NEW ORLEANS -- A mixture of new and returning faces will be at the head of the city’s public-safety efforts when LaToya Cantrell takes office as mayor on Monday.
Also notable, though, was a person she did not name to her administration: former New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley.
Riley led the NOPD for five years after Hurricane Katrina. But what Cantrell described as an “uptick in the community" after his name surfaced as a candidate for Director of Public Safety & Homeland Security led her to hit “pause” on him for now.
“What I am big on is community, and I am big on listening to my people," she said.
Riley drew criticism in some circles for what they described as his failures while at the helm of the NOPD, which has been under a federal consent decree since 2010.
However, a source told WWL-TV that Riley might be still be in the running for another high-profile position in Cantrell's administration.
NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison will remain in his post, although that situation may change as Cantrell has indicated she intends to review Harrison's performance and perhaps open up the position to a national search. Cantrell also is retaining NOFD Superintendent Tim McConnell.
Collin Arnold will assume the role of director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. He most recently served as deputy director of the office.
Dr. Emily Nichols will take on a roll as medical director and director of the city’s emergency medical services.
Tenisha Stevens will become the city’s criminal justice commissioner. Stevens, a former criminal investigator at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office, will oversee “meaningful and substantial” reforms of the criminal justice system.
Danny Monteverde can be contacted at danny@wwltv.com or (504) 529-6298.