The last item listed on the agenda for the Natchitoches Parish Communications District Commission meeting Oct. 20 was a letter read by Chairman John Wynn in which Executive Director Willis Carter announced his intent to terminate his professional services contract with the Communications District effective Jan. 1, 2021.
This announcement leads to the end of Carter’s 10-year span of service to Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 which began Nov. 1, 2010. In his letter to the Commission, Carter summarized some of the District’s successes during his tenure in Natchitoches Parish and stressed how teamwork and collaboration had resulted in positive impacts on each.
He closed the letter by saying “much has been accomplished in the past 10 years, and it has been an extraordinary experience for me. I humbly offer my most personal ‘thank you’ and my sincere appreciation for allowing me the opportunity to work on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Communications District, and most importantly to work on behalf of the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Best wishes and Godspeed for your continued success.”
When asked for a reaction to Carters decision, Wynn responded “Willis brought almost four decades of practical public safety communications experience to Natchitoches Parish. He has shared practical advice and helped bring clarity and focus to many of our goals. There is still much work to be done, and it is our job as Commissioners to continue to make fact based, non-biased decisions which will ensure positive growth and expanded services as we continue to shape the 9-1-1 system for Natchitoches Parish.”
Commissioners present thanked Carter for his service, after which they voted in support of his decision.
Carter agreed to extend the effective date of his departure until July 1, 2021, to assist the District in recruiting potential candidates for the Executive Director position.