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Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission hires Cesilee Oliver as director
Summary
The Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission unanimously approved the hiring of Cesilee Oliver as its new director, setting a starting salary of $70,000 and adopting her employment contract; the board also withdrew prior action on EV charging stations and appointed representation to One Acadiana.
The Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission unanimously approved the hire of Cesilee Oliver as its economic development director at its May 14, 2025, meeting in Jennings. The board set a starting annual salary of $70,000 with benefits and future merit-based increases, following a recommendation from the search committee.
The search committee, led by Vice Chairman Will Hetzel, reported receiving more than 60 applicants and narrowing the field to six candidates before recommending Oliver. Hetzel introduced Cesilee Oliver and the board voted to approve her hiring (motion by Will Hetzel; second by Ronnie Petree). Cesilee Oliver addressed the commission with remarks about her personal background and professional experience.
The commission later adopted Oliver’s employment contract by unanimous vote (motion by Skip Broussard; second by Will Hetzel). In the same meeting the board voted to withdraw any prior Jeff Davis Economic Development action related to EV charging stations (motion by Ronnie Petree; second by Will Hetzel). The commission also approved routine business items, including the minutes of April 9, 2025, and the financial reports for March and April 2025.
The board appointed Kendal Henry as the commission’s representative to the One Acadiana board and directed that Cesilee Oliver attend One Acadiana meetings with Henry so she may eventually assume the commission’s seat. The commission scheduled its next meeting for noon on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at First Guaranty Bank and reminded members that Ethics Financial Disclosure reports were due May 15, 2025.
The new director’s hire completes a months-long search process and places a staff member in a role expected to lead site readiness work, regional coordination and project development across Jefferson Davis Parish.
