MAYOR ARCENEAUX

Barney ArceneauxMayor Barney Arceneaux has been a resident of Gonzales and a public servant for over 40 years. He has worked in different facets of law enforcement as well as local and federal government.

While serving in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves as a Military Police Officer for six years, Arceneaux became interested in the field of law enforcement and devoted his life to that career for 28 years. With a strong drive and passion for the job, he worked his way up the ranks in the Gonzales City Police Department as Patrolman, Detective, and Assistant Chief. He was eventually elected as the Chief of Police of Gonzales for his last eight years with that department. He eventually found his passions changed, and he became more and more interested in the role that government plays in the lives of everyday residents and communities. He began changing his focus, set a goal to assist in improving the city, and has now proudly held the role as mayor of the beautiful City of Gonzales since January of 2009.

Married to wife, Betty, Arceneaux enjoys spending time with his wonderful family including two daughters; Tasha (married to Bruce Farrell) and Shelly (married to Russell Graham). He is also the proud grandfather of four, Jude and Mackenzie Graham and Megan and Braden Farrell.

Arceneaux’s passion for the city he calls home is evident in his dedication to not only the residents of Gonzales, but to his team of advisors and his support staff. Always there to answer questions, to lead by example or to offer advice and encouragement, Mayor Barney Arceneaux is a man of integrity and knowledge; attributes that make him an excellent choice for leading the City of Gonzales into the future.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arceneaux is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and has also completed numerous law enforcement training classes at Louisiana State University. After leaving the Gonzales Police Department, he worked for the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office for five years, working his way to the rank of Major, directly under the Sheriff, while supervising over one hundred personnel.
  • Arceneaux retired from law enforcement to accept a job for the Ascension Parish President’s Office in the Planning and Development Department, serving with two Parish Presidents and as Director of Planning and Development for five years. He was responsible for approximately one hundred personnel in five major departments including Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, IS/GIS, Recreation, Building Maintenance and Inspections and Permits.
  • After leaving Parish Government, Arceneaux then worked for the Federal Government as Operation’s Manager for S.A.R.T.A. (Southern Anti-Terrorist Regional Training Academy). His responsibilities included developing and maintaining anti-terrorist training and coordinating training activities with other S.A.R.T.A. divisions. His role was considered a crucial one after 9/11.
  • Arceneaux also had the honor of being District Director for Congressman Charlie Melancon, 3rd U.S. Congressional District, representing him in his 13 parishes while he was in Washington, D.C. and managing four offices throughout his district. During this time, Arceneaux also aided constituents in coordinating relief support after the devastating effect of hurricanes in Louisiana during 2005.
  • During Arceneaux’s time as mayor, he has served in the following capacities while a member of the Louisiana Municipal Association: Board of Directors, At-Large Vice President and Second Vice President. In 2015, Arceneaux was elected to serve the state as First Vice President. In 2016, he was elected as President of the Louisiana Municipal Association for the 2016/2017 year.

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