Mark Verret - Councilman At Large
Mark Verret, a Covington attorney, represents the Councilman At Large seat on the Covington City Council and serves as it's President. Councilman Verret graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana-Lafayette) and earned his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. He has practiced civil litigation law in Covington for more than 30 years representing local citizens and businesses, as well as FORTUNE 100 and FORTUNE 500 companies, the St. Tammany Parish School Board, and the Covington Police Department. Mr. Verret is licensed to practice law throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas along with the federal District Courts including the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Verret is a graduate of the Litigation Management Institute held in conjunction with Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, which is the first certification program specifically designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the business of litigation management.
Mr. Verret is currently active and involved in announcing carnival season to St Tammany Parish and the Northshore as Captain and Member of the Board for the local Twelfth Night Marching Club St. John Fools of Misrule. Additionally, Mr. Verret serves as President of the Covington Heritage Foundation whose mission is to preserve the City’s culture, character, and community.
Mr. Verret states that infrastructure, drainage, and preservation concerns are important issues to Covington and him. “Covington has been blessed with a tremendous amount of resources, starting first with its resilient residents, and with the ever-increasing amount of growth, it is imperative to have a clear vision towards the future while preserving the very rich cultural and historical past.”
Mr. Verret is married and he along with his wife Kellie have two sons, Jack and Nicholas Verret, who have both graduated from St Paul’s in Covington. They are proud to call Covington home.
Mark W. Verret
Councilman At Large
250 S. Jahncke Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
(C) (504) 615-9655
mverret@covla.com
John Botsford - Councilman At Large
Councilman At Large John Botsford represents the Councilman At Large seat on the Covington City Council and serves as it's Vice President. Councilman At Large John Botsford makes his home in the Savannahs neighborhood along with his wife and the youngest of their five children. He is the proud Grandfather of seven Grandchildren. He works in downtown Covington as Deputy Director of the Maritime Pilots Institute, a membership-based organization that offers world-class training, education and services to the professional maritime pilotage community. After serving in the Navy from 1985 until 1993, John attended Mesa Community College in San Diego, California while earning a Journeyman Carpenter Degree from Associated General Contractors. Prior to being elected councilman, John served as an appointee to a city council committee that was established to determine the fate of the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center. Today, he continues to be a dedicated volunteer, serving on the Advisory Board for the St. Tammany Art Association, and as a member of St. Peter Parish, serves as Vice President of the Savannahs Homeowners Association, and the Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles. He is a graduate of Leadership St. Tammany and the FBI Citizens Academy.
John Botsford
Councilman At Large
257 Knoll Pine Circle
Covington, LA 70435
(985) 273-1030
jbotsford@covla.com
John Callahan, Interim. - District A
985-264-6767
jcallahan@covla.com
Blake Bushnell - District B
Blake Bushnell is a lifelong resident of Covington, Louisiana, and a proud graduate of Covington High School. He holds a degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing his Master’s in IT. Alongside his wife, Kacey Pennison, a graduate of SSA, Blake has built a strong foundation rooted in faith, family, and community. Together, they are raising three children: Zachary, Kort, and Bella, with both Zachary and Kort being proud Covington High School graduates.
Blake’s dedication to youth and community development is evident through his lifelong involvement with the Covington Recreation District, where he has served as a player, coach, and volunteer. He currently serves as President of the Covington High Football Boosters, continuing to give back to the school and program that means so much to his family.
Professionally, Blake has 26 years of experience in the IT and telecommunications industry, Blake brings a wealth of expertise in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery critical competencies that contribute to the safety and resilience of the community. He is a member of CWA Local 3404 and has a long-standing commitment to service and leadership.
Blake’s deep-rooted love for Covington, combined with his professional expertise and long-standing commitment to service, drives his desire to be a dedicated advocate and voice for the people of his hometown.
