Office of Governor of State of Louisia : Gov. Edwards Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments

Baton Rouge - Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions.

Gov. Edwards announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Capital Area Human Services District

The Capital Area Human Services District directs the operation and management of community-based programs and services relative to public health, mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services for the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

Gail M. Hurst, of New Roads, was reappointed to the Capital Area Human Services District. Ms. Hurst is retired. As required by statute, she was nominated by and will serve as a representative of Pointe Coupee Parish.

Louisiana Environmental Education Commission
The Louisiana Environmental Education Commission is a major resource in furthering environmental knowledge, awareness, and stewardship. The Commission's mission is to create a comprehensive and balanced environmental education initiative that results in a literate citizenry who will make informed decisions to effectively solve existing problems, prevent new ones, and maintain a sustainable environment for future generations.

Brenda L. Walkenhorst, of New Orleans, was reappointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Ms. Walkenhorst is the director of education projects at the Audubon Nature Institute and will serve as representative of an environmental advocacy organization.

Billy D. Blackett Sr., of Sterlington, was reappointed to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Mr. Blackett is the owner and chief executive officer of Petroleum and Automation Consultants and a veteran of the United States Navy. He will serve as a representative of industry.

Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examinersprescribes minimum curricula and standards for practical nurses, examines and licenses qualified applicants, accredits practical nurse schools and courses, and conducts hearings upon charges calling for discipline of a licensee.

Janie A. Cypret, LPN, of Houma, was reappointed to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Ms. Cypret is an Allied Health instructor at Fletcher Technical Community College. As required by statute, she was nominated by and will serve as a representative of the Louisiana Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc.

Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council
The primary function of the council is to review and adopt the state uniform construction code, provide training and education of code officials, and accept all requests for amendments of the code, except the Louisiana State Plumbing Code. Specifically, the council establishes the requirements and process for the certification and continuing education of code enforcement officers, code enforcement inspectors, third party providers and building officials and determines whether amendments to the state uniform construction code are justified.

Dennis A. Miller, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council. Mr. Miller is the business manager of the Southeast Laborers' District Council and a veteran of the United States Army.

Fluoridation Advisory Board
The Fluoridation Advisory Board assists public water systems with obtaining funding to implement water fluoridation, assists the director of the state Oral Health Program with the educating of the general public, and advises the state Fluoridation Program.

Kenneth M. 'Mike' Luminais Jr., D.D.S., of Thibodaux, was appointed to the Fluoridation Advisory Board. Dr. Luminais is a dentist with Clement Family Dentistry. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Dental Association.

Cyril 'C.J.' Richard Jr., D.D.S., of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Fluoridation Advisory Board. Dr. Richard is a dentist and the owner of Dr. C.J. Richard Jr. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Dental Association.

Roger G. Grimball Jr., D.D.S., of Sulphur, was reappointed to the Fluoridation Advisory Board. Dr. Grimball is a dentist and the owner of Roger Glen Grimball Jr. D.D.S., LLC. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Dental Association.

Henry A. Gremillion, D.D.S., of Metairie, was reappointed to the Fluoridation Advisory Board. Dr. Gremillion is a dentist, dean, and professor at LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Dental Association.

Louisiana State Arts Council
The Louisiana State Arts Council receives applications for matching federal funds available from the National Endowment for the Arts and such other funds made available to the council and make recommendations thereon. The Council reviews and approves or rejects said grant applications from other governmental units, community arts councils, and other private, nonprofit, and tax-exempt groups. Additionally, the Council advises departmental officers on the design and execution of an annual state plan consistent with the goals and policies of the department as provided by federal and state law, rules, and regulations, and submits the plan to the National Endowment for the Arts.

Eugene Y. 'Gene' Meneray, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana State Arts Council. Mr. Meneray is the co-founder of The Ella Project, an organization dedicated to growing opportunities for artists across all disciplines throughout Louisiana. As required by statute, he was nominated by a partnership for the arts organization and will serve as a representative of the 2 Congressional District and 1 Planning District.

Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District
The board of commissioners for the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District maintains the levees and drainage ditches within the Parish of Natchitoches.

Janet K. Jones, of Melrose, was reappointed to the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District. Ms. Jones is retired. As required by statute, she was nominated by a legislator representing the district.

Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District
The Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Board of Commissioners manages the Port of Morgan City by regulating the commerce and traffic of the port. It has the power to administer, construct, operate, and maintain wharves, warehouses, landings, docks, sheds, belt and connecting railroads, shipways, canals, channels, slips, basins, locks, elevators, and other structures and facilities necessary and proper for the use and development of the business of the port.

Lee A. Dragna, of Morgan City, was appointed to the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Board of Commissioners. Mr. Dragna is the president and chief executive officer of LAD Salvage LLC. As required by statute, he was nominated by the parish president and council of St. Mary Parish.

