Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux had selected Providence House Executive Director Verni Howard to replace long-time Community Development head Bonnie Moore, who retired last week.
It's always a major task to replace a successful twenty year department veteran. And yet Howard has the credentials, work experience and demonstrated commitment to do just that in this position. During her tenure at Providence House she expanded its programs and assistance to families that are homeless and needing shelter. Howard raised the profile of Providence House and increased its budget by successful fundraising and grant applications.
Community Development has a big umbrella of responsibilities and much of its funding is from federal grants. This department works with many Shreveport nonprofits in providing services including housing for Shreveport's underprivileged.
Howard's resume is very impressive:
Master's Degree in Public Administration from LSU
25 Years experience in banking and non-profit sectors
Participant in the Harvard Bloomberty City Leadership Initiative
Work with the LSUS Institute for Non-Profit Administration.
Howard is a hometown lady and with many personal, business, and civic connections throughout the City that will be invaluable to her in the new position. Her appointment should be unanimously approved by the Shreveport City Council so that she can begin work on April 16.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.