City Hall Spotlight

September 9, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Monika Gerhart

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

As Director of State Relations, I handle the Mayor’s legislative and regulatory agenda at the State level—both with the agencies and the legislature. That means I work closely with the Orleans delegation to the legislature, legislators around the state, and the Governor’s staff and cabinet.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

I most recently was the Director of Office of Community Development for Mayor Broome of Baton Rouge.  Before that I worked for a long time as a government relations professional for civil and human rights organizations, primarily in the housing context but also on a broader range of issues.

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

New Orleans is very much a part of the fabric of Louisiana, but yet is in many ways different than the rest of the state. And so we have a lot of work to do with our counterparts across the state in order to ensure we’re all on the same page in advancing our shared goals. 

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

Working at the legislature can be fantastic and extremely fast-paced work. It’s both rewarding and sometimes challenging. Before the last legislative session, I told a colleague that I felt like we were taking a running start at a brick wall.  But then we prevailed, so our hard work paid off and we were able to bring home some real wins for the people of New Orleans.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

The way we occupy public space. Second lines, festivals, gatherings, and all the different ways in which we live outside and live together outside. Even if it’s people barbecuing or sitting in the shade on the neutral ground. We enjoy public space in a different way than other cities, and we enjoy it together in a different way. Someone told me once that they thought New Orleanians weren’t civically engaged, and I argued that we were the most engaged, because of the way we show up and share with one another.

August 9, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Rosine Pemasanga

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

I live in the Gentilly area. I grew up in Toucountouna, Benin, West Africa.

Describe your job to us!

I have direct oversight of International Relations, including relationships from outside of the country and international entities within the city. I oversee relations with our sister cities, including reactivating our dormant sister cities, creating new relationships, and building links to keep our partnerships active.  

Tell us about your career path.

I worked as an Executive Assistant to Councilmember Cantrell, when Mayor Cantrell served as a Councilmember. I then went back to school to pursue a degree in Romance Languages. I graduated in 2015 with a Masters in Spanish and a Masters in French in 2016. I accepted a position at Dillard University to teach both French and Spanish for the 2016-2017 academic year. In the 2017-2018 academic year, I taught study skills at Ben Franklin High School before joining the Mayor’s team in July of 2018.

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

When I took office last year, we had 12 Sister Cities with only three (Orleans, France, Innsbruck, Austria and Matsue, Japan) being active. Those respective cities have events celebrating New Orleans regularly. For our Tricentennial,  our delegation of sister cities did not only come to celebrate with us for one day; they celebrated New Orleans throughout the year in Orleans. But it is challenging for us to be able to send a delegation to all of these places.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

 I enjoy being able to meet our visitors where they are. Making sure that they feel at home and helping to plan on their next visit while they are still in the city.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

New Orleans is an international hub that allows me to connect with global cultures and practice the different languages that I speak. The Food, the Music, the people, and most importantly, the weather. I love the weather because it doesn’t get too cold, just like in my country.

July 8, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Jabarie Walker

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

I’m originally from the Upper Ninth Ward and grew up in Gentilly. Then in high school, I moved to the West Bank and went to John Ehret. I currently live in Algiers.

Describe your job to us!

It is my job to oversee the City Of New Orleans’ federal legislative priorities and help to implement them. In addition to that, I also troubleshoot different issues with different federal agencies on behalf of City departments. In addition, I advise the Mayor on some partnerships with national mayoral conferences. I also act as a liaison in her partnerships with the Mississippi River Cities and Town Initiative, as well as the Cities Thrive Coalition.

Tell us about your career path.

In college, I went to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I had the great honor of being part a Future Leaders Internship Program during the 2015 Louisiana State legislative session. I got the opportunity to work with Representative Ledricka Thierry from Opelousas. I got on with the Landrieu administration and was his briefing manager. About a year later, I moved up to Deputy Director of the Executive Office. I stayed on to become Mayor Cantrell’s Executive Office Director. And, in November of 2018 I transferred to federal relations.

What do you find to be the greatest challenge with your role?

I think the greatest challenge that I face is how far away from Washington I am. I don’t always have the ability to talk to someone face-to-face. I view face-to-face communication as a great tool for getting things done.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy interacting with the different politicians throughout the country. It’s cool to have had breakfast with Joe Biden. It’s pretty cool to interact with different mayors and have meetings with congressional leadership.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My favorite thing about New Orleans is our culture. In this role live had the opportunity to travel across the nation. There’s no place in this country, and possibly the world, as unique as New Orleans. It is a unique and a great honor to say that I am a son of New Orleans and that is have affected the way I talk, walk, and think versus other Americans around the nation.

