Educator Amber Narro Appointed to North Oaks Health System Board of Commissioners

The Tangipahoa Parish Council has appointed Amber J. Narro, PhD, an educator, multimedia communication specialist and longtime resident of Ponchatoula, to the Board of Commissioners for North Oaks Health System. North Oaks also is known as Hospital Service District No. 1 of Tangipahoa Parish.

The council appointed Narro at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 12, to replace Angelique Richardson, who resigned from the board due to increased demands of her work obligations as a business owner. Narro will fulfill Richardson’s full unexpired six-year term, which started in January 2022.

“I am honored to serve on the Board of Commissioners for North Oaks Health System,” notes Narro. “I was a candy striper at North Oaks Medical Center during high school, worked for the health system early in my career and now have the pleasure of volunteering with a team of community leaders who want the best for Tangipahoa Parish.”

Narro is an alumna of Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism, as well as a master’s degree in organizational communication. After earning a doctorate in mass communication in 2006 from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, she returned to her alma mater as a faculty member in 2007. Narro currently serves as interim director of the university’s Honors Program and is a currently participating in the University of Louisiana System’s Management and Leadership Institute program.

Narro currently serves on the University of Louisiana System’s Service Learning Council, as well as the Board of Directors for the Hammond BBQ Challenge, Fuller Center for Housing and Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce. She previously contributed as a member of the Tangipahoa Chamber’s Board of Directors and as an advisor for the North Oaks Medical Careers Shadowing Program for teens and young adults.

In 2003, Narro first became involved in OPTIONS, Inc.’s work to help people with disabilities integrate into the community. She served on its Board of Directors and as the Awareness Committee chair for 15 years and as board president and telethon chair for three years. Her commitment to volunteering with OPTIONS remains steadfast to this day.

Narro’s other pursuits include hosting the Gettin’ Things Done community radio talk show for Northshore Media on WFPR “The Boss” and sharing her musical talents as a flutist at First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula.

Accolades recognizing Narro’s contributions to higher education and service include the 2018 SLU President’s Award for Service; 2018 Journalism Educator of the Year Award, presented by the Southeast Journalism Conference; 2016 L.E. Chandler Award for Service presented by SLU’s Alumni Association; and the SLU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Service Award for 2011, 2014 and 2018.

“Like many residents of this community, I have visited loved ones in the hospital at North Oaks and have seen the high level of care provided. I also have experienced it myself,” Narro shares. “I know the healthcare professionals of North Oaks are committed to caring for our community, and I appreciate every hand working to take the health system to the next level.”

Other North Oaks Board of Commissioners members include Chairman Ron Macaluso, JD, of Hammond; Vice Chairman Terry Harper of Loranger; Ann Carruth, DNS, RN, and Joycelyn Lee, RPh, of Hammond; Mark Mobley of Ponchatoula; and Ron Orsi of Loranger.