| “A Conversation with Mayor Michael S. Yenni, City of Kenner” Date: May 16, 2012 Venue: Zea's Restaurant, New Orleans Networking Social: 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Cash Bar) Dinner Served Starting at 6:05 p.m. Mayor Yenni’s Conversation with Members and Guests Starts at 7:00 p.m. Ample Time for Questions Starting at Approximately 7:35 p.m.
Michael S. Yenni was elected Mayor of the City of Kenner in his first run for public office on March 27, 2010. He was inaugurated July 1, 2010, his first day in office. Born on June 15, 1976, Mike's passion for public service was evident at a very young age. As a young child, he watched as his grandfather, the late Joseph S. Yenni, led both the City of Kenner as its Mayor and the Parish of Jefferson as its President. Subsequently, his uncle Michael J. Yenni followed in Joe Yenni's footsteps as Jefferson Parish's President. Mike was surrounded by role models who instilled the importance of leadership, dedication, honesty, and public service in him. At the age of 15, he volunteered to assist “Mr. Mardi Gras" of Jefferson Parish, Mr. Henry Trapani, then director of Jefferson Parish Citizen's Services Department, during his summer vacations and holidays. Early in his public service career, Mike developed a vision of "lean and mean" government, and became committed to the ideas of cost/time saving measures and methods of increasing productivity in city procedures. After completing his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana, Mike continued to pursue his aspirations for a career in public service. Mike's utmost concern was effective response to citizens’ needs and he consistently maintained professional public relations. These qualities made him the perfect candidate for the position of Director of the Department of Citizen Affairs for the Parish of Jefferson, which he assumed in 2005.
During his tenure as Director, Mike oversaw the department's $1 million dollar operating budget, a portion of which funded Jefferson Parish Carnival activities. In early 2005, Mike Yenni recommended a revision to the Jefferson Parish Carnival ordinance to improve public safety. These revisions were unanimously approved by the Jefferson Parish Council and proved to be timely. Later that year, Hurricane Katrina devastated Jefferson Parish and the new measures Mike proposed were implemented in the 2006 Carnival season, thereby assuring a successful and safe celebration.
As Director of Citizens’ Affairs, Mike was designated as Essential Personnel. He worked tirelessly throughout Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath cultivating valuable experience regarding the handling of emergency situations. After completing emergency duties over many weeks, Mike continued his recovery efforts by coordinating post-Katrina activities to assist nearly seven hundred (700) senior citizens in debris removal from their homes. This was accomplished by coordinating the work of more than forty (40) volunteer groups which included, but was not limited to, out of state and local missionary organizations, military personnel, and local work crews.
In early 2006, former Jefferson Parish Councilman Edmond J. "Ed" Muniz announced his candidacy for Mayor of Kenner, with goals of unifying the City and restoring cooperative efforts within the City government. Muniz won the election and appointed Mike to the position of Chief Administrative Officer. Mike worked as Mayor Muniz's closest advisor throughout the successful operation of his administration. An example of one of Mike's first priorities was coordinating efforts to immediately find funding to repair storm damage at the Pontchartrain Center. He knew the threat to close the Center was looming, and was aware of the devastation that could mean to the City of Kenner's tourism industry and its economic development Mike also collaborated on efforts to aggressively seek FEMA funds to clear the sub-surface drainage system and to file for FEMA reimbursements for other needed repairs of hurricane damage.
Aside from his concentrations on generating revenue, Completing repairs to the City, and cost savings, Mike heavily focused on the importance of the department of inspections and Code Enforcement He expedited the closure of the rarely utilized tourist center and used the funds to hire additional code inspectors in an effort to fight blight The additional inspectors allowed for more frequent code sweeps. The money was also used for the demolition of derelict buildings.
Under Mike's tenure as Chief Administrative Oflicer, he stressed the importance of utilizing the expertise of a professional engineer to oversee the Public Works Department, capital projects, and improvements to public infrastructure. With a professional engineer on staff, the Public Works Department has saved thousands of dollars previously spent on outsourcing.
Mike Yenni strongly supported Public work's efforts in acquiring a very low interest loan of $22 million dollars from the LADEQ that will aid in the funding improvements to the City's archaic sewer system. He was also instrumental in convincing the City Council of the importance of increasing the sewerage user fee to ensure a funding source to pay off the sewerage loan.
Mike worked closely with all City Departments, the owners and administrators of the Esplanade Mail, and Macy's to ensure the return of Macy's Department Store after Hurricane Katrina. Bringing businesses into the City of Kenner has always been one of his ton priorities. He is proud to have been instrumental in the campaign to bring a new Target to the Esplanade Mall. it is scheduled to opening the Summer of 2011.
In September 2008, Mike led the administration through the enactment of the new emergency plan when Hurricane Gustav threatened to devastate the Kenner area. Although the City was spared from major catastrophic damage, Mike worked continuously with Entergy to quickly restore power to businesses and residences. He worked to ensure public safety as he collaborated with the police and fire departments throughout this effort. Finally, he worked with the City’s sewerage contract to stabilize the sewer system which suffered many setbacks due to power outages. All of these efforts were made to secure the City of Kenner and ensure the safety of its citizens as they began to return home.
In his first 100 days as Mayor, Mike has focused heavily on the sewerage problems that plague the City. He successfully convinced the City Council to pass a user fee increase to pay for improvements to the system. Mayor Yenni’s next major goal, as promised throughout his campaign, is to properly fund the police and fire departments and ensure the safety and quality of life for Kenner's citizens for years to come.
Mike is a proud member of the United States Naval Reserve. He received a Direct Commission as an Ensign in the Public Affairs Community in March of 2010. Mike resides at 15 Rue St. Louis, Kenner, Louisiana 70065, with his wife, Michelle, and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bella. Register Here This month's venue: Zea's in New Orleans Click here for instructions on how to claim PDU's for this event and others like it. | 