June 5, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Ms. Amy Rodenberger

Amy Rodenberger

Executive Office Director for Mayor LaToya Cantrell

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

I just moved from Treme to the Warehouse District! It is hip, man! I grew up in Lancaster, PA, Amish Country. That was less hip.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!

The Mayor’s Executive Office handles the Mayor’s scheduling, briefings, advancing, and staffing. I mostly try to 1) make sure the Mayor is happy and prepared for her days and 2) to make sure her entire staff stays coordinated with her priorities.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.

Truth be told, I never wanted to work in politics! However, as a sophomore at Tulane University I met then-Councilmember LaToya Cantrell and got hooked by her work ethic and passion. I started at age 19 as an intern in her District B office, became the fundraiser for her mayoral campaign and transition teams, and entered her administration at the end of last year in my current role.

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

The greatest challenge in my role is keeping up with the Mayor. She has more energy than anyone I have ever met, and she is constantly moving and shaking. Her schedule would be too much for any other human, not to mention that she is a mom on top of all the rest. I have no kids, no pets, sleep over 8 hours every night, and I still have trouble matching her pace.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

I love the atmosphere of the Mayor’s Office. Things are always happening, there is never a dull day, and the people who I work with are all blessings. I could not ask for a better team or a more interesting environment.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?

I can always find a mean French 75. Second favorite: the raw oyster bars.

May 6, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Joshua Cox

 

Joshua Cox

Director of Strategic Initiatives
Office of Mayor LaToya Cantrell

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? Did you grow up there too?

I have lived in the Bayou St. John area for the past four years, but originally moved to New Orleans ten years ago. I grew up in Gainesville, Florida.

Describe your job in 25 words or less.

One half of my job is managing boards and commissions for the Mayor.  I manage the mayoral appointment process, ensure that boards and commissions are working well, and keep an eye on relevant policy issues.

The other half of my job is managing our Administration’s strategic initiatives; I am working to brainstorm long term solutions to some of New Orleans’ biggest problems.

Tell us about your career path.

I attended Yale University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies. I also played varsity baseball (4 year letterman), and was heavily involved in mentorship programs. Right after college, I chased my dream of playing professional baseball and had a brief stint in the Canadian American League playing for the New Jersey Jackals.  I moved to New Orleans when baseball ended, and I taught middle school English at Sylvanie Williams College Prep on MLK Boulevard.

After teaching for two years, I enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania Law School before returning to New Orleans to do commercial litigation for three years at a local firm. However, public service kept calling my name. I knew I wanted to help people, and I knew I wanted to do work that would fight inequality and poverty.  Thankfully, the opportunity to work for Mayor Cantrell popped up.

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

One of my greatest challenges in this role is trying to make decisions and build solutions that will stand the test of time. It can be easy to look for a quick fix that helps in the short term, but the real challenge is to come up with solutions that will have lasting value for future generations long after we are no longer here. 

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I love our team; I enjoy coming to work every day because of our office culture. I also enjoy being out in the community and meeting the people we serve.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

The things that New Orleanians value are the things that I value. I don’t care about career status or globs of money. I care about community, people, music, and good times.

April 8, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Tenisha Stevens

Tenisha Stevens

Criminal Justice Commissioner, City of New Orleans

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? Did you grow up there too?

I currently live in the Bullard Park neighborhood of New Orleans East. I grew up in the 7^th Ward / Gentilly area, where I attended John F. Kennedy High School.

Describe your job in 25 words or less.

I am the Criminal Justice Commissioner for the City of New Orleans. It is my duty to carry out the vision of Mayor LaToya Cantrell and to make sure we have an effective criminal justice system for all New Orleanians.

Tell us about your career path.

At Dillard University as an undergrad, I majored in Sociology and minored in Criminal Justice. As a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, I did a lot of boots-on-the-ground volunteer work at a church in Central City where I served as a mentor/tutor to children of incarcerated parents. I then co-created a tutoring program!

Doing this kind of incredible work served as the inspiration for my career in Criminal Justice. I went on to obtain a graduate degree in Criminal Justice and Administration from Southern University at New Orleans, spent eight years as a Civilian Analyst with NOPD, served as a Criminal Investigator for the District Attorney’s office, and also had a stint with the Louisiana Attorney General as a Special Agent for Medicaid fraud.

