For Immediate Release, Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243

John Smith Named To LA Recovery Authority 

            Parish President Kevin Davis announced this afternoon that Governor Blanco has appointed John Smith, President of the Whitney National Bank, Northshore Region, to serve on the Louisiana Recovery Authority.  Smith is the first St. Tammany resident named to the authority.  The Louisiana Recovery Authority is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to plan for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.

            “I have had numerous discussions with Governor Blanco and other state officials about the need for St. Tammany representation on the LRA.  As Chairman of the Greater Slidell Area Chamber of Commerce, John is in an ideal position to represent residents and businesses in our parish,” said Davis.  “This is an important appointment to represent us in St. Tammany.” 

            “I am honored to be a member of the LRA.  I look forward to representing St. Tammany Parish and the State of Louisiana in our recovery efforts,” said Smith. 

The next meeting of the LRA is tomorrow, April 19^th in Baton Rouge.  The LRA will discuss housing, economic and workforce development, infrastructure and transportation as well as health care. 

            Smith was named Leadership Slidell Alumni of the year in 2003 and in 2004 he graduated from Leadership Louisiana.   He serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation, Northshore Regional Medical Center, Hospice Foundation of the South, and St. Tammany United Way. 

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