Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that State Representative Jack Montoucet will serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries effective Jan. 16, 2017.
“Jack Montoucet is a friend and a true Louisianan,” said Gov. Edwards. “As a businessman, he understands the complex nature of running an organization such as Wildlife and Fisheries, and as an alligator farmer in Acadiana, he shares my belief that nothing should get in the way of Louisiana remaining the Sportsman’s Paradise. This single agency represents so much about our culture, and I am excited to have Jack lead it into the future.”
"I'm honored to be chosen by our governor to lead an agency that protects Louisiana's legacy and unique culture," said Montoucet. "I will be a uniter, not a divider, on important decisions about access to wildlife and fisheries that impact our environment and our way of life. I understand the seriousness of the issues raised by a recent audit, and the governor and I are committed to making the necessary reforms to this agency. Businesses, recreational sportsman and every interested party will have a seat at the table and they will be treated fairly, and I am looking forward to serving the Sportsman’s Paradise.”
State Representative Jack Montoucet was elected to the House of Representatives in 2008. He is the owner of Jacques' Croc's & Farm Pride Processors and is a retired Fire Chief from the Lafayette Fire Department. For 30 years, he has been involved in growing and marketing the Alligator Farming Program under the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, serving as president of the Louisiana Alligator Association. This program is generating hundreds of Louisiana jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue, at no cost to Louisiana taxpayers.
Until his appointment takes effect, Patrick Banks, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fisheries, will serve as interim-secretary.
Banks, a 15 year veteran of LDWF, oversees the Marine and Inland Fisheries Divisions which are charged with managing the state’s aquatic fish populations and habitats for the conservation and improvement of recreational and commercial fishing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2016
Contact: govpress@la.gov