St. Bernard Port hires Public Relations Manager and Deputy Facility Security Officer
Ms. Roxane Assevado, Deputy Facility Security Officer (DFSO)
Ms. Lauren Maupin, Public Relations
After a meticulous search, the St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District has hired a Public Relations Manager and Deputy Facility Security Officer (DFSO). Ms. Lauren Maupin and Ms. Roxane Assevedo were welcomed with open arms as the women who will assist the thriving port.
Hailing from Shell Beach, Roxane has over 16 years of Maritime experience and is also a secretary of the South L.A. division of InfraGard, a liaison of the FBI. She will be maintaining the security schedules, managing the security officers, and more. This is all under the guidance of Mr. Eric Acosta, the Port’s facility security officer of 20 years. As a man who wears many hats, Mr. Acosta is wholeheartedly embracing the change. “She is going to take about a third of the workload off of me so that I can focus on regulations, requirements, and many other things that help the port run more smoothly.” He says graciously. “She’s going to be a big asset to me and the port.”
When speaking about the port and her position, Roxane is more than ready to make an impact. “I want to make it my priority to maintain the ports viability and maintain a good relationship with all port employees, United States Coast Guard, and all other state, local and federal agencies. All the while meeting regulatory compliance, protecting the St. Bernard Port, and all surrounding areas as well as the citizens in the United States.”
A Texas native, Lauren Maupin moved to St. Bernard in 2007 and resides in Violet, where she has witnessed countless moments showing the resilience of the parish. “I moved here two years after Katrina, during a time when St. Bernard was still recovering. Through perseverance and pride, the people of St. Bernard have shown that they hold this parish very near and dear, and it’s been amazing to be able to call this home. I went to elementary, middle, and high school here, so I know this place like the back of my hand.” Maupin says. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and graduated from Dillard University in 2020.
As the Public Relations Manager, Maupin’s job is to make sure the community knows the port is an ally to the parish. “My goal is to keep the community informed. People drive by the port every day, but do they really know what happens behind the levee? My job is to make sure they do in a concise, effective manner.” She says enthusiastically.
In addition to keeping the public informed, Lauren will also organize tours, participate in community events, help with advertising, introduce the port to social media, and more. This is all done under Mr. Drew Heaphy, the Executive Director of the port. “The port is excited to have Lauren on board to help with the port’s community outreach.” Heaphy explains. “It is all about bringing public awareness to the port.”
With the assistance of the wonderful staff and a passion for results, these ladies will bring ideas that will maintain the ports vision of being the economic engine of St. Bernard.
Article written by Lauren A. Maupin
