Calcasieu Parish Human Services director Tarek Polley retires after 33 years; Bridal Garrison named successor

Tarek Polley, who has served the parish for more than three decades in roles that included Section 8 coordinator and director of Human Services, was recognized by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury at its Jan. 8 meeting and will retire effective Jan. 17, 2026.

Colleagues praised Polley’s long record of public service, recounting roles dating to the early 1990s and noting his leadership during reorganizations, employee orientation work and emergency response efforts. One juror called him "a housing expert" and staff read statements summarizing his management style: accessible, hands-on and solution-focused.

Polley thanked elected officials, parish administration, family and staff and reflected on his time in service: "It is my hope that my contributions to this organization and to this community will be remembered," he said.

The jury and staff also highlighted succession planning within the department: Bridal Garrison, identified as assistant director of human services with a bachelor of science degree and an MPA, was introduced and recognized as the new director of the Human Services Division effective upon Polley’s retirement. The meeting record notes the jury’s appreciation and expressed confidence in Garrison’s readiness to assume the role.

The recognition included multiple short tributes from jurors who recalled Polley’s responsiveness and assistance to residents over many years. The proceedings did not record any formal vote for the succession during the meeting; the record states the recognition and the effective date tied to Polley’s retirement.

Polley’s retirement and the named succession conclude a personnel transition that the jury said reflects deliberate succession planning within Human Services.