SCIA to help TEDA with time, talent trade

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority Board President Don Hingle announced last Wednesday that Jane Arnette, executive director for the South Central Industrial Association, would be serving in a part-time capacity as interim director for TEDA.

Hingle said that Arnette, who has been with SCIA 9? years, would start immediately and be on the job through February, at which time her role is expected to shift into one of orientation for a new TEDA executive director, who will fill the position left following the firing of former TEDA CEO Mike Ferdinand on Dec. 8.

Arnette’s primary function as she puts in an estimated 10-15 hours a week for TEDA is as an administrative manager. Hingle said that she is not expected to conduct any economic development projects and will not have the authority to sign checks or make executive decisions on her own.

“The SCIA board of directors was gracious enough to lend Jane to TEDA and will remain her primary employer during the TEDA transition period,” Hingle said. “I think having an outside person who knows the staff is important. Jane fits that perfectly because she has worked with all of them in one capacity or another over the years. Jane has excellent management skills. Anybody that knows Jane knows she is an organizer and go-getter.”

“I welcome the opportunity to assist this community and the economic development endeavors,” Arnette said. “I have ownership in TEDA because I helped structure the organization when we were formulating it. I have a commitment to it. SCIA is a partner and [we] want to see TEDA succeed not just for Terrebonne Parish, but also for the entire bayou region. We are committed to making it work.”

The TEDA executive search committee met Tuesday to establish guidelines and a strategic plan as they begin a national search for a new executive director.