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

As we have been working on reforming our criminal justice system, we have been facing a lot of challenges in dealing with antiquated practices, equipment, and processes. One of the things we are working on is obtaining and maintaining a shared data system for all agencies of our criminal justice system. We are also working to improve reentry support to those previously incarcerated as they seek to acclimate into society.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy working for the Mayor and for this Administration, as I fall in line with her vision and mission. I care about people. As a native New Orleanian, I have an understanding of what these city’s struggles are and I want to work to find a way to help its people. For me, even just pointing someone in the right direction is a win. My ultimate goal is to make people smile, and for us to all work together and collectively move forward.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

The culture, the food, the atmosphere, the music, and most importantly, the people. No city does it better.

March 7, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Liana Elliott

Liana Elliott

Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor LaToya Cantrell

What New Orleans neighborhood did you grow up in? Did you grow up there too?

I was born in New York, grew up in California but I have lived in New Orleans for my entire adult life. I live in the Warehouse District – but lived in Broadmoor, Irish Channel and around Uptown.

I had never been to New Orleans before moving here, but it felt like home immediately and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Describe your job in 25 words or less.

As the Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor LaToya Cantrell, I am here to operationalize her vision, policy, and priorities for the City of New Orleans and am here to support her in any capacity. I help make the gears of the Administration turn.

Tell us about your career path?

As an undergrad at Tulane University I studied Religion and Classics, which was a great way to study a little of everything – sociology, anthropology, art history, literature, philosophy, etc. Hurricane Katrina hit right before my junior year of college, and I was eager to start helping the recovery. After graduating I joined Rebuilding Together New Orleans as an AmeriCorps VISTA member doing grant writing and development, and spent a few years in the nonprofit housing and community development world. I briefly left New Orleans to pursue Masters’ degrees in Urban Planning and Public Policy at University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy.

I returned to New Orleans to work for the City of New Orleans Information and Technology Innovation team as a GIS technician researching publicly owned property, then became a project manager for the City’s Lot Maintenance program in the City’s Chief Administrative Office. I served as Councilmember Jason Williams’ Chief of Staff before joining the Mayor’s transition team. Now, I’m here!

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

There are not enough hours in the day! From an Administrative standpoint, a lot of what we are trying to do is challenge and change entrenched habits, and ways of thinking and doing things to get better outcomes for our people. As our Administration has sought to make positive change, we have come across a lot of barriers and obstacles, some of which have been in place for decades and are outdated relative to the current times, and some of them are in place for very good reasons. The challenge is navigating through all of that to accomplish our vision and priorities.

It’s a tough challenge - How can we shape and mold a governmental system that can not only serve its residents of today, but can also be nimble enough to change with the times in coming years and decades as well? This is the hard part, but also the most interesting.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I feel much aligned with the Mayor’s values, views of the world, and her people-oriented approach. It’s a joy to be able execute a vision that I really see as being about the people and for the people. Plus our team is awesome, and I genuinely love working with all of them.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

I love the “do whatcha wanna” attitude of New Orleans that encourages you to be who you want to be. There is a culture of acceptance in New Orleans that doesn’t exist anywhere else, and a camaraderie that goes with it. 

What fun fact should people know about you?

I have a 1957 Chevy Bel Air named Duke, who I absolutely love – he was my first car, and I still drive him to this day. I am also the co-founder of a radio station focused on human rights and social justice.

February 11, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Art Walton

Mr. Art Walton serves as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for the City of New Orleans.

What New Orleans neighborhood did you grow up in? Did you grow up there too? 

I live in Gentilly, close to UNO. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
Describe your job in 25 words or less.

As the Director of Intergovernmental Relations I am tasked with forwarding the Mayor’s legislative and policy agendas on the federal, state, and local level.

Tell us about your career path?

I spent four years working on the Hill after graduating college. After attending law school I chose the practice of law as a profession, however my interest in politics remained. So, when this opportunity to return to New Orleans and serve its citizens presented itself I dropped everything and came back to the City I love.
 
What do you find to be the greatest challenges in your role? 

Maintaining a positive outlook with so many hurdles before us. One challenge in particular is convincing others that the Mayor’s belief in honest and transparent governance, is just that, honest and transparent.
 
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

Engaging with peoples’ political agendas and interest for the betterment of New Orleans.
 

What is your favorite New Orleans establishment?

We love the crawfish pies at the Big Fisherman.
 
