[StBernard] Louisiana Recovery Authority Leadership Joins Women of the Storm for Special Briefing on Recovery

[Westley Annis]

Louisiana Recovery Authority Leadership Joins Women of the Storm for Special Briefing on Recovery 


WHAT: Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) leadership will join Women of the Storm for "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow...The Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana Communities," a briefing to discuss ongoing recovery efforts one year after Hurricane Katrina. The panel discussion will provide members of the media and visiting Members of Congress with the opportunity to ask questions of those orchestrating the State's recovery efforts. 

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 28

WHERE: Media Center
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street

WHO: Donna Fraiche, LRA Board of Directors Ms. Fraiche is currently a shareholder in the New Orleans office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz and a member of the health care and public policy departments. Fraiche served as the first female president of the organization now known as the American Health Lawyers Association and is currently a fellow of the Association. She also chairs the Louisiana Health Care Commission and is president of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. Fraiche is on the adjunct faculty of Tulane University's School of Public Health and Administration and served as a preceptor for the residency program in health systems management. 

Andy Kopplin, LRA Executive Director
Mr. Kopplin was appointed as Executive Director in October 2005. In that role, he directs the day-to-day operations of the authority, makes policy and planning recommendations to the Governor and the board and oversees the implementation of the vision and policies that will guide Louisiana's long-term recovery. Prior to this, he served as Governor Blanco's Chief of Staff. 

Ms. Fraiche and Mr. Kopplin will be joined by civic and business leaders, academics and city planners for a panel discussion. Author Jed Horne will also participate.

WHY: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. One year later, much work remains to be done but Louisiana is clearly on the road home. The housing assistance program is rolling, school is starting, hotels are open and conventions are coming back. Get the latest recovery updates from LRA leadership as Louisiana reflects on recent progress and the challenges that lie ahead. 

WHAT: The Louisiana Recovery Authority is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.

Women of the Storm" is a non-partisan non-political alliance of Louisiana women whose families, businesses and lives were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita. Members are culturally, socially and economically diverse. Bound by their passion for their communities, Women of the Storm educate the elected leadership of this country about the urgent needs of the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for safe and secure neighborhoods and communities. The group offers educational tours, data and personal stories about families whose lives have been forever altered by the 2005 hurricane season.

****FOR MORE INFORMATION****

Natalie Wyeth
(225) 235-1914
Natalie.Wyeth at la.gov <mailto:Natalie.Wyeth at la.gov>