Shreveport Mayor Selects Verni Howard to Replace Bonnie Moore

SHREVEPORT, LA – Shreveport will soon have a new leader for the Community Development Department.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux has selected Verni Howard to serve as Shreveport’s new Director of Community Development. Howard has some pretty big shoes to fill. She takes over for Bonnie Moore, who retired last month.

Howard is no stranger to stepping in to serve at an agency after a long-time well-respected leader. She took over the reins of Providence House when Simone Hennessee stepped down as Executive Director in 2015 after serving for 23 years.

Bonnie Moore has served in the Community Development Department for 20 years.

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Before exiting city hall, Moore said "My replacement doesn't need to fill my shoes, she needs to where her own shoes." Verni Howard has proven she can do just that as leader at Providence House.

READ MORE: Bonnie Moore fights for Shreveport residents

Who Is Verni Howard, New Shreveport Community Development Department Pick?

Howard currently serves as the Executive Director of Providence House. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from LSU and has more than twenty-five years of experience in the banking and non-profit sectors.

Howard is also involved in several aspects of living in Shreveport. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and she is also a participant in the Harvard Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative. Howard is also active in the work of the LSUS Institute for Non-Profit Administration.

Howard brings a wealth of knowledge about non-profit leadership to city hall. She is also deeply committed to serve all citizens of Shreveport. She also brings years of experience in fund raising and program development.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux Explains Why He Has Selected Howard

“Verni Howard has already demonstrated the kind of commitment and passion that it takes to be a successful advocate for the programs Community Development leads. She knows our community and its needs and will be a fantastic addition to our leadership team. I have no doubt she will continue to make a significant impact in Shreveport.”

The Shreveport City Council has to confirm her nomination. If approved, she is expected to begin working for the city on April 16.