Chiasson Tabbed as AAPA Chairman of the Board

BOSTON, MA - Longtime Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) Executive Director Chett Chiasson will serve as the newest American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Chairman of the Board.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremonies of the 113th AAPA Annual Convention in Boston on Tuesday.

In his role, Chiasson and the board he chairs will represent more than 130 public port authorities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Chiasson, who served previously on the AAPA Board of Directors and was most recently the Vice-Chair, said it’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of those who came before him, like outgoing Chair Paul Anderson.

Anderson is the President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay.

“Having the opportunity to be involved with such an amazing and talented group of port leaders is humbling to say the least,” Chiasson said. “Individuals like Paul and others involved in AAPA are held in high regard, and for good reason, as they play an active role in shaping maritime policy that keeps our port community vibrant and on solid footing each and every day.”

During his acceptance speech after being formally elected by his board colleagues and the organization’s general membership, Chiasson said, “Our individual stories might differ, but our stories also have a lot of overlap. I intend to continue to be part of and help enhance what AAPA is doing to tell our stories as a national industry to Capitol Hill, the Administration, and anyone who will listen.”

Chiasson has been with GLPC for nineteen years, having been the director since 2010.

Under the oversight of a nine-member elected Board of Commissioners, Chiasson, along with this board, have played a leadership role in working to protect Port Fourchon and Louisiana’s surrounding coast while also stressing the importance of servicing the ever-expanding energy industry for local, state, and national economies and U.S. energy security.

“I want to express my sincerest gratitude to my own board for their guidance and faith in me,” Chiasson said. “They truly are an asset to their community and are the driving force behind all the amazing things we do in Port Fourchon day in and day out.”

Chiasson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from LSU, and was honored as the LSU Public Administration Institute’s 2015 Distinguished MPA Alumnus.

Chiasson’s two-year term as AAPA Chairman of the Board will commence immediately.

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COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE SET FOR MAY 17TH

May 8, 2025

Cut Off, LA – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission and Port Fourchon are celebrating its 65th anniversary with an open house event on May 17 th at the GLPC Administrative Office, 16829 East Main Street. This free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature food, music, goodie bags (while supplies last) and a first-come, first-served opportunity to board buses for tours of the airport and port. Port Commission President John Melancon, Jr. said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with everyone. This is a celebration for all those who support us and the amazing things that happen at the GLPC and Port Fourchon every day!” While the previous two events focused on celebrating our tenants and users at both the airport and Port Fourchon , the grand finale will serve to salute the local community and those who support the GLPC and Port Fourchon in other ways. “Covid caused tons of disruptions and heartache for many out there, and we certainly were no different,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Fortunately, we get to make good on our 65th anniversary this year. Many individuals have played a pivotal role in helping us reach this important milestone, so this is definitely an event we are looking forward to as we welcome our community to visit us.” The open house is being hosted by the GLPC Board of Commissioners, which include Melancon, Jr. (President, Seat G), Kris Callais (Vice President, Seat I), Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. (Secretary, Seat A), Rodney J. Gisclair, Jr. (Treasurer, Seat D), Jimmy “T-Jim” Lafont (Board Member, Seat C),Charles “Mike” Callais (Board Member, Seat H), Reggie Ledet (Board Member, Seat E), Thomas “Tom” Pitre III (Board Member, Seat B), and Chad Callais (Board Member, Seat F). The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, facilitates the economic growth of the communities in which it operates by maximizing the flow of trade and commerce. We do this to grow our economy and preserve our environment and heritage. The Port Commission exercises jurisdiction over the Tenth Ward of Lafourche Parish, south of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport (GAO).

GLPC Elects Board Officers

By Thad Angelloz • February 12, 2025

At the February 12, 2025 board meeting, the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board elected its officers. The board elected John “T-John” Melancon, Jr. as President, Kris Callais as Vice President, Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. as Secretary, and Rodney Gisclair, Sr. as Treasurer.

GLPC Board Begins New Term as Calendar Turns to 2025

By Thad Angelloz • January 8, 2025

At the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board meeting, the newly elected and incumbent members were sworn in for the 2025-2030 term by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.