§ 2:706 — Chief executive office; qualifications; requirements

§706. Chief executive office; qualifications; requirements
A.(1) The board shall appoint a chief executive officer who shall have professional
qualifications and experience comparable with the requirements of the chief executive officer
position that are consistent in the industry regarding the management and operation of a
publicly owned and operated airport that is certified by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 139.
(2) The chief executive officer shall be an ex officio member of the board, who is
not considered in determining the presence of a quorum, and does not have a vote. The chief
executive officer serves at the pleasure of the board.
(3) The board may enter into a contract with the chief executive officer for a
commercially reasonable length of time comparable with the length of time for contracts of
airport chief executive officers, directors, or managers with similar responsibilities at other
airports or airport authorities in or outside of this state with a comparable number of annual
enplanements. A contract executed pursuant to this Subsection shall be terminable at will by
the board.
B.(1) A chief executive officer shall appoint a chief financial officer who shall serve
as the treasurer of the regional authority.
(2) The chief financial officer shall have professional qualifications commensurate
with the responsibility of the jobs to be performed by chief financial officers.
(3) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the chief financial officer shall receive
all money belonging to the regional authority, or arising, or received in connection with the
airport from any source.
(4) The chief financial officer shall deposit, invest, and pay money of the regional
authority only in accordance with applicable state law and policies, procedures, ordinances,
or resolutions adopted by the board. On and after the approval date, the regional authority
shall be considered to be the owner of all money or other property previously or later
received by the treasurer of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council or deposited in the
treasury of the local government to the credit of the airport for which operational jurisdiction
has been transferred to the regional authority. The regional authority shall be entitled to all
interest and other earnings on the money on and after the approval date. The treasurer of the
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council that receives or has custody of money or other property
that belongs to the regional authority shall promptly transfer the money or other property to
the custody of the chief financial officer of the regional authority.
C. The board shall require the chief financial officer and chief executive officer to
post a suitable bond of not less than one hundred thousand dollars by a responsible bonding
company. The regional authority shall pay the premium of the bond.
D. The board shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the chief executive
officer that are in addition to the duties and responsibilities imposed on the chief executive
officer pursuant to this Chapter. The chief executive officer shall supervise, and is
responsible for, all of the following:
(1) The day-to-day operation of the airport, including the control, supervision,
management, and oversight of the functions of the airport.
(2) The issuance of bonds and notes as approved by the board.
(3) The negotiation, establishment, and approval of compensation and other terms
and conditions of employment for employees of the regional authority, within the budget
approved by the board. However, any collective bargaining agreements for represented
employees are subject to board approval.
(4) The appointment, dismissal, discipline, demotion, promotion, and classification
of employees of the regional authority.
(5) The negotiation, supervision, and enforcement of other contracts as approved by
the board and entered into by the regional authority and the supervision of contractors and
subcontractors of the regional authority in the performance of their duties.
E. The chief executive officer may execute and deliver, and delegate signatory power
for, contracts, leases, obligations, and other instruments approved by the board or for which
power to approve has been delegated to the chief executive officer of the regional authority
pursuant to this Chapter or by action of the board. The chief executive officer shall have all
powers incident to the performance of his or her duties that are prescribed pursuant to this
Chapter or by the board. The board may delegate additional powers to the chief executive
officer not enumerated in this Chapter. If the chief executive officer is temporarily absent or
disabled, he may designate a qualified person as acting chief executive officer to perform the
duties of the office. If the chief executive officer fails or is unable to designate an acting chief
executive officer, the board shall designate an acting chief executive officer for the period
of absence or disability of the chief executive officer.

Legislative History

Acts 2025, No. 118, §1, eff. June 8, 2025.