Iberia Parish Tax Assessor and former Speaker of the House Taylor Barras will be making his way back to Baton Rouge after being selected by Governor-elect Jeff Landry as commissioner of administration for the State of Louisiana.

Barras is the first appointment Landry has made to his incoming administration after weeks of beginning the transition process for his administration. Landry said the appointment was one of the most vital he will make since the commissioner and his team are responsible for drafting an annual state budget.

“I would venture to say the commissioner is one of the most important jobs in state government,” Landry said. “It is an absolutely critical position, the person we appoint to be commissioner and deputy commissioner basically run the financial affairs of the state.”

Barras, who will be leaving his post as Iberia Parish tax assessor in order to take the job, said the decision was a tough but exciting one.

“The toughest part of that decision, 25 years ago the predecessor in the assessor’s office was my father,” Barras said. “It was an emotional decision to make the decision to Jeff’s team but those that have gotten to know the governor-elect knows the passion he has for Louisiana is infectious.”

Barras’ previous role as Speaker of the House in the State House of Representatives was also a factor, he said.

“It was tough when you’re term limited after four years of being Speaker, to walk away from state government cold turkey,” Barras said. “Especially when you feel like there’s a lot left to do. That was the attraction (of this job) to me.”

Landry said having a former Speaker of the House serve in the role will be an “incredible asset” for his administration as well as working with the deputy commissioner, Patrick Goldsmith, who was also announced at the press conference.

“(Taylor) knows state government and he knows the budget process inside and out,” Landry said. “He will be an incredible asset not only to us but the Legislature as we work through the appropriations process.”

As for the Iberia Parish Tax Assessor’s Office, Barras said he felt he was leaving it in good hands for the future.

“I leave my assessor’s office back in Iberia Parish in good hands, and I certainly feel like I can help Iberia Parish and Louisiana a little more in this role than I could as assessor,” Barras said.