On Oct. 12, Louisiana residents across the state headed to their local precincts to cast ballots for various political offices, including the governor, secretary of state, and legislators’ seats. In the River Parishes, the offices of parish president for St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist were up for decision and, going into 2020, there will be three new parish presidents within the Port of South Louisiana’s region: Matt Jewell, Peter Dufresne, and Jaclyn Hotard, respectively.

Matthew Jewell, the soon-to-be parish president of St. Charles Parish, comes from a national political background. Jewell’s most recent experience comes from working as a district director for New Orleans native and current U.S. House Minority Whip, Steve Scalise. Jewell has worked for Scalise since 2013, serving in other capacities, such as field representative and special assistant, before his current position. Jewell also worked as a legislative affairs advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy under President Trump’s administration. In these positions, Jewell worked with parish presidents, members of Congress, and other elected leaders on flood protection, commerce, and national security.

St. James Parish President-Elect Peter Dufresne also brings previous experience to the table, having served for many years on the St. James Parish Planning Commission. His duties included reviewing, approving, and disapproving plots for land subdivisions within the unincorporated areas of St. James Parish. He also chaired the state legislative committee of the American Sugar Cane League (ASCL), which supports the Louisiana sugar industry through research, education, legislation, and public awareness programs. Dufresne’s experience with the ASCL gave him familiarity with government proceedings by way of lobbying the state legislature and members of Congress for job protection and local business support for those involved with the sugar industry.

Last but not least is Jaclyn Hotard, the incoming parish president of St. John the Baptist Parish. Hotard is no stranger to local politics. Before her election on Oct. 12, she served on the St. John the Baptist Parish Council for 16 years. During her time on the council, she worked on such projects as paving roads and upgrading roads, sewers, water conditions, and parish parks. Hotard is also a member of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors; the primary purposes of the board are to protect the public from contractor fraud and incompetency and to promote the integrity of the construction industry within the state. This tenure has given her valuable experience in understanding the complete process of construction projects, which is a necessity given the continuing growth of St. John the Baptist Parish.

The Port of South Louisiana has always highly regarded positive relations with the parish governments within our district. We have supported each other in numerous endeavors including economic development projects, community events, and, perhaps most importantly, the creation of new jobs and financial opportunities by partnering to bring in new companies and businesses to the River Region. The Port looks forward to continuing our beneficial partnership with the newly elected parish presidents!

Paul Aucoin is executive director of the Port of South Louisiana. For more information, call 985-652-9278.