Chamber president resigns

The president and CEO of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce has resigned his post after roughly six months as the chamber’s top executive, the business group announced Monday.

Suzanne Carlos, a Terrebonne Parish native, has been named the interim president and CEO of the organization, which represents more than 900 members. Carlos most recently worked as a project director for the Lafourche Parish School District.

She replaces Gordon Crow, a former Idaho state senator whom was tabbed by a seven-person, in-house search committee in late February after a three-month search. The chamber accepted applications throughout the nation in its hunt to replace Drake Pothier, who resigned late last year to go into private insurance work.

“I am thankful to have been brought to this area that we have fallen in love with,” Crow said in a printed statement that did not detail the reason for his departure. “I am confident the Chamber will continue to serve business and our community.”

Jennifer Armand, chairwoman of the chamber’s board of directors, declined to say the reason for Crow’s departure.

“We’d prefer to keep that private because it deals with personnel issues,” Armand said.

Armand thanked Crow for his contributions and said the interim appointment would ensure the chamber provides uninterrupted service to its members.

Carlos has also worked as a program coordinator and training specialist with the Terrebonne Parish School District and community relations and volunteer coordinator with Terrebonne General Medical Center. She is an active volunteer coordinator for the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence.

“I am so excited to be given this wonderful opportunity to work with such a dynamic group,” Carlos said in a printed statement. “In the days to come I will work diligently with the staff and the Board to keep everything on track and moving forward.”

Armand emphasized Carlos’ community involvement, communication skills and passion for helping Terrebonne Parish.

“We are very pleased to have Suzanne join our Chamber team today and believe that her skills and experience in communications, volunteer organizations and community involvement, will greatly enhance our organization,” Armand’s statement reads. “She also has a deep love for our parish and a strong desire to help our local businesses succeed.”

The chamber’s board of directors had not yet decided how it will proceed, Armand said. A decision as to whether to open another search could come in the next couple of weeks.