Governor-Elect Edwards Announces Key Appointments

John Bel Edwards is moving forward in preparation for his inauguration as Louisiana's next Governor. Edwards announced Wednesday several key appointments and changes in cabinet and staff for his administration. In making his announcements Edwards said that the people he was putting into these key positions were part of his promise to the voters of Louisiana. He promised an administration that would look like the state it is supposed to serve.

They will serve the state and put the people of Louisiana first. I'm very proud of the work that we've done in that regard and I'm looking forward to working with this team.

Edwards was quoted in a story reported by the Louisiana Radio Network.

During the Wednesday news conference Edwards announced that Col. Mike Edmonson would continue in his role with the State Police. In the Department of Transportation and Development Edwards announced that current Chief of Staff Shawn Wilson will head that agency. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be lead by former U.S. Representative Charlie Meloncon. Retiring State Representative Karen St. Germaine will take the lead position in the Office of Motor Vehicles and the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development will be Don Pierson.

Edwards referenced the tough road ahead that the state is facing and suggested that the team he has assembled would be more than capable of making the tough decisions and guiding the state through the tough times.

I'd like to thank all of these qualified, talented public servants for accepting the challenge and for helping me lead the state.

Other appointments announced by Governor-elect Edwards included that of Major General Glenn Curtis who will stay on in his position with the Louisiana National Guard. The Department of Veterans Affairs will be lead by Joey Strickland and the new ATC Commissioner will be Juana Marine-Lombard.