HAHNVILLE – St. Charles Parish government began 2013 with new faces in two important administrative positions – emergency director and chief administrative officer.
Ronald J. Perry of Norco is taking the reins of the parish’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, a 24/7 operation that plans for, monitors and organizes response to emergencies, both natural and manmade. He was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the parish council on Dec. 17.
With 30 years experience in the emergency planning and management field, Perry comes to the parish from Entergy’s Waterford 3 Nuclear Station, where he served as emergency planning coordinator since 1982. He holds a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and is a certified environmental manager through the program at Louisiana State University.
Perry is also a member of the St. Charles Industrial Mutual Aid group, a critical organization with regard to emergency response in St. Charles Parish. Perry’s previous work experience found him working closely with the St. Charles Emergency Operations Center staff on a consistent basis.
“I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve the people of St. Charles Parish as their emergency preparedness director,” Perry said. “At the same time, I am honored to be joining a department that is widely recognized in emergency management circles as one of the finest in the country.”
Scott P. Whelchel of Luling previously filled the emergency preparedness post.
In addition, Buddy Boe has been selected as the parish’s new chief administrative officer, taking over the position from retiring Tim Vial, a 32-year parish government veteran.
Boe most recently worked as president of his own strategic planning and public relations consulting firm, Invictus Solutions. He also served as acting chief administrative officer and communications director during his tenure at St. John the Baptist Parish from 2007 until 2010. There he oversaw the parish’s operating budget, coordinated state and federal funding requests and served on the Regional Planning Commission, GNO Inc. and South Central Planning and Development Commission. Boe is a member of the GNOInc NexGen Council, a young member of the World Trade Center and a board member of the St. John United Way.
Boe holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, is a FEMA certified public information officer and is currently obtaining his certification as a Louisiana economic developer.
“As someone who has worked in both the public and private sector, I look forward to working with Parish President St. Pierre, the administration and the parish council on the many projects and initiatives currently under way to improve the quality of life in St. Charles Parish,” Boe said.