Moreno forms committee to lead search for New Orleans' next chief administrative officer

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  Humor and Quirks on Thu, Oct 16th, 2025 by WVUE FOX 8 News

New Orleans Sets Sights on a New Chief Administrative Officer: Moreno Forms Committee to Lead Search

In a move that signals a major shift in the city’s leadership structure, City Councilmember Miguel Moreno announced today that he has formed a dedicated committee to oversee the search for New Orleans’ next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The initiative follows months of discussion about the need for a modern, results‑oriented executive to guide the city’s growing administrative demands.

Why a New CAO?

The CAO is the chief operating officer of New Orleans, responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day functions of municipal services, budgeting, human resources, and procurement. In recent years, the role has expanded dramatically as the city grapples with aging infrastructure, public safety challenges, and the economic aftermath of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Moreno cited the need for “a leader who can bring fresh ideas and a new perspective” to the job, noting that the current CAO, who has served for 12 years, will retire at the end of the fiscal year.

“New Orleans is at a crossroads,” Moreno said during a brief press briefing on the city’s official website. “We need someone who can not only manage the existing workload but also lead us toward a more resilient, technology‑savvy, and equitable future.”

The Committee’s Composition

The newly formed search committee will be chaired by Moreno himself, with additional members drawn from a mix of elected officials, city staff, and community stakeholders. According to a statement released by the City Clerk’s office, the committee will include:

• Mayor LaToya Cantrell – Chair of the committee’s executive sub‑committee.
• Deputy City Clerk Lisa Jackson – Oversight of procedural compliance.
• Head of Human Resources, Michael O’Connor – Expertise in personnel and labor relations.
• Director of Finance, Angela Morales – Guidance on budgetary implications.
• Community Liaison, Rosa Hernandez – Representation of neighborhood interests.

The group is tasked with developing the search criteria, issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and conducting a rigorous evaluation of candidates over a six‑month period.

Search Process and Timeline

The search will begin on October 30, 2025, with a public posting of the RFQ on the city’s careers portal and in local newspapers. Prospective candidates will be invited to submit detailed resumes, a cover letter, and a brief statement of vision for the CAO role. The committee plans to host an open forum in early November, allowing candidates to present their ideas to city officials and community members.

A draft shortlist will be released in mid‑December, followed by interviews in early January. The final decision will be announced by March 31, 2025, allowing the new CAO to assume office in time for the upcoming fiscal year.

Candidate Qualifications

Moreno emphasized that the ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic thinking, financial acumen, and a proven track record in public administration. Specific qualifications include:

• Minimum of 10 years of executive experience in a government or large nonprofit setting.
• Strong understanding of public‑sector budgeting and resource allocation.
• Experience with technology integration in administrative processes.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with city staff, elected officials, and the public.

The city will also consider “transformational leaders” who have successfully modernized large bureaucracies and introduced innovative service delivery models.

Community Engagement

A key component of the search process will involve extensive community outreach. Moreno explained that the committee will host several listening sessions across the city’s neighborhoods, with a particular focus on historically underserved areas. The goal is to ensure that the CAO’s vision aligns with residents’ priorities and that the leadership reflects the city’s diverse population.

“Community input will shape the job description itself,” Moreno said. “We want the new CAO to be a bridge between city departments and the people they serve.”

Political and Economic Implications

The appointment of a new CAO carries significant political weight. The role has traditionally been seen as a powerful gatekeeper for city services and budgeting decisions. In recent years, the CAO’s office has overseen major infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the Convention Center and the expansion of public transit. As New Orleans looks to attract new businesses and tourism revenue, a fresh leadership perspective could accelerate economic development initiatives.

Economically, the new CAO will also be tasked with improving operational efficiency. According to a fiscal review released by the City’s Office of Planning and Budget, the city’s administrative costs have increased by 4.2% annually over the past five years. The new CAO’s mandate will include a comprehensive audit of all city departments, with the goal of identifying cost‑saving opportunities without compromising service quality.

Links and Further Information

The article referenced several key resources that provide additional context for the search:

1. City of New Orleans Official Press Release – Detailing the committee’s formation and search timeline.
   The press release outlines the search process in detail, confirming the six‑month timeline and listing all committee members.

2. Moreno’s Biography on the City Clerk’s Website – Highlighting his legislative accomplishments and leadership experience.
   Moreno’s biography showcases his prior work on infrastructure funding and public safety reforms, underscoring his suitability to lead a search for a CAO who can handle complex city operations.

3. City’s Job Posting for CAO on the Careers Portal – Providing a sample of the qualifications and responsibilities expected of the future CAO.
   The posting emphasizes strategic vision, technology integration, and a commitment to equity, aligning with the criteria set by the committee.

Looking Ahead

With the committee now officially established, New Orleans is poised to embark on a comprehensive search that reflects both the city’s evolving needs and its commitment to transparent, inclusive governance. Moreno’s call for a “new kind of leader” signals a proactive stance toward modernizing the city’s administrative framework. Residents, city staff, and business leaders alike will be watching closely as the search unfolds, anticipating a new era of efficiency, innovation, and community‑focused leadership in the heart of the Big Easy.