by Mayor Adrian Perkins
One of the most demanding jobs in city government is the Chief Administrative Officer. The CAO oversees a nearly half-billion-dollar budget, in addition to the day-to-day operations of the city. They are responsible for managing department heads and implementing the mayor's vision. Few jobs can truly prepare someone for the enormous responsibilities this role entails, which is why I am honored to appoint Henry Whitehorn for the position of CAO.
Henry Whitehorn is perhaps the most qualified CAO candidate in Shreveport history. He came to Barksdale in 1974 as a weapons mechanic in the United States Air Force. Henry's storied career in law enforcement began soon after that, culminating with President Barack Obama appointing him United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana. He previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Shreveport, Deputy Secretary for Louisiana Public Safety, and Louisiana State Police Superintendent—a post he held during our state's darkest hour, Hurricane Katrina.
Throughout his career, Henry has demonstrated integrity and poise, even in the midst of crisis. During Katrina, he flew into New Orleans on a State Police helicopter to deliver supplies and evacuate exhausted members of his tactical unit. One of his troopers was dehydrated, but there wasn't any more room on the helicopter. Henry made room. He stayed behind so that his trooper could be airlifted out. That's leadership, but more importantly, that's Henry Whitehorn. He is a self-sacrificing, principled man who leads from the front.
In 2004, Henry was named Deputy Secretary for Public Safety by then-Governor Governor Kathleen Blanco. This position is similar to the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Shreveport. As Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, he had to manage—and present to the State Legislature—a $389 million budget. Henry was also responsible for nearly three-thousand employees, overseeing the State Police, the Office of Motor Vehicles, Legal Affairs, the State Fire Marshal, the Gaming Control Board, and the Highway Safety Commission. Not only is Henry preeminently qualified to serve as CAO, but he brings a level of knowledge and experience that is seldom found in city government.
While it is true that Henry boasts a resume that is second to none, I am most impressed with his character. Henry is a family man. He has been married to the love of his life for forty-four years, and together, they have two children and two grandkids. Henry is, above all else, an ethical and honest person who thinks for himself and loves helping others. He has earned the respect and admiration of those who have worked with him because he makes those around him better. Henry isn't just the right man for the job; he is a man that always does what is right.
Henry has had an extraordinary and distinguished career. He could have retired to a life of solitude, but that's not Henry. Shreveport is his home. He loves this city and wants to make it better. Henry is a public servant at heart and that's why I am honored to appoint him to serve as the next CAO for the City of Shreveport.