important to wear a mask in the City of New Orleans because we do not have a cure or vaccine for the virus yet. The only thing we have for now is wearing a mask or face covering, washing your hands and social distancing. We cannot completely stop the virus, but we can limit the spread of the virus by doing the above to save lives.

March 9, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Warren Jones

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?We've lived in Algiers more than 5 years, but with adult kids still repping the 12th Ward where they grew up, we'll always be Uptown folk as well.  

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

As the Lot Maintenance Program Manager, I'm responsible for cutting grass and clearing debris from thousands of blighted lots citywide.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I'm a civil engineer with more than 30 years' experience in construction and project management, so this latest job is a real departure for me.  

 

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

There's a lot of pent-up frustration in those parts of town most affected by blight, and our ability to address everybody's concerns is limited by budgetary and other constraints, but blight remediation is a top priority of the Mayor's and we're doing our best to address it head on.

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
I still enjoy the reaction of skeptical citizens when to their surprise, we actually deliver and cut/clear lots that have been neighborhood eyesores for years.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

I treasure not only the richness of our culture, but also that so many of us participate constantly in creating and preserving it. Living in New Orleans is like a team sport, but with the players and fans constantly swapping roles. Nowhere else compares...

February 6, 2020 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Natalie Manning

 

WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I live in New Orleans East, and I grew up uptown. Ya heard me?

 

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!
My work is less of a job and more of a labor of love because it allows me the opportunity to engage with the people of New Orleans in an impactful way.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.
I have been in working in City government for over a decade. My civic experience began as a sub-consultant as the City recovered from Hurricane Katrina – a journey that has taken me through Code Enforcement & Neighborhood Revitalization and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, all of which has prepared me for my career goal, outreach specialist for Roadwork NOLA with a portfolio focused on Resilience and Sustainability.

 

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE?
Changing the perception and the community’s adverse relationship with water. 

 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
Meeting new people and being an agent for positive change for the City of New Orleans.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?
The people. They are so colorful and so animated. No matter where New Orleanians go, they always stand out.

November 11, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Kameelah Isby

 

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

I grew up in California, but I have since made New Orleans home. I currently reside on the Westbank.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

I am the Multi-Service Center Coordinator for the Department of Property Management. I recently transitioned into managing Gallier Hall as well as the City’s Multi-Service Centers. I serve as the Liaison between our constituents that wish to utilize these City-owned spaces on a short-term basis for meetings and/or events, Non-Profit Organizations located within the Centers that offer valuable services to our Community, and the City Departments that occupy or wish to utilize these spaces as well. I manage the occupancy agreements; act as an initial contact regarding building requests and address any Tenant questions or concerns.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

Prior to my entry into public service, I worked as a Loan Processor and later as an Underwriter for a major bank while completing my undergraduate studies. Upon graduating, I moved to New Orleans and began working for the City as the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Inspector General. During my time with this department, I learned a great deal about our City’s government, best practices, and processes. A little over a year later, I was hired as a Project Manager with the Department of Property Management and have since assumed my current role while pursuing a Master’s Degree.
 

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

Managing to be in two places at the same time can be challenging as issues sometimes arise concurrently at different buildings; however, I think these occurrences help to keep me on my toes.
 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

I enjoy the fast-pace of Multi-Services and that each day usually differs from the day before. I also enjoy interacting with both tenants and visitors to the Centers. Knowing that my role in managing our Multi-Service Centers assists with our community members having access to spaces to meet, socialize, celebrate, and receive services is the aspect of my role that I enjoy the most.
 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?
 
My favorite thing about New Orleans is the culture (the food and festivals are tied for second). I used to vacation here at least once a year before relocating. In all of my travels, I have never experienced a place similar to New Orleans.