LDEQ Lawyer W. Noah Hoggatt Resigns Amid Leadership Changes

News Summary

W. Noah Hoggatt, executive counsel at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, has resigned after less than a year. His departure follows a trend of executive exits under Secretary Aurelia Giacometto, raising concerns about workplace culture and leadership stability. Issues surfaced from a recent survey revealing significant employee dissatisfaction. Despite a high turnover rate, Hoggatt praised the dedication of LDEQ staff in his farewell email. The implications of these resignations, particularly in relation to Giacometto’s management style, remain to be seen as the agency faces ongoing challenges.

Another High-Profile Departure at LDEQ: W. Noah Hoggatt Resigns

In a shocking turn of events, W. Noah Hoggatt, the executive counsel at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), has resigned after a brief tenure of less than a year. Hoggatt made the announcement in a company-wide email on March 10, expressing his intention to accept a new position in the federal government, although he did not disclose specific details regarding his next steps or the reasons behind his decision. His resignation took effect just a day later, on March 11, 2025.

Trend of Executive Exodus

Hoggatt’s resignation marks yet another departure from LDEQ under the leadership of Secretary Aurelia Giacometto, who has presided over a mass turnover of executive personnel since her appointment by Governor Jeff Landry in January 2024. Giacometto has seen at least seven high-level officials leave the agency during her short time at the helm, raising eyebrows regarding the stability of leadership within the organization.

Prior to this role, Giacometto served as the leader of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the initial term of President Donald Trump, but her transition to state governance has not been without challenges.

Concerns About Workplace Culture

The fallout from Hoggatt’s departure is intensified by a recent publication from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, which revealed troubling insights into the workplace culture at LDEQ. The survey showcased alarming statistics: nearly half of the 377 employees surveyed expressed negative sentiments regarding Giacometto’s management, with around one-third labeling the work environment as “toxic.” Additionally, a substantial portion reported instances of retaliation, painting a concerning picture of internal dynamics.

These revelations coincide with the recent
resignation of former Undersecretary Chandra Pidgeon, who openly criticized Giacometto’s leadership style, characterizing it as “destructive” and citing harassment of longstanding employees as a primary reason for her departure. This chain of resignations paints a troubling narrative that raises questions about Giacometto’s effectiveness in fostering a healthy organizational culture.

Veteran Leadership and Quick Exits

Hoggatt, a military veteran and one of the three veterans on Giacometto’s executive team, previously held the role of staff attorney for the Louisiana Public Service Commission before joining LDEQ. Despite his commendable background, including service in the U.S. Marine Corps and a law degree from Louisiana State University, Hoggatt is not the first veteran to resign under Giacometto’s leadership, as all three military veterans she appointed have chosen to leave LDEQ within the same timeframe.

Management Style Under Question

With Hoggatt’s exit and the resignation of other key personnel, including Giacometto’s chief of staff, Stacey Holley, concerns are mounting among LDEQ staff about the implications of her management style. Certain employees have voiced that Giacometto’s strict regulatory measures, which included restricting external communications, have contributed to an atmosphere of discontent and upheaval.

Despite these high-profile resignations, statistics hint at a more complex narrative: LDEQ’s turnover rate was approximately 10% last year, notably below the statewide average turnover rate of 14% for all state agencies.

Praise for Staff Amidst the Turmoil

In Hoggatt’s farewell email, he took a moment to commend the professionalism and dedication exhibited by the LDEQ staff, evidencing a hopeful expression amidst ongoing uncertainty. However, the workplace culture survey and complaints from former employees suggest that considerable challenges lie ahead for the agency as it navigates the tensions between environmental stewardship and employee satisfaction.

As the dust settles on Hoggatt’s resignation and his subsequent career shift, the LDEQ community is left to ponder the implications of this leadership overhaul and the path forward under Giacometto’s contentious regime.

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Additional Resources

• Louisiana Illuminator: Another High-Profile Departure at LDEQ
• Wikipedia: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
• The Advocate: Hoggatt’s Resignation
• Google Search: W. Noah Hoggatt LDEQ resignation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality