Mayor appoints new director of nonprofit Providence House

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux announced a new director to replace long-time community development head Bonnie Moore, who retired last month.

On Thursday, Arceneaux appointed Verni Howard as nonprofit Providence House’s new Director of Community Development.

According to the news release, Howard currently serves as the Executive Director of Providence House. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from LSU and has over twenty-five years of experience in the banking and non-profit sectors.

“Verni Howard has already demonstrated the kind of commitment and passion that it takes to be a successful advocate for the programs Community Development leads,” said Mayor Arceneaux. “She knows our community and its needs and will be a fantastic addition to our leadership team. I have no doubt she will continue to make a significant impact in Shreveport.”

Howard is currently a member of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, participates in the Harvard Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative, and is active in the work of the LSUS Institute for Non-Profit Administration.

The City of Shreveport notes that Howard’s nomination requires City Council confirmation. She plans to begin work on April 16.