Lafayette native Pam Breaux is the state’s new secretary of the Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism. Breaux is filling the post following the resignation of Dawn Romero Watson. Today, The Advocate reports Watson is stepping down because of the state’s new financial disclosure laws, which, as a top secretary in the department, cover both her and her husband. The couple has maintained separate properties. “It’s going to put his business at a competitive disadvantage,” Watson told The Advocate. “I have enjoyed all of my public service. I think right now it doesn’t outweigh my husband’s right to privacy.”
Breaux has been Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu’s assistant secretary for the Office of Cultural Development since 2004. She is a graduate of McNeese State University and has a Master of Arts degree in English and Folklore from UL Lafayette. She also is secretary of the board for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, vice president of programs for the Southern Arts Federation and a member of the advisory board for the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center.