Employment Security Board of Review
The Employment Security Board of Review acts as the higher authority review for unemployment insurance decisions made by the Louisiana Workforce Commission's lower authority appeals referees.

Garland W. Webb, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Employment Security Board of Review. Mr. Webb is retired and will serve as a representative of labor on the board.

Louisiana Economic Development Corporation
The board of directors is responsible for governing the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the single review board for all financial assistance loans, incentives or inducements, customized workforce training, investment programs, and any related appropriations, grants, or joint ventures administered by the Department of Economic Development, excluding those financial incentive programs administered by the state Board of Commerce and Industry or programs only authorized by the Secretary, the Governor, and/or the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Nitin K. Kamath, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Kamath is the chief executive officer of DBSysgraph, Inc.

Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics is responsible for administering and enforcing provisions of the Code of Governmental Ethics, the Election Integrity Act, the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, and the Lobbyist Disclosure Act.

Dianne M. Mouton-Allen, of Lafayette, was appointed to the Board of Ethics. Ms. Mouton-Allen is self-employed and a former deputy assistant secretary of the Office of State Parks in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc., and will serve as a representative of the 3 Congressional District.

Bossier Levee District
The Bossier Levee District Board of Commissioners provides levee and drainage maintenance and protection to the residents of Bossier and Red River Parishes.

Michael F. Montgomery, of Bossier City, was reappointed to the Bossier Levee District. Mr. Montgomery is a fire captain with the Bossier City Fire Department. As required by statute, he was nominated by a legislator who represents the district and will serve as a representative of Ward 4 of Bossier Parish.

Summa E. Stelly, of Benton, was appointed to the Bossier Levee District. Mr. Stelly is a property manager and real estate investor with Cypress Rental Management Group, LLC, and Pintail Land Company, LLC. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Air Force. As required by statute, he was nominated by a legislator who represents the district and will serve as a representative of Ward 2 of Bossier Parish.

John Michael Moore, of Bossier City, was appointed to the Bossier Levee District. Mr. Moore is the executive vice president of Haynesville Mercantile Company. As required by statute, he was nominated by a legislator who represents the district and will serve as a representative of Ward 2 of Bossier Parish.

James L. 'Jim' Rabb, of Haughton, was reappointed to the Bossier Levee District. Mr. Rabb is a retired professor of agronomy. As required by statute, he was nominated by a legislator who represents the district and will serve as a representative of Ward 4 of Bossier Parish.

J. Todd Hollenshead, of Benton, was appointed to the Bossier Levee District. Mr. Hollenshead is a self-employed farmer. As required by statute, he was nominated by a legislator who represents the district and will serve as a representative of Ward 2 of Bossier Parish.

Dairy Stabilization Board
The Dairy Stabilization Board provides a regulatory program that is designed to stabilize the Louisiana dairy industry in order to assure an adequate supply of healthful and wholesome dairy products to Louisiana consumers at fair and reasonable prices.

Daryl E. Robertson, of Pine Grove, was reappointed to the Dairy Stabilization Board. Mr. Robertson is a dairy farmer and the owner of Pine Grove Farms. As required by statute, he will serve as a milk producer on the board.

Eric R. Lane, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Dairy Stabilization Board. Mr. Lane is the owner and operator of Gerry Lane Chevy. As required by statute, he will serve as a consumer on the board.

Gregory W. Kleinpeter, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Dairy Stabilization Board. Mr. Kleinpeter is the owner of American Leak Detection. As required by statute, he will serve as a consumer on the board.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Council
The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council's duties include reviewing, analyzing, and advising the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services within the Louisiana Workforce Commission regarding the performance of its responsibilities relating to eligibility, extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided. The Council also reviews functions performed by state agencies that affect or that potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment.

Paul C. Genco II, of Amite, was appointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Mr. Genco is the director of inpatient rehabilitation at Tulane Rehabilitation Center. He will serve as a representative of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty representing themselves.

Krista L. Scurria, of Prairieville, was appointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Ms. Scurria is a physical therapist and assistive technologies professional with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She will serve as a representative of the area of rehabilitation technologies.

Thomas E. Carnline, of Alexandria, was reappointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Mr. Carnline is a lieutenant and public information officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office. He will serve as a current or former applicant for, or recipient of, vocational rehabilitation services.

Shawn E. 'Libby' Murphy, of Stonewall, was reappointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Ms. Murphy is the vice president of strategic development for the Louisiana Association for the Blind. She will serve as a representative of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty representing themselves.

Roxanne M. Homstad, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Ms. Homstad is a rehabilitation instructor for Lighthouse Louisiana. She will serve as a representative of individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental disabilities.

Occupational Forecasting Conference
The Occupational Forecasting Conference was established to project job growth and to develop this information with respect to the statewide and regional workforce needs of current, new and emerging industries as deemed necessary for both regional and state workforce development system planning processes. The Occupational Forecasting Conference determines the official information that is critical in the planning and budgeting of the state's resources as they relate to workforce development.

