With the adoption of official job duties and qualifications, the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission has begun the search for a new executive director.
Amy Mathieu, assistant director, has been at the helm of the parish promotional group since the June retirement of Gwen Hanks, who stepped down after 24 years.
With today’s tourists relying more and more on the internet and social media, commissioners incorporated knowledge of those areas along with writing skills, marketing, graphic design and more into the job requirements for the new director.
A complete list of qualifications and job requirements along with the application process can be found on the commission’s web page, acadiatourism.org.
The job will be advertised for 30 days after which a panel from the commission will make a recommendation.
Deadline to apply for the position is Feb. 12.
In other business Thursday, a new slate of officers was elected.
Chosen to chair the commission for the coming year was Bart Wild, who served as vice chairman for the past two years.
The new vice chair is Suzette Leonards of Rayne. Amy Thbodeaux of Crowley was re-elected secretary-treasurer.
Fran Bihm, a long-time commissioner and chairman for the last two years, announced in January that she is stepping away from the group.
“I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to have served as your chairperson for the past two years,” Bihm said. “This has been a rough year not just for us, but for everyone. Hopefully we’re getting off on a positive note here and things will get better.”
Bihm’s seat will be filled by Rayne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Autin once her appointment is ratified by the Police Jury.
