Deborah Sulzer
Ms. Sulzer has earned a reputation as an experienced, knowledgeable and talented advocate for recovering entities. Using her experience in law, she has been able to assist sub-grantees and support GOHSEP efforts through the difficult process of disaster recovery. To date, Ms. Sulzer has assisted numerous not-for-profit clients in obtaining and administering over $180 million in Federal Public Assistance funds. She has been invaluable in advocating positions with FEMA and negotiating the contents of project worksheets. In addition, she regularly handles arbitration and appeal issues for sub-grantees as well as presentations before FEMA and GOHSEP relating to cost reasonableness, scope alignment, eligibility and improved projects.
Ms. Sulzer provides valuable advice and experience in all aspects of advocacy, regulatory compliance, governmental relations and disaster recovery management. Ms. Sulzer is a native Louisianian with deep roots in the community. She has practiced law in the State for the last 20 years. Among several social and professional organizations, she is a member of the Women Business Enterprise National Council, Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association and The International Association of Emergency Managers.
Project Manager
As a Project Manager with a strong architectural background, Ms. Sulzer has over 20 years of experience leading dynamic project teams in the residential, commercial, hospitality and nonprofit industries. Moreover, she is among the area’s leading experts with recovery efforts in post-Katrina South Louisiana. She has worked closely with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana State Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Louisiana Recovery Authority to maximize disaster recovery assistance.
Ms. Sulzer’s knowledge and understanding of the Public Assistance Program allows her to successfully see a Client’s project through completion. She has developed constructive working relationships at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as with local architecture, engineering, interior design and construction firms. These relationships, combined with her outstanding organizational skills, have proved central in the recovery process.
Mr. Vignes has in excess of 20 years experience in the consulting industry with emphasis in Engineering/Architectural Design and Project Management. His knowledge of financial, operations and information management has contributed to the development and rapid growth of the firms he’s managed. As Chief Administrative Officer of The Sulzer Group, Stanton assists the Project Team with financial reporting systems and strategies, grant management, compliance, and the management of confidential client data. As a businessman and community activist, Mr. Vignes has earned numerous awards and honors from the Healthcare Financial Managers’ Association, LCA, NPRA, and New Orleans Men of Fashion. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Methodist Hospital (Universal Healthcare), Lakeland Medical Center (Columbia/HCA) and the City Club of New Orleans. Mr. Vignes is a past member of the Board of New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation, The Community Service Centers, Wink, Inc., Universal Personnel and St. Dominic Parish Council.