Presenting before the Department of Commerce, Kristin McLaren, the newly named interim executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, briefs department officials on the results of joint program between the two agencies that she managed. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
Editors Note: This is an updated story.
by Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
Almost a month after Ewell Smith resigned as the executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has named the current assistant director Kristin McLaren as interim executive director while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.
The announcement was made yesterday by the office of the Lt. Governor.
McLaren’s diverse career covers both private and public sectors. A graduate of Tulane University with a degree in journalism, she has served on boards and commissions, worked for a state agency and been on the floor of the Louisiana legislature.
The politics of seafood is vast and complex. Kristin McLaren, assistant director of the Louisiana Seafood Board, works closely with federal, state and local officials. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
She has served numerous organizations including:
- Commissioner-at-Large for the Louisiana Tourism Development Commission.
- Commissioner/officer for the St. Tammany Economic Development Commission.
- Member of the Children’s Advocacy Center Board, helping victims of sexual abuse through the judicial and healing process.
- attending LSU’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program.
In January, she will visit the Panama Canal and Nicaragua with classmates from LSU’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program before graduating. The purpose of the trip is obtain a global perspective on the importance of agricultural imports and exports.
Smith resigned after 13-years as head of the agency when state lawmakers shifted oversight responsibility of the board to the lieutenant governor.
According to a job description posted by the Lt. Governor’s office, the executive director functions as the chief executive officer with overall management responsibility for the successful operation of the board, subject to the supervision, control and approval of the Lt. Governor.
Applicants for the position, which lasted payed more than $80,000, must possess human relations skills, extensive knowledge and commitment to issues pertaining to Louisiana’s commercial fisheries, and familiarity with public and private sector programs that serve fisheries and natural resource-based industries in Louisiana.
They must also have a track record of ethical, energetic and innovative leadership and experience in effectively interacting with seafood industry leaders as well as elected and appointed public officials is also required. The application period closes on October 6th.
The state legislature passed a bill moving control to Dardenne to strengthen supervision of a 14-member board that has received millions in recovery money from the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill.
The board had formerly been largely autonomous while under oversight from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headed by Secretary Robert Barham.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Executive Director
Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board (LSPMB)
Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (DCRT)
JOB SUMMARY
This position functions as the chief executive officer with overall management responsibility for the successful operation of the LSPMB, subject to the supervision, control and approval of DCRT. The position requires excellent human relations skills, extensive knowledge and commitment to issues pertaining to Louisiana’s commercial fisheries, and familiarity with public and private sector programs that serve fisheries and natural resource-based industries in Louisiana. A track record of ethical, energetic and innovative leadership and experience in effectively interacting with seafood industry leaders as well as elected and appointed public officials is also required. Excellent public speaking skills and expertise in dealing with media are also required.
BASIC FUNCTIONS
- Serves as chief staff executive, recommends and participates in the formulation of policies and makes decisions within existing LSPMB and DCRT policies.
- Fosters an environment that facilitates broad support for Louisiana’s commercial fishing and seafood industries as well as strong support for the mission of the LSPMB
- Supervises the staff and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the LSPMB.
- Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the staff, programs and activities of the LSPMB to ensure that objectives are attained and plans are fulfilled.
- Establishes an organizational culture that promotes excellence, efficiency and sound financial management.
- Maintains effective internal and external relationships.
- Achieves economical and productive performance, forward-looking programming and constructive development of the LSPMB.
DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES
With the approval of DCRT and within the limits of applicable laws, regulations and policies, the Executive Director is responsible for and has commensurate authority to accomplish the duties set forth below:
- Sees that the LSPMB and DCRT are kept fully informed on the conditions, programs and operations and on all important factors influencing them. Attends all DCRT staff meetings and meetings of the LSPMB and its committees.
- Plans, formulates and recommends for the approval of the DCRT and LSPMB policies and programs that will further the objectives of the LSPMB.
- Executes all decisions of the LSPMB, including authorized contracts and commitments.
- Develops policies, procedures and programs to implement the general goals and objectives established by the LSPMB and its committees
- Develops, recommends and upon approval operates within an annual budget. Ensures that all funds, physical assets, and other property of the DCRT are appropriately administered and safeguarded.
- Directs and coordinates all approved programs, projects and major activities of the staff.
- Recruits, hires and trains staff, including clearly defining their duties, establishing performance standards, conducting performance reviews and maintaining a competitive salary structure.
- Provides the necessary liaison and staff support to the LSPMB, committee chairs and committees to enable them to properly perform their duties. Sees that committee decisions and recommendations are submitted to the LSPMB for consideration and approval in accordance with approved policies and procedures.
- Evaluates media, advertising and other opportunities in accordance with the LSPMB’s strategic plan by following established policies and procedures.
- Promotes interest and active participation in the LSPMB’s activities and reports activities of the Board through communications to key stakeholders.
- Maintains effective relationships with other organizations, both public and private.
- Plans and executes all communications to the industry, including key stakeholders, which include newsletters, general mailings, news releases, research reports, publications, etc.
- Conducts research on relevant issues to the commercial fishing industry to maintain a high level of awareness of all matters impacting the full supply chain of Louisiana seafood.
- Maintains relationships with other associations, industry, government, public service organizations and vendors as are desirable or necessary in the best interests of the DCRT and LSPMB and in conformity with the overall goals and objectives of the DCRT and LSPMB.
- Carries out such other general responsibilities as may be delegated by the DCRT and LSPMB.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Previous management experience with fiscal accountability
- Experience in marketing, communication, advertising, public relations and/or brand management
- Demonstrates effective negotiation and collaboration skills
- Maintains professional and positive demeanor
- Demonstrates excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills
The position is based in Baton Rouge at the Office of the Lt. Governor. Travel and overnight attendance is required at trade shows, conferences, meetings and events up to 30 percent of the time. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY
Submit resume with a minimum of three references, a cover letter and salary requirements to LSPMBsearch@crt.la.gov or by mail to Office of the Lt. Governor, ATTN: LSPMB Search Committee, P.O. Box 44243, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, by Oct. 6, 2013.
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