Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions.

Human Trafficking Prevention Commission Advisory Board
The Human Trafficking Prevention Commission Advisory Board provides information and recommendations from the perspective of advocacy groups, service providers, and trafficking victims to the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission.

Antoinette Q. Bankston, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission Advisory Board. Bankston is a licensed clinical social worker and the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. 

Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners prescribes minimum curricula and standards for practical nurses, examines and licenses qualified applicants, accredits practical nurse schools and courses, and conducts hearings upon charges calling for discipline of a licensee. 

Andrew E. Morson, M.D., of New Orleans, was reappointed to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Morson is a medical doctor and the owner of Integrated Behavioral Health. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana State Medical Society. 

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports serves to develop, foster, and coordinate services and programs of physical fitness and sports for the people of Louisiana. The Council encourages local governments and communities to develop local physical fitness programs and amateur athletic competitions.

Jennifer G. Duhon, of Opelousas, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Duhon is a registered dietician and Program Manager for the Southeast United Dairy Association. 

Louisiana Medical Advisory Board
The Louisiana Medical Advisory Board assists the Office of Motor Vehicles in determining if a driver has any visual ability or physical condition, impairment, or disability which may impair his or her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Terence C. D’Souza, M.D., of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana Medical Advisory Board. D’Souza is a medical doctor and Staff Neurologist at Ochsner Clinics. He will serve as a neurologist on the board.

Joseph B. Reynolds, M.D., of Bastrop, was appointed to the Louisiana Medical Advisory Board. Reynolds is a medical doctor and Director of Morehouse Hyperbaric Medical Providers, LLC. Additionally, he is veteran of United States Armed Forces. He will serve as a general surgeon on the board.

Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters
The Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters is charged with encouraging proficiency in the practice of shorthand reporting as a profession, promoting efficiency in court and general reporting, and extending protection afforded by a standardized profession to the courts and the public.

Suzette M. Magee, of Breaux Bridge, was reappointed to the Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters. Magee is a certified court reporter with the 15th Judicial District Court.

Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board
The Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board serves to defend the public health, safety and welfare by protecting the people of the State of Louisiana against unnecessary deaths and morbidity due to trauma and time-sensitive illness.

John T. Owings, of Shreveport, was reappointed to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board. Owings is a medical doctor and Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport. As required by statute, he was nominated by and will serve as the representative of LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport.

Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council
The Louisiana Developmental Disability Council’s mission is to lead and promote advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Bambi D. Polotzola, of Opelousas, was reappointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Polotzola is the Director of the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs and will serve as its representative on the council.