On June 12, 2007 Shelley Midura announced the city's Ethics Review
Board appointed Robert Cerasoli Inspector General of New Orleans with an expected start date in July, 2007. The
appointment is for four years. Cerasoli was formerly the IG of
Massachusetts (1991-2001). He is co-founder of the Association of
Inspectors General and coauthor of the book "Principles and Standards
for Offices of Inspector General."
Cerasoli ,59, lives near Boston and is not familiar with New Orleans. His race was not disclosed in the press release even though every investigation he undertakes will have racial undertones. While in Massachusettes he investigated parts of the "
Big Dig Project" including the anchor bolts installed in the ceiling of the Ted Williams tunnel.
Cerasoli reported for work on September 4, 2007. No budget, no office, no employees... no problem. Cerasoli is upbeat and ready to begin building his organization from scratch.
After laboring for months in the Loyola library while his budget was debated and ultimately approved, Cerasoli resigned in January 2009 for health reasons. Leonard Odom, an assistant filled in. A replacement may be named in September. Nothing of substance has emerged from this office thus far.
In September 2009 more details of Cerasoli's term emerged but the news was of controversy and discord between Cerasoli and Odom over the operation of the office, hiring, computers and cars. Nagin remained skeptical.