Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding General Doug O’Dell Speaks at Young Leadership Council Luncheon

Release Date: May 6, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Brendan Lacivita (202) 572-8878

New Orleans, LA – General Doug O’Dell, federal coordinator of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding (OFC), today spoke to members of the Young Leadership Council (YLC). General O’Dell used this opportunity to stress to the luncheon participants the critical role they play in New Orleans’ recovery.

“I am in the presence of the next greatest generation,” said O’Dell. “The level of courage, optimism, selflessness, and commitment to civil responsibility represented by the Young Leadership Council truly is outstanding. New Orleans will once again be a crossroads for the nation for commerce, the arts and education, and will emerge as a center for the hemisphere based on the abilities of the young leaders of New Orleans.”

Over the past two and a half years several thousand talented and energetic young professionals from around the country have descended on New Orleans to help in the recovery. Many have come to help in improving the city’s public schools as teachers and principals - some have come to help educate a new and more diverse work force while others are helping to improve the quality and delivery of critical health care. The impact of their influence is evident in the numerous new restaurants dotting the city -- more now than before Hurricane Katrina -- improved public schools and new small businesses.

“The YLC has been a force in strengthening our community for over 20 years,” stated YLC President W. Mason Curran. “YLC reflects the heart of the city of New Orleans and one of its most precious assets -- young professionals -- eager to make a difference in the city they are proud to call home.”

The YLC was founded in 1986 by a small group of young professionals in New Orleans dedicated to helping solve the city’s problems by developing leadership through community projects. With over 1000 members, the YLC is involved in a variety of projects including the areas of education, literacy awareness, public beautification and arts and culture. The Leadership Lunch series is a quarterly luncheon bringing together leaders and individuals important to the city’s recovery. The small size and intimate nature of the luncheon reflects a personal connection between YLC’s membership and the invited guests.

“YLC plays a significant role in New Orleans’ ‘brain gain’ and you should feel proud of the contributions you have made,” O’Dell said. “If you are looking to find a place to serve and to gain a sense of purpose, then bring your talents, your energy, and your idealism to New Orleans.”

The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding has been engaged in facilitating and streamlining the recovery effort, providing key federal support and resources to state and local leaders, as well as reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast.

www.dhs.gov/gulfcoastrebuild

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This page was last reviewed/modified on May 6, 2008.