John Melancon, Jr. Appointed to Port Commission Board
(GALLIANO, LA) – John Melancon, Jr., son of the late John “Johnny” Melancon, Sr., was appointed to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission’s board of commissioners at a special meeting on Wednesday, October 27th. He was nominated by board president Larry Griffin and was unanimously approved. John will serve as a temporary successor to his father until a special election can be held to fill Seat G for the remainder of the board’s term.
President Griffin said of Mr. Johnny, “Johnny Melancon will be hard to replace no matter who sits in his seat. He was a great colleague and personal friend, and he will be greatly missed by all of us at the port. He was one of those who had a lot to do with Port Fourchon’s success.”
Mr. Johnny Melancon, Sr. served on the port’s board for fifteen years. He held multiple offices including president, vice president, and, most recently, treasurer until his passing on October 18th. During Mr. Johnny’s tenure as commissioner, he saw Port Fourchon grow exponentially with the Northern Expansion project, approved the acquisition of the South Lafourche Airport in Galliano, kept watch over the port’s increasingly complex budget, and had a hand in the hiring of several port employees, including the current director Chett Chiasson.
“We are sure Mr. Johnny would have been proud to see his son John, Jr. stepping up to represent him,” said Chiasson. “John has followed his father’s tenure as commissioner, knows the port and this area, and is committed to our success. He understands what we do and what we’re here for.”
John, Jr. was sworn in at the special meeting yesterday and immediately took his seat on the board. One of his first votes as a commissioner was to fill the vacant treasurer position left by his father.
Board members elected Commissioner Jimmy Guidry, a member of the Finance Committee, to fill the position of Treasurer of the Board. Commissioner Perry Gisclair was also named to the Executive Committee.
Finance Fact: A majority of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission’s funding is self-generated. The Port Commission does not collect sales tax, only a minimal millage that accounts for a small fraction of the port’s annual budget.