Louis S. Reine, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Occupational Forecasting Conference. Mr. Reine is the president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO and will serve as its representative on the board.

Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
The Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners is responsible for examining, licensing, and regulating qualified applicants as radiologic technologists and for protecting the public from the misuse of ionizing radiation.

Naveed M. Awan, of Kenner, was reappointed to the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. Mr. Awan is the chief executive officer of St. Helena Parish Hospital. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Hospital Association and will serve as a hospital administrator on the board.

Damian Kirk Soileau, of Natchitoches, was reappointed to the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. Mr. Soileau is the chief executive officer of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana Hospital Association and will serve as a hospital administrator on the board.

State Parks and Recreation Commission
The State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes the goals and objectives of the Office of State Parks, acts in an advisory capacity to the Office, and screens qualified projects for federal grants administered by the Office.

Forrest L. Bethay III, of Metairie, was appointed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Bethay is the president of FLB III, LLC. He will serve as an at-large member on the commission.

Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board
The Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board is the state government agency that administers and regulates the real estate appraiser licensing and certification program. The board enforces the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Law and the Rules and Regulations of the Board and monitors the mode and method by which real estate appraisals are conducted in this state.

Seymon S. 'Windy' Hartzog, of Covington, was appointed to the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board. Mr. Hartzog is a licensed residential appraiser and owner of Hartzog and Associates. He will serve as a representative of the 1 Congressional District.

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities' mission is to provide all Louisianans with access to and an appreciation of their own rich, shared and diverse historical, literary and cultural heritage through grant-supported outreach programs, family literacy and adult reading initiatives, teacher professional development institutes, publications, film and radio documentaries, museum exhibitions, cultural tourism, public lectures, library projects, and other public humanities programming.

Elizabeth M. 'Liz' Mangham, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Ms. Mangham is a managing partner of Southern Strategy Group of Louisiana, LLC.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
The Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a nonprofit organization created to provide insurance products for residential and commercial property applicants who are in good faith entitled, but unable, to procure insurance through the voluntary insurance marketplace.

Thomas C. Glasson, of Dallas, was appointed to the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Mr. Glasson is the senior government affairs officer of AIG. As required by statute, he was nominated by and will serve as a representative of the American Insurance Association.

St. Mary Levee District
The St. Mary Levee District Board of Commissioners establishes, constructs, operates, and maintains flood control works as they relate to riverine flooding, hurricane protection, and tidewater flooding for all of the lands and property in St. Mary Parish.

William H. Hidalgo Sr., of Patterson, was reappointed to the St. Mary Levee District. Mr. Hidalgo is a managing member and owner of Halimar Shipyard, LLC. As required by statute, he was nominated by the legislators representing St. Mary Parish.

Norris J. Crappell, of Berwick, was reappointed to the St. Mary Levee District. Mr. Crappell is a supervisor with St. Mary Parish Government. As required by statute, he was nominated by the St. Mary Parish Council and will serve as the District VIII representative.

Kenneth P. Arceneaux Jr., of Morgan City, was reappointed to the St. Mary Levee District. Mr. Arceneaux is the vice president of Progress Machine. As required by statute, he was nominated by the St. Mary Parish Council and will serve as the District VII representative.

Alton L. Broussard Jr., of Centerville, was appointed to the St. Mary Levee District. Mr. Broussard is a farmer and the co-owner of Adeline Enterprises. As required by statute, he was nominated by the St. Mary Parish Council and will serve as the District IV representative.

State Police Commission
The State Police Commission was created by constitutional amendment to provide an independent civil service system for all regularly commissioned full-time law enforcement officers employed by the Office of State Police, who are graduates of the State Police training academy of instruction and are vested with full state police powers and persons to become such officers. The mission of the Administration program is to provide a separate merit system for the commissioned officers of Louisiana State Police. In accomplishing this mission, the program administers entry-level cadet examinations and promotional examinations, processes personnel actions, issues certificates of eligibility, and schedules appeal and pay hearings.

Harold Pierite Sr., of Mansura, was appointed to the State Police Commission. Chief Pierite is the chief of police for the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. As required by statute, he was nominated by the president of Loyola University to serve as the representative of the 3 Congressional District.

Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation
The Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that operates to perform the essential governmental function of financing utility system restoration costs.

John E. Carroll, of Alexandria, was reappointed to the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation. Mr. Carroll is the chief executive officer of Wellspring Advisor Group.

Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs
The Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs was established by the Governor's Office to adequately educate, address and resolve issues relative to the disability community. The mission of the office is to promote, encourage and support citizens with disabilities so they may have an equal opportunity to actively participate in all aspects of life.

Mary F. Breaud, Ph.D., of Thibodaux, was appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs. Dr. Breaud is an assistant professor in the College of Education at Nicholls State University.