La. Gov. Asks Chief of Staff to Lead, Coordinate Recovery Efforts

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco reported she has appointed 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,” Blanco said. “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,” she continued. “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.

Blanco said she also appointed Dr. Jimmy Clarke as director of Operations to help coordinate the efforts of her Capitol staff. Clarke will “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,” Blanco said.

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

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