PRESS RELEASE DETAIL

For Immediate Release

Release Date: 06/22/2011

Mayor Holden taps Gwendolyn Hamilton for top-level post

Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden has appointed Gwendolyn Hamilton, a former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services, as an assistant chief administrator in his office.

“We are happy to have someone of Gwen’s caliber, not only for her extensive work experience, but also for her community relationships,” Holden said Tuesday.

A veteran administrator, Hamilton’s experience also includes a five-year stint in the Governor’s Office under former Gov. Mike Foster.

Hamilton comes to the City-Parish from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where she served as senior vice president of education reform since October 2008.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Hamilton worked for nearly four years as the senior director for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation/Plan Baton Rouge, where she was responsible for coordinating and developing the revitalization of Old South Baton Rouge. She also acted as the Foundation’s liaison to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board.
From November 2001 to January 2004, Hamilton served as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services under former Gov. Foster. As DSS Secretary, she was responsible for more than 5,000 employees and a $978.5-million budget. Hamilton also served as Acting DSS Secretary from June 1999 to October 1999.

From October 1996 to October 2001, she served in the Governor’s Office, initially as a deputy education policy advisory and later as executive director for the Children Cabinet, where she assisted with the development and coordination of policy, resources and services for children and families.

From September 1991 to October 1996, Hamilton worked as vice president of corporate affairs for the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, where she assisted in formulating and administering the corporation’s policies and procedures, and coordinated the activities of the Human Resources and Public Relations departments.

Prior to that, Hamilton worked as office administrator for the law firm of Blache, Perkins & Koch from 1985 to 1991, and for the Social Security Administration in Baton Rouge from 1973 until 1984.

A native of Baton Rouge, Hamilton holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Southern University.

In addition to her considerable experience as an administrator, Hamilton also previously served as a board chair for the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority and board member of the Louisiana State Board of Ethics.

Hamilton started work in the Mayor’s Office last Wednesday.

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