LCG Launches Nationwide Search for Next Director of OHSEP
LAFAYETTE LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR NEXT OHSEP DIRECTOR
Boulet Administration names Christina Dayries as Interim Director while continuing investment in public safety and emergency preparedness
Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government has launched the search for its next Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), marking the next chapter in the Boulet Administration's continued investment in public safety, emergency preparedness, and resilient government.
The search follows the departure of former OHSEP Director Chad Sonnier, who recently accepted an appointment from Governor Jeff Landry to serve as Louisiana State Fire Marshal. During his tenure, Sonnier worked alongside the Administration to establish Lafayette's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as a dedicated department and lead a comprehensive modernization of the parish's emergency management program.
Effective immediately, Chief of Staff Christina Dayries will serve as Interim Director of OHSEP while the administration conducts its search. Dayries will provide direct oversight of the department and work with public safety agencies, and local, state, and federal partners to ensure continuity of operations and emergency preparedness efforts throughout the transition.
Since taking office, the Boulet Administration has made emergency preparedness a strategic priority. Over the past two years, the administration established OHSEP as a dedicated department and implemented a comprehensive transformation of Lafayette Parish's emergency management program. That work has included restructuring emergency operations, adopting the nationally recognized Emergency Support Function (ESF) model, strengthening interagency coordination, enhancing emergency planning and training, and continuing investments that improve Lafayette Parish's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
"We're grateful to Chad for his leadership and congratulate him on this well-deserved opportunity to serve the people of Louisiana," said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. "His appointment speaks to the caliber of leadership we've worked to build here in Lafayette Parish. Under the leadership of Christina and Chad, over the past two years, we've transformed how we prepare for and respond to emergencies by creating a dedicated emergency management team, modernizing our operations, and strengthening partnerships across every level of government. We're proud of that progress, and we're looking for the next director to continue building on that foundation."
The OHSEP Director serves as the parish's chief emergency management professional, leading preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and resilience efforts while overseeing the Lafayette Parish Emergency Operations Center. The position coordinates emergency planning and response among municipalities, public safety agencies, healthcare providers, school systems, utility partners, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response before, during, and after emergencies.
As Interim Director, Dayries will continue advancing the administration's focus on readiness while ensuring day-to-day operations remain seamless throughout the recruitment process and the remainder of hurricane season.
"Our responsibility is to ensure Lafayette Parish is prepared before an emergency ever occurs," Boulet said. "Emergency preparedness is a year-round commitment, and we are seeking an experienced leader who shares a vision for protecting our community and continuing the progress we've made."
Qualified professionals interested in leading Lafayette Parish's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are encouraged to review detailed job qualifications here. Applicants should submit their resume, a cover letter, and professional references to applicant@lafayettela.gov and include “OHSEP Director” in the job interest subject line.
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