Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal appointed a 24-year veteran of the Louisiana Legislature to represent Jefferson Parish on the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans.
Joseph F. Toomy, who represented Dist. 85 from 1984 until 2008, will serve as one of two representatives from Jefferson Parish on the seven-member Board. The Harvey Canal Industrial Association nominated Toomy for the position to succeed Mr. H. Daniel Hughes II, whose term has ended.
An insurance broker since 2000, Mr. Toomy served in several administrative capacities with Delgado Community College beginning in 1981 and most recently served as vice chancellor for administrative affairs from 1992 until 2000. Mr. Toomy possesses a wealth of legislative leadership experience, having served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee from 1992 until 2008 and vice chairman of Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs.
A long-time resident of Gretna, Mr. Toomy earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University in 1971 and a Masters of Business Administration from Tulane in 1973. He began his political career as a delegate to the 1973 Louisiana Constitutional Convention, before being elected to the Jefferson Parish School Board in 1974 – serving as president in 1977.
“My service as a state representative has given me a keen awareness of the business and economic interests regarding the Port of New Orleans and the extensive impact it has on our community and state,” Mr. Toomy said. “I am equally aware of many of the challenges facing the Port and the need for a coordinated regional response to the ever increasing competition for international trade.”
Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange welcomed Mr. Toomy aboard and emphasized his extensive legislative experience as a vital asset to move the Port forward.
“Mr. Toomy’s wealth of legislative knowledge will surely serve the entire Port community well as we strive to secure the investment needed to position the Port of New Orleans at the forefront of global trade,” LaGrange said. “It is privilege to welcome him to the Board.”
Mr. Toomy is extensively involved in community and civic activities, having served as president of the Friends of the Louisiana State Fire Museum and the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Department, of which he is a life member. Mr. Toomy is also a member of the board of Catholic Charities, PACE Greater New Orleans Advisory Board and American Cancer Society Greater New Orleans Leadership Council.
The Alliance for Good Government, Raintree Children Services, Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana State Fireman’s Association, all honored Mr. Toomy as Legislator of the Year at varying times. Most recently, Archbishop Shaw Alumni Association named Mr. Toomy a Distinguished Alumni in 2008.
Commissioners are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The Board governs public port operations in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The Governor appoints members from a list of three nominees submitted by 19 local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The Board reflects the three-parish jurisdiction with four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish and one from St. Bernard Parish.
Other Board members include Chairman Capt. A.J. Gibbs, Vice Chairman Mr. Thomas Westfeldt, Secretary/Treasurer Mr. John F. Fay Jr., Mr. James O. Campbell, Mr. J. Wayne Mumphrey, and Ms. Valerie S. Cahill.
