What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?
I live in the 7th Ward where I grew up with my entire family. My grandfather and all of his sons owned homes on the same block. I recently purchased and renovated my grandfather's house on Bruxelles Street and have been living there for the past 5 years. My family still lives on the same street with me.
Describe your job to us!
I'm currently the Assistant CAO of Operations. My major responsibilities are managing and directing the Equipment Maintenance Division which is responsible for the entire city's vehicle and heavy equipment fleet. Our goal is to work in partnership with all city departments to provide high quality functional vehicles and heavy equipment needed to perform their operational duties.
Tell us about your career path.
I've been with the city for 14 years, started in 2009 in Capital Projects as an entry-level Analyst. Capital Projects later became the CPA /Project Delivery Unit (PDU) where I served as one of the charter employees. Majority of my career was spent working in every financial aspect of the PDU. As an Analyst I handled Invoices & Requisitions and Contract Management. Later on I became Documents Control Manager where I was responsible for maintaining all infrastructure documents and Information Technology support. I was then elevated to Capital Budget Director in 2012 and continued through 2022. In this role I was responsible for every aspect of the $2 billion dollar capital budget. I managed a staff of 45 employees who have become more like family over the years. In 2022 under the leadership of Mr. Joseph S. Threat, Sr. I was promoted to the Project Delivery Unit Director of Capital Budgets & Operations. This was one of my proudest moments because I started as charter employee and ascended to the Director and leader of the PDU. Just this past month in March 2023 an opportunity presented itself to become Assistant CAO of Operations and I couldn't pass it up. This was a very tough decision for me because I realized I had been in the PDU my entire career and the PDU is like family to me. However, I gladly accepted the opportunity because it was my dream job. I would personally like to thank CAO Mr. Gilbert A. Montano for the opportunity and trusting and believing in me.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
My favorite aspect of the job is the people; the people I work with and the citizens of New Orleans. Everything we do is impact our communities in a positive way. As a third generation civil servant, I take pride in serving our community. My grandfather, Alton DeLarge, Sr., worked under former Mayor Dutch Morial in the construction department. His three sons, Alton, Wayne, and Kim, Sr. all had longstanding productive careers as civil servants. It is an honor to continue their legacy and I strive to meet the mark every day.
What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?
I'm new to this role. I'm learning everyday and that in itself is a challenge. I work with some great people and they are helping with that learning curve daily.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
Food, family, and music festivals. To put it in one word, the culture. I always joke with my family and tell them I am the 7th ward. I was born in the 7th ward, I live in the 7th ward, and when my time is up on this earth, they will scatter my ashes across the7th ward with a traditional second line band.