Natalie Istre joined the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs in April 2026 as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Homes. She oversees the operations of five veterans homes across the state, ensuring the delivery of specialized, high-quality long-term care, services, and supports tailored to veterans.
Natalie brings over 20 years of professional management experience to this role and has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams in enhancing program integrity and operational efficiency. Her extensive leadership background includes oversight of Louisiana’s Medicaid Waiver and Medicaid State Plan programs for older adults, managing vendor operations for the Louisiana Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and holding key leadership positions within the education sector.
She holds both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS).
Natalie is dedicated to leveraging her strategic management expertise to foster innovation, enhance program effectiveness, and ensure that Louisiana’s veterans receive the highest standard of care and support.