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

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission serves to protect, conserve, and replenish the natural resources of the state, the wildlife of the state, and all aquatic life.

William J. “Joe” McPherson, of Woodworth, was appointed to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. McPherson is a self-employed business owner and developer and a former Louisiana State Senator. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve.

 

Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs
The Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs was established by the Governor’s Office to adequately educate, address and resolve issues relative to the disability community. The mission of the office is to promote, encourage and support citizens with disabilities so they may have an equal opportunity to actively participate in all aspects of life.

Jamie L. Karam, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs. Karam is self-employed and is a former program director with Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network.

 

Medicaid Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics Committee
The Medicaid Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a preferred drug list (PDL) in conjunction with a prior approval process relating to the Medicaid drug program.

Carol M. Patin, M.D., of Baton Rouge was appointed to the Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. Patin is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Southeast Community Health Systems. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana State Medical Society.

 

Louisiana Medical Disclosure Panel
The Louisiana Medical Disclosure Panel was created to determine which risks and hazards related to medical care and surgical procedures must be disclosed by a physician or other health care provider to a patient or person authorized to consent for a patient and to establish the general form and substance of such disclosure.

Forrest Dean Griffen, M.D., of Shreveport, was appointed to the Louisiana Medical Disclosure Panel. Griffen is a Professor of Clinical Surgery, the Vice-Chair of Administrative Affairs, and the Director of Undergraduate Education at LSUHSC-Shreveport. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy. As required by statute, he was nominated by the Louisiana State Medical Society.

 

Parish Boards of Election Supervisors
The purpose of the board in each parish is to oversee and supervise all elections within the parish to ensure the safety and accuracy of the democratic process. The Board of Election Supervisors oversees the preparation and conducting of each election in the parish. Each parish’s board is composed of the parish’s registrar of voters, the parish’s clerk of court, the chairman of the parish executive committee of each recognized political party, and one member appointed by the governor.

Gary M. Wiltz, M.D., of Franklin, was reappointed to the St. Mary Parish Board of Election Supervisors. Wiltz is a physician and the Chief Executive Officer of Teche Action Center. Additionally, he is a veteran of the United States Public Health Service.

Paula H. Green, of Holden, was reappointed to the Livingston Parish Board of Election Supervisors. Green is a retired educator and principal.

Merlin J. Leger, of Lafayette, was reappointed to the Lafayette Parish Board of Election Supervisors. Leger is the General Manager of Louisiana Wholesale Florists.

 

Sabine River Compact Administration
The Sabine River Compact Administration administers the Sabine River Compact to ensure that Louisiana receives its equitable share of quality water from the Sabine River and its tributaries as apportioned by the Compact. The Compact includes the states of Texas and Louisiana.

George D. Brandon, D.V.M., of Leesville, was reappointed to the Sabine River Compact Administration. Brandon is a veterinarian and the owner of Brandon Veterinary Clinic. He is a veteran of the United States Army.

James W. “Jim” Pratt, of Converse, was appointed to the Sabine River Compact Administration. Pratt is the current Executive Director of the Sabine River Authority and will retire on December 31, 2017. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

 

Sabine River Authority
The Sabine River Authority’s mission is to provide for economic utilization and preservation of the waters of the Sabine River and its tributaries by promoting economic development, irrigation, navigation, improved water supply, drainage, public recreation, and hydroelectric power for the citizens of Louisiana.

Robert “Valmore” Byles, of Many, was appointed to the Sabine River Authority. Byles is the President and Owner of R.V. Byles Enterprises, Inc., and a veteran of the United States Navy. He will serve as a representative of Sabine Parish.

 

Louisiana State Polygraph Board
The Louisiana State Polygraph Board issues polygraph examiners licenses and monitors the continuing education of polygraph examiners in the state of Louisiana.

Kevin P. Ducote, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Louisiana State Polygraph Board. Ducote is a certified polygraphist and a trooper with the Louisiana State Police.

 

Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District
The mission of the Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District is to provide for the efficient administration, conservation, orderly development, and supplementation of groundwater resources in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana. The board develops, promotes, and implements management strategies to provide for the conservation, preservation, protection, recharging, and prevention of waste of the groundwater resources over which it has jurisdictional authority.

Mark D. Frey, of Morganza, was appointed to the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District. Frey is a farmer and partner at Four Oaks Farm and Smart Acre Solutions, LLC. As required by statute he was nominated by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

 

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.

Kimberely C. Basile, of Destrehan, was appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Basile is a retired certified public accountant.

Mitchell D. Iddins, of Shreveport, was appointed to the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Iddins is the Director of Independent Living Programs at New Horizons Independent Living Center.

 

John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District
The John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District was established to develop the wealth and natural resources of the district by the conservation of soil and water for agricultural, recreational, commercial, industrial, and sanitary purposes. The district is composed of the area comprising all of Red River Parish. Commissioners of the district are statutorily required to be qualified electors of Red River Parish residing within and owning property within the district.

Faerie L. Sledge, of Coushatta, was reappointed to the John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District. Ms. Sledge is a retired vocational rehab counselor and resides on Grand Bayou Lake.

 

Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition
The Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition serves to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing for the licensure and regulation of persons practicing the profession of dietetics and nutrition.

Stephenie J. Marshall, of New Orleans, was appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition. Marshall is a licensed dietician/nutritionist and the Executive Director of the Daughters of Charity Health Centers. As required by statute, she was nominated by the Louisiana Dietetics Association.

 

Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board
The Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board provides information and recommendations from the perspective of advocacy groups, service providers, and parents to the Children’s Cabinet.

Susan S. Catchings, of St. Francisville, was appointed to the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board. Catchings is the Administrator of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital School Health Division. As required by statute, she was nominated by and will serve as a representative of the Louisiana School-Based Health Alliance.