Overview
- The council approved Mayor Tommy Chandler’s pick in a 5-0 vote with two members absent.
- Cheatham told officials his priorities include supporting city employees, partnering with the council, and keeping decisions fiscally responsible.
- He previously served as a District 1 councilman before stepping down in 2021 when he was first nominated for the role.
- Cheatham is a local business owner who has worked as Region 7 director in the state’s Office of Rural Development, and Tuesday’s report cites him departing Gov. Jeff Landry’s team, though other coverage has differed on that detail.
- The previous CAO, Amanda Nottingham, resigned earlier this year, and Cheatham’s salary was not confirmed; Nottingham earned $102,792 in 2023.