When it comes to supporting employees who wish to serve on public entity boards, many private sector companies are reserved. There are challenges that must be considered. The potential for lost revenue due to conflict-of-interest scenarios looms large. With full understanding of these issues, we hold true to our core values of Being Different while maintaining a Growth Mindset both for our firm and our people. With the best interests of our clients in mind, we conduct our business ethically, honestly, and with integrity. Our belief in service to others—that conflicts can be worked through when leading to increased opportunities to serve the public—is reflective of these values. When one of our colleagues gets an opportunity to engage more deeply in the communities that we love, where we live and work, we celebrate it.

With this in mind, it is our pleasure to announce Fenstermaker Grants Market Leader, Gary O’Neal, CFM’s appointment by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to the Amite River Basin Commission (ARBC). Gary will lend his years of experience in hazard mitigation and floodplain management to the Board.

The ARBC serves the Amite River Basin Drainage & Water Conservation District—a multi-parish entity overseeing flood control within Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, St. Helena, and St. James Parishes. Their stated mission:

To mitigate flood damage in the Amite River Basin, this Commission will serve as a multi-parish authority to accomplish flood control measures; facilitate cooperation between federal, state and local governing bodies to foster floodplain management; maintain and operate structures built under the auspices of the Commission; and coordinate river management within the basin.

 

A Servant-Leader’s Commitment to Improving Lives and Building Resilient Communities

Gary has long held a passion for helping vulnerable communities. His work in floodplain management and hazard mitigation situates him precisely at the convergence of our natural and built environments, the balance of which has always been his focus. Gary’s personal mission is very clear, and begins with his mother, who has worked for decades as a Certified Floodplain Manager in the state of Louisiana. He explains:

“When I look back at my mother’s career, I’m humbled. She’s spent her professional life trying to leave the world a little better than she found it. In a sense, I’ve simply adopted her mindset. The balance between our natural and built worlds is where most of my work has been done, which is why serving our community by volunteering in a way that’s similar to where I’ve spent my time in the private sector is something I find really satisfying. We should get involved where policies are made. We should get involved in ways that make a difference in our communities, especially when our skill sets and voices can add value to the conversation.”

In addition to over a decade of work in this arena and in keeping with his servant-leadership orientation, Gary has always found time to devote to worthy causes that further increase his ability to improve lives and build resilient communities. He’s done this through local community involvement and serving on the Boards of various industry and floodplain management associations. In mid-2021, Gary joined the NHMA (Natural Hazard Mitigation Association) Board of Directors, where he continues to serve. In his new role with the ARBC, Gary deepens his commitment to leveraging his expertise for the benefit of Louisiana’s citizens. His colleagues are thrilled about this new opportunity.

“Gary is a unique treasure at Fenstermaker. He is a relationship connector. Plus, he values public service, which is evident in his prior employment working for GOHSEP and in private consultancy. Gary’s entire nucleus is about helping people, and his value to our organization is extremely evident as we emerge in 2023 with continued opportunities to serve the public.” —Raymond Reaux, P.E., Vice President, Engineering

Jeanne Arceneaux Hornsby, M.S., P.E., CFM, Director, Engineering, who shares Gary’s views on the importance of private sector organizations finding ways to overcome the business challenges that make it difficult to work on state advisory boards, adds:

“We are extremely proud of Gary’s appointment to the Amite River Basin Commission. His background in floodplain management and hazard mitigation will be instrumental to the board. Involvement in entities such as this is imperative to the future of our state, as it brings a national level of experience to the table for the benefit of our local communities. I am positive that Gary will serve this area well.”

 

Gary’s Journey to Leadership: Acknowledging the Support and Inspiration of Colleagues, Family, and State Officials

Gary is excited to be entrusted with this commission. He’s quick to pass the credit to his colleagues and his family, saying, “I owe a large measure of my personal and professional development to Fenstermaker. I came here full of ideas and a lot of energy, but without the vision of the people I work with guiding and supporting me, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.

“To call my colleagues, namely Jeanne Hornsby and Raymond Reaux, an inspiration is an understatement. They’ve believed in me when, quite frankly, I haven’t always believed in myself. And my mother, a CFM herself, has dedicated herself to this cause. She’s leaned in over a lifetime to accomplish all that she’s been able, which serves as even more inspiration to me. It’s her legacy. I hope she understands the powerful impact that has on me.”

Gary adds:

“Many thanks go out to the State Legislators who played a role in my nomination, specifically Senator Rogers Pope and Representative Buddy Mincey. They’ve honored me with this opportunity. Likewise, I’m humbled by Governor Edwards’ faith in me and my fellow commissioners.”

Gary’s commission runs through 2024, and we at Fenstermaker will continue to applaud his efforts. Congratulations, Gary. You’re the inspiration!

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