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Gov. Edwards announces boards and commissions appointments

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards makes remarks and answers questions during a news conference about the state's COVID-19 situation, the effects of tropical storm Cristobal, special session legislative action and recent protests in Louisiana after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, and movement toward police reforms Monday, June 8, 2020, at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge, La. (Travis Spradling/The Advocate via AP, Pool)

BATON ROUGE – On Friday, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions. 


Orleans Parish Public Administrator
The Orleans Parish Public Administrator is responsible for the estates of persons who die in such parish without a will and with no “next of kin.” This requires the gathering of a decedent’s assets, real estate, and other property, arranging and paying for burial, paying the decedent’s debts from the assets of the estate and searching for an heir. 

Marlene L. Babin of Slidell has been appointed public administrator of Orleans Parish. Babin is currently serving as the public administrator and has served under the administrations of governors Edwin Edwards, Murphy Foster, Kathleen Blanco, Bobby Jindal, and, currently, Governor John Bel Edwards.


Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers
The Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers mission is to provide for examination and licensing of persons who test hearing while engaged in the selling and fitting of hearing aids, to provide for the regulation of and selling and fitting of hearings to the public, and to provide penalties for punishment for violations of Act 1968, No. 302.

Cherry T. Collum of Monroe has been appointed to the Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers. Collum is the owner of Audibel Hearing Center. Collum was nominated by the LA Society of Hearing Aid Specialists and will represent the Third Hearing Aid Dealer District. 


Board of Examiners of Bar Pilots for the Port of New Orleans
The Board of Examiners of Bar Pilots for the Port of New Orleans provides guidance and advice to commissioned bar pilots, including but not limited to advice concerning weather, channel conditions, and other navigational conditions. The Associated Branch Pilots of New Orleans navigate the waterways connecting the Port of New Orleans with the outside waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 


Life Safety and Property Protection Education Board
The Louisiana Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board serves to create initial and continuing education requirements for individuals licensed to perform Life Safety and Property Protection contracting.


Fireman’s Supplemental Pay Board
The Fireman’s Supplemental Pay Board is responsible for determining the eligibility of firemen to receive supplemental pay. 


State Mineral and Energy Board 
The State Mineral and Energy Board is responsible for leasing state lands for mineral exploration and development. The board reviews existing mineral leases for proper maintenance, development, and operations; reviews payments pursuant to state leases; and documents agreements affecting state leases, including unitization, compromise, consent letters, and assignments. 


Louisiana Commission on HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment
The commission researches and reviews all the state regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures relative to the prevention of Hepatitis C, HIV infection, and AIDS and makes recommendations to the governor, the Department of Health and Hospitals and the legislature.

Tewabetch Negatu Ph.D. of Baton Rouge has been appointed to the Louisiana Commission on HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment. Negatu is a community specialist and will represent the Office of the Governor.


Governor’s Council on Homelessness
The Governor’s Council on Homelessness serves to advise the Governor on issues of concern to Louisiana citizens concerning homelessness; review and update Louisiana’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness; monitor implementation of Louisiana’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness; serve as a resource for information about access to available services for the homeless population, including housing and transportation options for the homeless; consult and coordinate all activities with the Federal Interagency Council for the Homeless, HUD, and all other federal agencies that provide assistance to the homeless; ensure the services for all homeless persons of the State of Louisiana are appropriately planned and coordinated, thereby reducing duplication among programs and activities by state agencies and other providers; recommend improvements to the service delivery system for the homeless; and conduct other activities as may be appropriate and necessary.

Tewabetch Negatu, Ph.D. of Baton Rouge has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on Homelessness. Negatu is a community specialist and will serve at-large.


Louisiana Commission for the Deaf
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf provides accessibility services for persons whom are deaf, deaf-blind, or have hearing loss or speech impairment to gain equal access to any public or private service.


Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council
The Louisiana Developmental Disability Council’s mission is to lead and promote advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Kristi Jo Preston of Baton Rouge has been appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Preston is the manager of Special Education Strategic Initiatives and will represent the Department of Education.


Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation
LWCC provides competitive workers’ compensation insurance to Louisiana employers, helps prevent on-the-job injury and illness, and gives injured workers the best opportunity to return to work. 

Sibal S. Holt of Alexandria has been appointed to the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation. Holt is the former president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and was nominated by AFL-CIO to serve on the board. 


Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization
The Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization will attempt to address population and job loss, and declining infrastructure, education and health care systems in rural parts of the state.

Purvis J. Morrison of Scott has been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Morrison is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Opelousas and will serve the board with his experience in the rural areas. 


Board of River Port Pilot Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans
The Board of River Port Pilot Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans mission is dedicated to the basic principles of pilot competency, safety, and performance in balance with the demands of the State’s economic interest. 


Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission serves to protect, conserve and replenish the natural resources and wildlife of the state.


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.

The following people have been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs: