Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West Announces
the Appointment of Nicholas Cali as Regional Director
Board also approves Jesse Noel as the new Chief of Operations
MARRERO, LA. (Sept. 8). – The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West (SLFPA-W) board of commissioners announced the appointment of Nicholas Cali as its new regional director. The board’s unanimous vote for Cali was recorded at a special meeting on September 2. Cali will replace John Monzon who announced his retirement in August. The transition will be completed on September 18.
Commission President Scott Burke said Cali has proven capabilities that he has demonstrated in his current position as Chief of Operations since 2017. “Nick is a qualified professional who came to the SLFPA-W with experience in public sector levee protection, and has been an outstanding leader here. We expect a seamless transition to keep the SLFPA-W working efficiently and effectively on behalf of the residents and businesses of the West Bank of Jefferson and Orleans parishes.”
Cali said he appreciates the opportunity to lead one of only two unique flood authorities in Louisiana. “This is an exceptional opportunity because of how important hurricane protection is to our residents and businesses. It is my intention to keep the authority on its course of comprehensive protection through strong levees and flood protection structures.”
Cali was appointed as SLFPA-W’s Chief of Operations in 2017. He has been responsible for all field operations and maintenance of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) and the Mississippi River Levee in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Previously, he spent 5 years as the Executive Director of the Lake Borgne Basin Levee District in St. Bernard Parish, where he managed the operations and maintenance of both the HSDRRS and Mississippi River Levee, as well St. Bernard interior drainage canals and pump stations.
Cali has served in the U.S. Army as an Engineer Officer, both on Active Duty and in the Army Reserves for more than 19 years. He is a Lieutenant Colonel assigned to the Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division. He is a combat veteran, serving as a Scout Platoon Leader and then as the Executive Officer of the 3rd Brigade Reconnaissance Troop, 4th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004.
Cali holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Louisiana State University and a Master’s degree in Geological Engineering from Missouri S&T.
Jesse Noel Appointed as Chief of Operations
At the September 2 commission meeting, the board named Cali’s replacement as Chief of Operations – Jesse Noel. Noel is no stranger to the authority, as he served as its chief engineer. Noel is a licensed Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering Degree from Louisiana State University. He began his career as a consulting engineer working on multiple facets of public and private sector infrastructure projects including surveying, design and construction administration. For the past several years, he has focused on flood protection and coastal restoration.
