St. Bernard BPW selects Pohlmann/Nunez as Man and Woman of the Year

Lena Torres Nunez and Sheriff James Pohlmann.

St. Bernard Business and Professional Women’s Club has selected Sheriff James Pohlman and Lena Torres Nunez as Man and Woman of the Year for 2018.

St. Bernard Business and Professional Women’s Club will hold its annual gala on October 17, 2018, as the parish celebrates National Business Women’s Week October 15 – 19th. National Business Women’s Week has honored the contributions of working women since 1928. The evening gala, which includes dinner, will be held at the Sigur Civic Center’s North Ballroom 8425 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA The honorees were nominated and chosen by BPW members.

Sheriff James Pohlmann is a lifelong resident of St. Bernard Parish. He graduated from Promised Land Academy and immediately went to work with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. He is married to Monique, and they are the parents of two daughters.

Sheriff Pohlmann has served in all areas of the department, including Communications, Corrections, Patrol, Traffic, Criminal Investigations, SWAT and was Chief Deputy until he was elected Sheriff in 2011. He has received numerous hours of law enforcement training and is a graduate of the 181st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Training Academy.

Sheriff Pohlmann is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, and the St. Bernard Kiwanis Club. He represents the Sheriff’s Office on the 911 Communications District Board, as well as the St. Bernard Housing and Redevelopment Quality of Life Commission. The Sheriff was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission representing the 1st Congressional District. He also served on the Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Board and has donated many hours of service to Our Lady of Prompt Succor School.

The Sheriff has created and oversees many community outreach programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office including a Citizens Police Academy, “Refuse to be a Victim” classes, free “Holiday Ride Home” program, and Junior Deputy Program. In 2017, he created an Addiction Resource Program designed to help residents struggling with addictions of all types.

Sheriff Pohlmann and his wife reigned as King and Queen of the St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Parade in 2015.

In 2009, Sheriff Pohlmann was selected by Crimestoppers as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. In 2010, he was named “Citizen of the Year” by the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, the Sheriff was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor granted to only those serving in law enforcement, the judiciary system, armed forces, and those involved in civil rights initiatives.

Lena Torres Nunez is a lifelong resident of St. Bernard Parish. She is the wife of the late Leander G. Nunez, and has one son, Leander, and 2 Grandchildren, Carlee, 15 and Drew 9. She is the daughter of the late Sidney D. Torres, Jr. and Lena R. Torres. She has one brother, Sidney D. Torres, III.

Ms. Nunez is a graduate of St. Bernard High School. She attended LSU and UNO.

She worked in the Clerk of Court’s office, and in 1988 she became Chief Deputy Clerk until her retirement in 2012. Prior to her work in the Clerk’s office, Ms. Nunez, worked in the clerical department of a construction company, as an assistant in the library, and as a bookkeeper.

She is a member of St. Bernard Historical Society, serving as President, Los Islenos Heritage & Cultural Society, Vice President, Suburban Woman’s Club, President, The Serra Club of St. Bernard, Treasurer, St. Bernard Tourist Commission, Treasurer, St. Bernard Business & Professional Woman’s Club, Treasurer, The Krewe of Lourdes, LLC, a founder and co-director for over 30 years, each year staging the Krewe of Lourdes Carnival Ball. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Bernard Chamber. She is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Bernard. She also holds a tour guide license.

In 2016, Ms. Nunez received the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. In 2018, she received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of St. Bernard. In 1968 she reigned as Queen of the Our Lady of Lourdes Carnival Ball.

For more information about tickets to the gala, contact Wanda Alcon at 504-451-3694. Seating is limited and tickets will be on sale through October 12th. The gala begins with a cash bar from 6 – 7 PM followed by dinner and awards program.

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