LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 1, 1999

LAPLACE – Little progress has been made in the selection of a new executive director for the Port of South Louisiana.

A search committee, made up of four members of the South Louisiana Port Commission, met Monday to plan its next move. Committee chairman BrentTregre, speaking after a 15-minute executive session, said he anticipates another committee meeting prior to the next regular port commission meeting, set Sept. 22.Tregre said he has contacted three executive search companies – one each in Miami, Los Angeles and in the state of Washington – and was told the salary level the port is offering the position falls below that usually handled by the companies.

Meanwhile, former executive director Gary LaGrange turned down a counter-offer last week to return to his old job. He recently accepted aposition with the Mississippi State Port Authority, headquartered in Gulfport, Miss.

In the process of moving jobs, LaGrange’s salary went from $106,000 to $141,000.

Tregre said the firm in Miami told him it was not interested in working with the selection process. Further progress with the other two firmswould necessitate a personal visit to Louisiana.

Tregre added he took no action toward setting up such visits without the agreement of the other committee members. Also on the committee areport commissioners Honora Gravois, Brandt Dufrene and Cart Davis.

Tregre said another committee meeting, prior to the Sept. 22 portcommission meeting, “could occur.”

Return To News Stories