[StBernard] Governor Blanco Appoints Chief of Staff to Lead, Coordinate Recovery Efforts

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco Appoints Chief of Staff to Lead, Coordinate Recovery Efforts


Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco today announced that she has asked her
chief of staff, Andy Kopplin, to lead and coordinate the state's long-term
recovery efforts at her direction.

 
"Hurricane Katrina and now Hurricane Rita have presented us with the
extraordinary tasks of rescuing our citizens, reuniting families, and
rebuilding Louisiana from east to west along our coast," said Governor
Blanco.  "Never before has a state faced such a monumental rebuilding
challenge and I want to make sure that I have someone who can act with my
full authority staffing this effort."  


"Andy will be my voice to FEMA and other federal agencies, local
governments, business and civic leaders, planners, foundation staff, and the
many other citizens we plan to engage in this rebuilding process," said
Governor Blanco.  "He will direct the implementation of the state's plan
through my cabinet and will coordinate the advisory committees that I will
appoint to give me guidance in this rebuilding process."
 

"To make sure that my Capitol staff's efforts are well-coordinated in the
process, I'm also bringing in additional help and leadership," said Governor
Blanco.  "I have appointed Dr. Jimmy Clarke to become Director of Operations
and take over the primary day-to-day management of our staff at the
Capitol," added Governor Blanco.  "He'll be in regular communication with me
and with Andy and he has our full confidence and authority to make decisions
and provide the leadership and support we need."
 

Dr. Clarke, deputy commissioner of higher education, will temporarily work
for Blanco by agreement between the Governor and Dr.  Joe Savoie,
Commissioner of Higher Education.
 

Dr. Clarke directed Governor Blanco's transition team after her election in
2003.

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for
Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux
Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and
help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of
Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies.

877.HELPLA1 (877.435-7521)
www.louisianahelp.org