Gary O’Neal, CFM, Joins the Fenstermaker Team as Grants Manager

C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is thrilled to welcome Gary O’Neal, CFM, into the family. Gary brings advanced knowledge in grants management, grant writing, and business development to the team in his new role as Grants Manager.

Prior to joining Fenstermaker, Gary spent 6 years developing a deep understanding and precision skill set in all aspects of grant writing, consulting, and management, cost analysis, public outreach, and community leadership, particularly in disaster recovery and resilience building. His chosen career path began when he pivoted from his job at the Louisiana Workforce Commission to a position with GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness). He began as a volunteer with GOHSEP, where he loved the work he was doing. Gary was determined to turn it into a career, saying, “There’s a big payoff for me. I’m helping people to respond, recover, and grow back stronger after a disaster. It’s deeply and personally enriching.”

His work throughout parishes and municipalities in Louisiana positioned him perfectly to join Fenstermaker’s Baton Rouge team under Operations Leader, Kimberly McDaniel, PE, PTOE. Gary relishes in the opportunity to work alongside his now colleagues here at Fenstermaker with whom he had previously collaborated, including Engineering Director, Jeanne Arceneaux Hornsby, MS, PE, CFM. He joins a team that is dedicated to designing innovative communities, creating pathways to a brighter future for the people who live there.

Kimberly has this to say about her latest addition: “Our Engineering Team is elated to welcome Gary. His knowledge in grants management and past experience with GOHSEP and FEMA programming allow us to further assist our municipal clients with creative funding solutions. Gary’s passion for helping people and communities embodies our core values of being family oriented and customer obsessed.”

Gary attended Louisiana State University and holds CFM certification (Certified Floodplain Manager). He is also a Notary Public for the community.

Welcome to the team, Gary!