Terrebonne parish manager leaves for Jindal job

Natalie Robottom, who was appointed Terrebonne’s parish manager just three weeks ago by Parish President Michel Claudet, will leave the position to become Gov. Jindal’s new director of the state Office of Community Programs, part of the Office of the Governor.

Claudet said he is looking at a number of candidates to replace her and hopes to fill the position as quickly as possible.

Robottom was offered the job by the state shortly after Claudet’s inauguration and accepted last Wednesday. She will leave sometime next week.

As director of the Office of Community Programs, she will oversee 12 to 15 programs, including the Governor’s Program on Abstinence, Indian Affairs, Elderly Affairs, Oil Spills and Safe and Drug Free Schools.

All of the programs have their owns heads and staffs. Robottom said she will act as a liaison between the governor and her office, though Jindal will be evaluating each of the programs.

The move marks the first time the former St. John the Baptist Parish chief administrative officer will serve at the state level. In St. John, she oversaw 200 employees and a $58 million budget. During her brief turn as Terrebonne’s parish manager, she had a $206 million budget and 600 employees.

“It’s an opportunity to work with Gov. Jindal,” Robottom said. “It will give me the opportunity to help people throughout the state.”

She said the decision to leave was difficult.

“Michel and I established a good relationship, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Robottom said. “My experience here was positive. The transition was easy. Michel and I would have worked well together. He has business savvy, drive and he’s goal-oriented.”

She said Terrebonne Parish will now have a personal contact in the governor’s office.

Terrebonne parish manager leaves for Jindal job