La. OMV chief to resign
After a year and a half as the state’s motor vehicles commissioner, Nick Gautreaux said late Monday that he is quitting.
Gautreaux, a former state senator, said he plans to build a career in corporate development and governmental work.
“It’s a good opportunity,” he said.
Gautreaux said he will work for a company he already part-owns and seek contract jobs. His last day with the state will be in early August.
In December 2010, Gautreaux replaced Kay Hodges as commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The agency is best known as the place in charge of issuing drivers’ licenses and vehicle registrations.
He said Monday that his new job will keep him closer to home and his five children in Youngsville. His children range in age from 4 to 16.
Gautreaux said family, income and travel factored into his decision to pursue work in the private sector.
“I’ve been traveling for 10 years. My kids are at an age when a parent needs to be home,” he said.
State Police Col. Mike Edmonson said Monday night that Gautreaux’s resignation comes amid internal issues with his administrative approach. He said those issues did not involve anything criminal.
He said employees complained that Gautreaux did not always follow state government procedure or treat workers uniformly. He said he was working with Gautreaux on those issues and did not seek his resignation.
“It’s been a difficult transition to go from the Senate to state government,” Edmonson said.
He said Gautreaux can tout accomplishments, including decreasing the public’s wait time.