[StBernard] New Orleans Businessman to Chair Louisiana Recovery Authority Board

[Westley Annis]

New Orleans Businessman to Chair Louisiana Recovery Authority Board

BATON ROUGE, La. (July 29, 2008) - Governor Bobby Jindal appointed New Orleans businessman David Voelker as chairman of the streamlined Louisiana Recovery Authority board for its final two years.

Voelker has been an active member of the LRA's board since its inception in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in October of 2005. A passionate advocate for Louisiana, he has championed funding for homeowners and long-term planning across the state through Louisiana Speaks.

Voelker replaces Dr. Norman Francis, who resigned in June 2008 to focus all of his energy on his role as president of Xavier University, after serving as the board's chair since its start. 

"No one can truly replace Dr. Francis. His service to this state is unparalleled in its importance and its candor," Voelker said. "It has been an honor to serve in Louisiana's historic recovery and it will be an honor to lead this board of energetic citizens." 

*	Click here to read Voelker's biography. <http://www.lra.louisiana.gov/board> 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 17-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.

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