‘Tough, experienced, respected’: Moreno begins search for Chief Administrative Officer

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As the new Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno continues to build her transition team, it was announced on Thursday, Oct. 16, her selections for the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Search Committee.

The two-person team consists of Aimee Quirk and State Senator Jimmy Harris. The two are described as “two leaders with extensive experience in government, business, and community engagement.”

The CAO will have the responsibilities of ensuring the delivery of effective and efficient city services and infrastructure improvements to residents, serve as a fiscal steward of taxpayer dollars and deliver a balanced budget.

“Strong leadership in this position is essential to achieving the operational excellence that will define my administration. The Chief Administrative Officer will be my partner in ensuring City Hall delivers outstanding services to every resident. I want someone tough, experienced, and respected- a leader who can help drive accountability and results. I’m grateful to Senator Harris and Aimee Quirk for leading this vital search.”

Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno

Day-to-day, the CAO is expected to lead operations across city departments and will assist in fulfilling Moreno’s vision for the priorities of public safety, economic growth, efficient city services, affordability, quality of life, and transparent and accountable governance.

“Mayor-Elect Moreno has made it clear that her administration will reflect the full diversity and strength of New Orleans. This is about finding a leader who can help transform how City Hall serves every resident, in every community,” said Cedric Richmond, former White House Advisor.

Richmond is overseeing the CAO search committee as a co-chair on Moreno’s transition team. Other co-chairs include former Judge Desiree Charbonnet, Ochsner Executive Emily Arata and developer Ryan Berger. Executive Director of the team is Renee Lapeyrolerie.

The team will lead a search weighing the most qualified candidates from both the local and national networks.

The team says the ideal candidate will bring “strong management experience and a deep understanding of New Orleans’ and Louisiana’s civic, cultural and governmental landscape.”

Both Harris and Quirk say they are committed to conducting a rigorous and inclusive search while looking for a proven leader with deep experience managing complex organizations.

Under Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration, Gilbert Montaño served in the position. He has since resigned and became Chief of Staff with the Audubon Institute.

The application for the Chief Administration Officer can be found on Moreno’s website.

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