What fun fact should people know about you? 

I love photography!
 
 

January 11, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Keith LaGrange, Jr.

 

 

City Hall Spotlight: Keith LaGrange, Jr., Director, Department of Public Works

1. Did you always want to be a civil engineer?

I grew up working in a family restaurant and managed it upon graduating from high school. We were in business until Katrina. After the storm, I brought a food trailer back to feed demo crews and people cleaning houses. We stayed busy with that for a few years. After the demo crews left, the restaurant industry bottomed. With that, I wound up with going to work for the St. Bernard Parish government. I was the only member of the Building Maintenance Department and painted walls, repaired sheet rock, or whatever the Parish President needed. Shortly after staring I was transferred to the Engineering Department as an inspector.

Pre-Katrina I was in school for finance. I went back to UNO and switched to engineering. After Katrina, this was a growing industry and there was definitely a need for engineers. I went to school while working and graduated in 2013. After, I went into private sector and worked for an engineering firm. I was then asked to lead the St. Bernard Department of Public Works, which is what I did until beginning this job!

 

2. What is your favorite restaurant in the City of New Orleans?

Café Atchafalaya

 

3. Describe your job in 25 words or less.

Our job is to provide sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life for the citizens of New Orleans.

I’m excited, with a lot of challenges ahead. I feel we have great resources that haven’t been exploited, as well as lot of great employees.

 

4. What do you see as the biggest challenges for you as the Director of DPW?

The size of the problems. With limited funding it’s hard to pick and choose your battles, especially when everything is important. Identifying top priorities with the help of City Council allows us to take small bites out of a large problem. Efficiently spending the tax payers’ dollars and not wasting money is our top priority.  

 

5. What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most, so far?

I love interacting with the public. I also enjoy the chaos and the diversity of public works because there are five different divisions in the department there’s never a dull moment. I like to always be engaged. I’m a hands-on manager.

 

6. What is a fun fact people should know about you?

You wouldn’t know by looking at me, but I’ve completed three Half Iron Man triathlons.  This consists of traversing a 70.3 mile course.

 

 

November 8, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Jerome Casby

 

Where did you grow up in New Orleans?  

I grew up in Algiers and attended L.B. Landry High School.

 

What neighborhood do you live in?

I currently live in Gentilly.

 

What do you like best about your neighborhood?

I really like my neighborhood, and have lived there for about 22 years. We have a lot of stores and restaurants in the area that I like, such as the Waffle House! I also have a lot of friends in the neighborhood.

 

What is your favorite New Orleans restaurant?

Texas Road House on the West Bank Expressway is great. I love the ribs.

 

Describe your job in 25 words or less.

I am the Superintendent of Public Works. I supervise the field workers who do drain cleaning, potholing, catch basin cleaning, ditch work, and alleyway work. The crews flush the mud and debris in catch basins so that the street doesn’t flood and so that storm water can make it to the drainage system.

 

 

What do you like most about your job?

I like everything about my job, but I especially love being able to help people. I love being able to help people both in my work life and in my personal life. I am also a PCA personal attendant outside of my work. I am also a Deputy Sheriff for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Department.

 

Tell me more about your post-Katrina work.

After Hurricane Katrina hit, I lived on a cruise ship on the river and helped with all of the post-Katrina cleanup. We cleaned up branches, telephone poles, streetcar poles, and everything. I helped a man with cerebral palsy named Willie Martin stay safe during this time, and this work inspired me to get involved as a Physical Care Assistant. I love this work because I love helping people.

 

Biggest challenges about your job?

I want to make sure that I can take care of everybody, and this can be hard! I want to make sure that we can help everyone and be an asset for everyone and their concerns.

 

Favorite part about New Orleans?

I love celebrating Mardi Gras, and I love the Saints and Pelicans. I have a great memory of watching the Saints win the Super Bowl. I was watching at Ms. Nancy’s house on Cypress Acres Drive in the West Bank. Ms. Nancy is like a mother to me. We had a huge party with all of the barbeque and ribs.

I also love helping the Department of Sanitation during Mardi Gras. I work with NOPD to help escort the Sanitation trucks who do the cleanup after parades.

 

Tell me a fun fact that people should know about you?

I used to be a deck hand on the ferries of the Mississippi River. I learned all kinds of different roles that were necessary for maintaining the ferries. I even learned how to steer the boat!

I also love taking out my family’s kids to do fun things. We go to laser tag, to the park, to restaurants, and more.