Plaquemines Port defers executive‑director hire for background checks and delays lobbying contract vote

The Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District on June 11 deferred a planned appointment for executive director, instructed staff to obtain independent background checks on finalists, and approved the immediate termination of the port’s chief legal officer.

Commissioners discussed the executive search and the shortlist returned by the hired search firm. Some commissioners said they wanted time to finish interviews and to allow an absent commissioner to participate; others said the port needs leadership quickly. The board agreed to commission third‑party background checks on finalists and to defer an offer until those checks were completed.

Separately, the board considered a personnel resolution terminating the employment of Jacob Lee, chief legal officer, and approved that resolution by a recorded vote (6 yes votes). Staff noted HR and IT would coordinate an orderly offboarding to secure access and retrieve assigned vehicles.

A proposed contract with Mercury Public Affairs for federal and state lobbying also drew scrutiny. Commissioners questioned the vendor’s registration timing, performance history, and the proposed fee (cited in discussion as approximately $17,000 per month). After public and commissioner comments about return on investment and the vendor’s prior registration status, the board voted to defer the contract for two weeks to allow further review and consultation with state legislators.

Port operations staff also gave a status report: MV Plaquemines Prime is temporarily out of service because of a bow‑thruster drive failure; staff are searching for a replacement part or plan‑B retrofit to modernize the control board to avoid repeated failures. Design and permitting work on the Belle Chasse landing and other ferry and dock projects is in progress, with some projects moving to bids in the coming months.

Next steps: the board will run independent background checks on ED finalists, return with any findings and recommendations at the next meeting, complete offboarding logistics for the terminated chief legal officer, and resume consideration of the Mercury contract after two weeks.