By Willis Carter
In preparation for the departure of Natchitoches Parish’s current 9-1-1 Executive Director later this summer, the Natchitoches Parish Communications Commission appointed a search committee Nov. 17 comprised of three of its commissioners, Chairman John Wynn, Larry Atteridge, John Nicholas and Mary Jones.
In addition to the commissioners, the District’s legal counsel Mark Begnaud, Rebecca Jones of Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier (TCBT) accounting firm, along with current Executive Director Willis Carter, are providing support services. The Commission launched a nationwide advertising campaign in early December for the position with a closing date of March 1. There were 21 applications and/or letters of interest submitted. The committee reviewing those applicants in an effort to bring forth three finalists who will interview with the full 9-1-1 commission.
Wynn said, “The work of this committee is extremely important. The 9-1-1 industry is on the verge of significant technological advancements to a legacy 9-1-1 system design, which has served the nation since 1967 without significant upgrades in technology. With the potential of millions of dollars coming from the federal government to states to support this effort, it is critical that Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 maintains a level of leadership that can represent the District in NextGen9-1-1 development, and continue to improve our local 9-1-1 system to meet our parish’s needs of tomorrow.”