Executive Director, Louisiana Municipal Association
Barney Arceneaux, recently chosen to serve as Executive Director of the Louisiana Municipal Association, has been a resident of Gonzales and a public servant for over 40 years. He has worked in different facets of local and federal government while boasting a successful record of public service.
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves as a Military Police Officer for six years, Arceneaux became interested in law enforcement and devoted his early life to that career. Arceneaux is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, and when leaving military service, but retaining a strong drive and passion for the job, he joined the City of Gonzales Police Department, working his way up the ranks 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.
While Chief of Police, Arceneaux became more and more interested in the role that government plays in the lives of everyday residents and communities. He began changing his focus and set a goal to improve the city. He took a role at the Ascension Parish President’s Office in the Planning and Development Department as Director of Planning and Development for five years. He was responsible for approximately one hundred personnel in major departments including Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, IS/GIS, Recreation, Building Maintenance, and Inspections and Permits. After leaving Parish Government, Arceneaux worked for the Federal Government as Operations 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 thirteen 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 in 2005.
Ready to take on a more resolute and dedicated community-based responsibility, Arceneaux ran for City of Gonzales Mayor and served from 2009 until his move to the Louisiana Municipal Association in May 2024.
Arceneaux prides himself on three key traits: Integrity, dedication, and the ability to gain knowledge quickly and effectively. He feels these attributes align well with the mission and responsibility of the Louisiana Municipal Association, and all of his public service endeavors, specifically advocating, educating, and empowering local governments to efficiently and effectively serve the citizens of Louisiana.
