Gordon appointed interim parish manager

Pat Gordon, Terrebonne Parish’s planning and zoning director, was appointed interim parish manager by Parish President Michel Claudet, he announced at last Wednesday’s parish council meeting.

The council will vote on Gordon’s appointment at its next meeting on June 11. Gordon will maintain his job as planning director while serving as parish manager.

Terrebonne has had no parish manager since Natalie Robottom left the position in February to become director of the state Office of Community Programs. Taking over from Barry Blackwell, Robottom was appointed parish manager by Claudet shortly after he became president in January.

The parish manager supervises the executive branch of parish government and performs other unspecified functions under the direction of the president.

Claudet said Senior Planner Leesa Foreman, who has previously overseen the planning department, will step up some of her duties.

The department has another planner with substantial experience as well, Claudet said.

Terrebonne has also applied for funds from the Louisiana Recovery Authority-the state agency distributing federal money for hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster relief-to pay in part for a new recovery planner position in the department.

“He (Gordon) will have plenty of support,” Claudet said.

Claudet said he did not discuss with Gordon the salary he would receive as interim parish manager.