Leadership Turmoil Continues at LDEQ with Another Departure

News Summary

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) faces another leadership shake-up with the exit of Theresa Delafosse, the top financial officer. This departure, following a series of resignations, raises concerns about the agency’s internal morale and management style. Employees have reported low morale and issues with leadership, suggesting significant challenges ahead for LDEQ as it navigates these transitions. With stakeholders watching closely, the future of the agency is uncertain as it strives to maintain its environmental protection mission amidst ongoing turmoil.

Leadership Turmoil at LDEQ: Another High-Level Departure

In Baton Rouge, the leadership shake-up continues at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) as another key figure has exited the agency. The recent departure of Theresa Delafosse, the department’s top financial officer, has raised eyebrows and left many wondering about the future of LDEQ.

A Quick Look at Theresa Delafosse’s Tenure

Delafosse worked tirelessly for nine years at LDEQ, managing the Financial Services Division and overseeing critical fiscal operations. Before joining LDEQ, she accrued valuable experience at the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. Her significant expertise made her the highest-ranking fiscal employee in the agency, and her exit marks a substantial loss for LDEQ.

Another Leadership Change

Her departure follows a troubling trend within LDEQ, as it comes on the heels of former Undersecretary Christian Griffiths’ move last September. Griffiths had a brief tenure in that role and, like Delafosse, has now stepped away from the agency. It’s not just about numbers; this trend seems to reflect a larger issue within the leadership structure at LDEQ.

Low Morale Signals Trouble

This upheaval coincides with a recent workplace culture survey released by Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack. The results painted a concerning picture of low morale among employees. Many workers expressed feeling pressured to break the law or violate agency policies, which raises alarms about the overall work environment at LDEQ under Secretary Aurelia Giacometto’s leadership.

High-Profile Resignations

Delafosse isn’t the only long-time employee to take the exit recently. Roger Ward, a veteran ombudsman at LDEQ, also resigned after expressing concerns about Giacometto’s leadership style. His departure letter, which was a stark critique, suggested an atmosphere riddled with “erratic and vicious behavior.” This style has prompted significant concern among staff members.

Adding to the turmoil, Chandra Pidgeon, another former undersecretary, exited earlier in March, describing Giacometto’s management style as “destructive, calculating, and callous.” With multiple high-level employees departing in quick succession, the agency appears to be navigating turbulent waters, with rising discontent among the remaining staff.

Agency Communication Lags

As this saga unfolds, it seems that transparency may not be a priority for those in charge. The communications division of LDEQ has remained tight-lipped, failing to respond to numerous inquiries regarding these recent changes. This silence only fuels speculation about the agency’s internal challenges and leadership practices.

What’s Next for LDEQ?

The departure of Theresa Delafosse further compounds the already precarious situation at LDEQ. With ongoing questions about leadership and internal morale, one has to wonder what the future holds for the agency. Will there be an overhaul in management or a shift in policies to address the serious concerns raised by staff? Only time will tell.

As more details emerge, stakeholders in Louisiana and beyond will be watching closely to see how the leadership changes impact the agency’s ability to carry out its environmental protection mission. The clock is ticking for LDEQ as it seeks to regain stability following a series of unsettling departures.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• La Illuminator: LDEQ Financial Officer Leaves
• The Advocate: Louisiana Environment Politics
• 1012 Industry Report: Departures at LDEQ
• Wikipedia: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
• NOLA: Louisiana Environment Politics