Office of the Secretary

Former DNR Secretary Angelle honored for public service

Former Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary and current Lt. Governor Scott Angelle has been named as the recipient of the Betty S. Baronne Award as part of the Professional Landmen’s Association-New Orleans (PLANO) 2010 awards program this week.

PLANO established the Betty S. Baronne Award in 1981 to honor members of federal, state, parish or city government agencies who perform outstanding public service, and whose dedication extends far beyond their required public duties.

The award is not given every year, but only in years when the outstanding service of a nominee is judged to have risen to an exceptional level.

“In our organization’s opinion, Scott Angelle has exemplified the qualities for which this award was envisioned,” said Brandt Plat, PLANO’s 2009—2010 president. “His countless speaking engagements before our industry at luncheons and seminars, his enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication to improving the industry’s cohesive relationship with DNR are some of the many qualities we recognize in selecting him to receive this award.” 

The award is named for Betty S. Baronne, a former member of the DNR Office of Mineral Resources staff with a reputation as the quintessential employee – knowing everything about the workings of DNR and always having the answers needed by those seeking help – a rare find in any organization.

“I certainly appreciate this recognition, especially because it is an honor tied to public service, both in the person it is named for and in those that are nominated,” Angelle said. “I am also gratified to know that my selection for this award acknowledges the critical mission of DNR in maintaining a relationship with industry that best provides for the balance of encouraging energy exploration while ensuring that it is carried out in a responsible manner.”