Vacant posts mount for Claudet

Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet said, “We’re working on all positions,” after two parish department head positions opened up following hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The director of the parish’s Office of Emergency Preparedness position is being advertised on the parish government Web site, Claudet said. Last week, Claudet fired Jerrold Richard as OEP director.

Richard had received criticism for attending an LSU football game while hurricane relief efforts were ongoing.

Claudet said “a number” of resumes have been received for director of the Human Resources and Risk Management position. Former director David Battard left the job two weeks ago to work in the private sector.

The position opening is being advertised, Claudet said. Human Resources and Risk Management had been two separate parish departments before being consolidated this year under Battard.

“It’s not something we can comment on as a general rule,” Claudet said about job resignations and terminations.

Richard and Battard were appointed by Claudet shortly after beginning his administration.

Interim Parish Manager Pat Gordon “has been doing a great job,” Claudet said, but the position still officially remains open following the departure of Natalie Robottom.

Claudet had appointed Robottom to succeed Barry Blackwell as parish manager, but Robottom, the former chief administrative officer of St. John the Baptist Parish, soon left to become director of the state Office of Community Programs.

Gordon had been Terrebonne Parish’s parish planning director before becoming parish manager and still retains some duties as planning director.

The Bayou Cane fire chief position, opened up when Chief Jerry Gautreaux became ill, normally requires a civil service exam to fill, but Claudet said a civil service exam may not have to be used.

“He’s been a big part of the community for such a long time,” Claudet said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”