Mayor-elect Helena Moreno announced Tuesday afternoon the people who will occupy some of the top positions when she becomes New Orleans' mayor next month.
"I'm just very grateful for all these individuals who are stepping up for the role of serving the people of this city," Moreno said. "They could be doing a lot of other things. Obviously, each one of them is successful in their own right. But they see what the city can be."
Her announcement included some familiar faces, like New Orleans City Councilmember Joe Giarrusso.
Giarrusso represented District A for two terms and was set to return to the private sector when Moreno approached him about being her administration's Chief Administrative Officer.
"He actually got a job, thinking he'd be done with city hall, and went to a big-time law firm here in the city of New Orleans, making a ton of money, but I said, 'Joe, I really actually need you.' And really, I think what sold him, it wasn't that I needed him; it's that the people of New Orleans really needed him," Moreno said.
Moreno also announced that a current member of the Cantrell administration, health director Dr. Jennifer Avegno, will join the Moreno administration as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. Avegno is taking on expanded duties that include not only public health but also EMS and the offices of youth and families and homeless services.
Another familiar name is Michael Harrison, the former Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department.
"The role that he is taking is really a large one. He is Deputy Mayor of Public Safety," said Moreno. "He will also be taking on the duties of director of Homeland Security and Public Safety and also the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination."
Moreno selected Charline Gipson as city attorney. Gipson is currently with the firm of Baker Donelson.
Kevin Ferguson will be the mayor's chief of staff, and will also handle her communications office and intergovernmental relations. Ferguson is presently a vice president with New Orleans & Company, the city's tourism promotion agency.
Renée Lapeyrolerie, Moreno's campaign manager and executive director, will be her Deputy Mayor for External Affairs. She will serve as the administration's point-person for neighborhood and community organizations.