Lafayette Appoints First Black Woman as DEQ Head

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Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto announced as the new head of DEQ during a press conference.

News Summary

Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto has been appointed as the new head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, making history as the first Black woman in this role. Her appointment follows significant changes in the department’s leadership amidst challenges such as low employee morale and a recent workplace audit. Giacometto aims to enhance the agency’s culture and navigate the complexities of environmental management while aligning with economic goals set by Governor-elect Jeff Landry.

Lafayette Welcomes New Leadership in Environmental Management

Lafayette, Louisiana is stirring with excitement as the Governor-elect, Jeff Landry, introduces a pivotal figure in the state’s environmental sector. On November 15, 2023, in a vibrant press conference held at _Russo Park_, Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto was announced as the new head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). What makes this moment even sweeter is that Giacometto is making history as the _first Black woman_ to assume this important role in the agency’s history.

The Changes Within DEQ

The DEQ is no stranger to leadership adjustments, and Giacometto’s appointment comes during a notably transitional period. Following the departure of W. Noah Hoggatt, who served as the department’s top lawyer, more changes are on the horizon. Hoggatt recently vacated his position to accept a role in the federal government, leaving behind a whirlwind of discussions about the current state of DEQ’s management. Hoggatt had only been with the DEQ for a short time, appointed as executive counsel just last April.

His resignation, which was communicated through email, emphasizes the challenges Giacometto faces as she steps into her role. Not only has she encountered executives leaving the agency but also the mixed sentiments regarding her management approach. Some left with criticisms, while others transitioned to new positions within Landry’s administration.

Assessing Workplace Morale

Under Giacometto’s leadership, the DEQ has recently undergone a state workplace audit that sent ripples through the staff. The audit, published at the end of February, revealed that about _75% of employees_ reported feeling low morale. A concerning one-third admitted to feeling as though they work in a toxic environment. While the audit raised eyebrows regarding procedural issues, it is crucial to note that employees were not specifically asked about Giacometto’s leadership style during this evaluation.

Despite the mixed feelings, the turnover rate at DEQ stands at _10.2%_, which is lower than the statewide average of _14.3%_. This indicates that many employees choose to stay despite the current challenges, suggesting a complicated dynamic within the agency.

Veteran Leadership and Future Plans

A unique aspect of this transition is that many of the executives departing from DEQ, including Hoggatt, are military veterans with notable backgrounds. Hoggatt’s track record includes serving in the Marine Corps as well as holding positions at the Louisiana Public Service Commission and in-house counsel roles for an oil and gas company.

Giacometto is moving forward with plans to improve the agency’s culture by negotiating with a law firm for a _workplace culture assessment_ and an innovative ethics program. This is aimed at addressing the feedback gathered from the recent employee survey conducted by the Legislative Auditor’s Office, the results of which are expected by December 4, 2023.

Giacometto’s Background and Landry’s Vision

Before taking on this new duty, Giacometto led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the Trump administration. Her experience puts her in a unique position to balance the complex needs of environmental protection alongside the economic aspirations of the state. Governor Landry has expressed a desire to maintain this balance, arguing that _carbon-neutral plans_ could harm the economy, and emphasizing the need for jobs while preserving Louisiana’s pristine environments.

As Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto settles into her new role, all eyes are on her to see how she navigates the challenges ahead in fostering a work environment that’s not only productive but also supportive and innovative. With change comes opportunity, and Lafayette is watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.