In the News
Jefferies Serves As Loreauville’s Commission Representative 
Since being appointed to the Port of Iberia Commission by the village of Loreauville last May, Gene Jefferies is still familiarizing himself with the ongoing activities at the largest and oldest shallow-draft port in Louisiana. “I’m still learning a lot,” he said. “I’ve been sitting back trying to absorb as much as I can about the operations.” He replaced commissioner Ralph J. Provost, who passed away in February of 2009.
Jefferies, 74, retired from the McIlhenny Company in 1999 after serving 22 years as Director of Agricultural Operations. During his tenure, he was responsible for the supervision of all pepper production in the United States and seven countries in Latin America.
Although he’s only been on the commission for less than one year, his fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese has already served him well. He recently traveled to Costa Rica, where he presented in Spanish a plaque of appreciation to the Port of Limon.
“He helped us prepare the plaque in Spanish, and actually delivered it in Spanish during the ceremony,” said Executive Director Roy Pontiff. “The recipients were very appreciative. The international experience that he brings to the table is very significant to our business.”
Before moving to New Iberia in 1977, Jefferies worked for five years in Brazil and seven years in Venezuela in agricultural research for the U.S. Peace Corps, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. He graduated from Arizona State in Animal Science and earned his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arizona.
He is looking forward to see if 2010 will bring the start of construction for the Acadiana Gulf of Mexico Access Channel. “I think that’s one of the biggest challenges facing the port right now,” Jefferies said.
Jefferies resides in Loreauville with his wife, Junelle Gondron. He has three daughters and one son. He remains active with the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, the Ancient Order of Creole Gourmets and the Louisiana Chapter of the Partners of the Americas.
