WHO WILL BE NEXT BOSSIER CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Bossier City’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Amanda Nottingham has submitted her resignation, effective Jan. 2, 2026. She will take a position at SWEPCO as external affairs director.
 
The rumor mill has cranked up big time on who Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler will nominate to replace her.
 
When he was first elected mayor, Shane Cheatum was his choice. Cheatum had just been elected to the Bossier Council, and he resigned to take the CAO position. And then King David (Montgomery) and his cronies stepped in and stopped that parade.
 
Now Chandler can have his way, presumably, unless he nominates a ringer. Some say that could just be the case. Chandler prefers old cronies and golf buddies, so who knows who his first choice for CAO.
 
It’s no secret that Chandler’s strong points as mayor are glad-handing, kissing babies and cutting ribbons. He’s always been known as a good ole boy, but not a rocket scientist.
 
If ever a mayor needed a competent CAO, its Mayor Tommy. Keeping the trains running on time, the city checkbook balanced, and the garbage picked up are key responsibilities of a CAO. That and trying to keep free-wheeling department heads in line and following the chain of command are very important.
 
Names that are floating around include Bossier council members Chris Smith (council president), councilman Brian Hammons and councilman Joel Girouard. All of these individuals are self-employed, and the CAO position is a full-time gig that brings with it a city car. BTW, why does the mayor, CAO, city attorney and public information officer get a city car?
 
Another name is Brad Zagone, retiring Bossier fire chief. Zagone is a long-term Bossier city employee, which is not necessarily a good thing.
 
The CAO selection will be critical for Chandler's remaining three and half years in his current term as mayor. Hopefully he will not fall on his own sword in making this decision.