Valarie Berthelot named St. Charles Parish Government Employee of the Year

The St. Charles Parish Council honored Valarie Berthelot as St. Charles Parish Government’s 2019 Employee of the Year during a council meeting last month.

A committee made up of appointed and civil service employees from various departments chose Berthelot from a field of nominees.

Berthelot started working for the parish in 1990 in the council secretary’s office. She was hired as clerk typist 1 and performed a variety of general clerical duties. Since then, Berthelot has had four promotions and now works as the council administrative lead.

“The opportunity every day to interact, assist and help in any way elected officials, appointed personnel, citizens of St. Charles Parish, surrounding parishes and especially my co-workers, all the while gaining cherished lifetime friendships with so many individuals, is my favorite part of my job,” Berthelot said.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the parish’s annual civil service appreciation banquet was canceled. Instead, Berthelot was surprised by an In Recognition at the Oct. 19 council meeting, where she was working assisting the Council Secretary.

“It was a complete surprise,” Berthelot said of the recognition presentation. “I was speechless, very appreciative and truly humbled.”

Berthelot’s 30-year tenure of public service to the residents of St. Charles Parish has provided support through nine terms of St. Charles Parish government officials consisting of 44 council members, five parish presidents and four council secretaries, in addition to serving as interim council secretary.

“Val displays a high degree of honesty, loyalty and integrity,” Council Secretary Michelle Impastato said. “This recognition is well deserved. Val is extremely dedicated and focused day in and day out, quietly working behind the scenes each and every day. She wholeheartedly believes in serving the people of St. Charles Parish. Val is a joy to work with and a true blessing to the council department.”

Personnel Officer Dayna Parker added that Berthelot is one of St. Charles Parish’s most dedicated employees.

“She is extremely knowledgeable in her position, always willing to assist departments with questions and she provides such a positive and uplifting work attitude,” Parker said.

Berthelot lives in Luling with her husband Darby. They are the parents of two children – Casion and Shelbi, who is married to Denton Robicheaux. They have one grandson, Lawson.