Blake Bushnell
Councilman, District B
508 Buckthorne Place
Covington, LA 70435
985-400-1391
bbushnell@covla.com
Joey Roberts - District C
District C Councilman Joey Roberts moved to Covington from New Orleans East when he was 14 years old. The move changed his life forever, and for that reason the City holds a special place in his heart. A graduate of Covington High School’s Class of ’95, Joey attended Southeastern Louisiana University where he majored in Kinesiology. He worked for the St. Tammany Parish School System for 12 years prior to becoming Executive Director of the West St. Tammany YMCA. Joey said politics was never a goal for him, but helping others is his passion and purpose. As councilman, he’s sworn to be honest and diligent in maintaining the integrity of the city, while being a voice for local residents. “I want Covington to be the same opportunity for others as it was for me 30 years ago,” he said.
Joey Roberts
Councilman, District C
13 Michelle Drive
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 705-2020
jroberts@covla.com
Jimmy Inman - District D
My wonderful mother, Marsha Jourdan, moved my brother and I to Covington in 1973. As a result of her bold decision, I was subsequently blessed with an amazing childhood. Simply put, Covington was a special place to grow up. Flash forward to today, and I am doubly blessed that my beautiful wife, Gina, and I were able to raise our two sons here. Being able to have Austin and Mason grow up in the same city that provided me with that “Mayberry” experience, albeit, a more modern version for them, is priceless.
I was educated through our St. Tammany Parish Public School public school system, graduating from Covington High School in 1987. I am a proud alumnus, as are both of my sons. Luckily for me, I am now a staff member at CHS as well. Throughout my 29 years as an educator, I have been blessed to work with, and learn from, skilled administrators, and wonderful coworkers.
In addition to the classroom setting, I spent the better part of two decades taking students on education-based trips throughout Europe and the South Pacific. These life experiences may prove fruitful in my role as a councilman, as they may give me insight into how to improve the already wonderful events and activities that have become economic catalysts for our city.
I also served as the Covington High School boys’ soccer coach for 25 years. I was hired by the late, great, Jack Salter. The life experiences gained while learning from him, Allie Smith, Darryl Graham, and Donald Mathies, are invaluable. I also tallied 12 years of volunteer coaching at CYSA. While in that capacity, I was blessed to work alongside so many wonderful people from our community. Making lifelong friends during the process is a “Mayberry style” added bonus. Experiences such as these are the building blocks of “small town Covington.”
Before entering the field of education, I proudly served in the United States Navy on board the USS Compte de Grasse. My volunteering to serve our nation is yet another life experience that will continue to inform my thought processes going forward.
Lastly, and most importantly for me, my faith is an ever-present influence in all areas of my life. I am blessed to be a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. I am also a member of TMIY - Paradisus Dei. This is a Catholic men’s organization that provides members of our community with spiritual guidance. During the summer months, as part of my religious outreach, I assist our wonderful neighbors that dutifully volunteer their time through both the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the St. Peter Church food pantry.
As you can see, I have a great love for “all things Covington.” My goal as a member of the city council is to ensure that you, your family, and your friends, have the opportunity to experience the same wonderful Covington that my family and I have.
To put it succinctly, Covington is truly home sweet home!
James "Jimmy" Inman
Councilman, District D
617 Lakewood Northshore Drive
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 801-9750
jinman@covla.com
Todd Burrall - District E
District E Councilman Todd Burrall is a longtime resident of Covington and is honored to represent the constituents of District E and all of Covington. Todd is excited to continue the excellent work of the City Council members and Administrations that have served before him that have made Covington the great City that it is today. As Councilman he is committed to help the City continue on this path, while at the same time maintaining the Covington's unique history, character, and culture.
Todd is a graduate of St. Peter and St. Paul's (Class of '97). He graduated from LSU in 2001 with a degree in Finance. Following graduation from LSU, he moved to Jacksonville, Fl where he began his career in banking. After Hurricane Katrina, he knew it was time to return home to the community he loved and missed. He is excited to utilize his 20+ year career in banking and public finance in his role as Councilman. He is a graduate of Leadership St. Tammany and serves on the St. Peter School Advisory Board.
Todd and his wife, Polly Eustis Burrall (SSA Class of '00) are proud to be raising their 3 children in Covington surrounded by family and friends.
Todd Burrall
Councilman, District E
831 S. New Hampshire St.
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 264-8335
tburrall@covla.com