Daniels Names Priest Chair Emeritus

Secretary of State Sharon Priest has been named Chairman Emeritus of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Committee by incoming chair and Secretary of State Elect Charlie Daniels. Peggy Barnes, Daniels' current Chief Deputy, made the announcement at the December 13 meeting of the committee in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the state Capitol.

Priest, who is term limited, spearheaded efforts to plan and implement a statewide commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial. In her capacity as Secretary of State, Priest has served as chair of the Bicentennial Committee since 1998.

Daniels stated that he "deeply respects the work of the committee" and " is eager to bring this project to fruition in 2003." Daniels will be sworn in as Secretary of State on January 14, 2003.