October 5, 2011

SULPHUR, La, October 5, 2011 – Sulphur businessman Joseph R. “Dick” Kennison was elected president of the West Calcasieu Port board of commissioners during the port board’s monthly meeting this week.

The term is for one year. He succeeds Matt Vincent who has left the board after several years of committed service.

The five-member board also elected Wilmer Dugas as vice president and Tim Dougherty as secretary/treasurer.

Kennison is a 43-year veteran of the forestry and lumber industry. He currently serves as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Sulphur-based Kennison Forest Products, Inc., a position he has held since 1997. Prior to that, he was president of Kenfor Division of Elder Forest Products in Sulphur for 18 years.

Kennison’s extensive community service includes six years on the Sulphur City Council (serving twice as council chairman), West Calcasieu Association of Commerce member (president in 2003), Chairman of the Chamber Southwest Board of Directors in 2008, Rotary Club of Sulphur, Maplewood-Hollywood Lions Club, Knights of Columbus Council, Care Help Inc. of Sulphur, Sulphur Industrial Development Board, West Cal Cam Hospital Finance Committee and IRB Board for the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Kennison has been named the City of Sulphur Volunteer of the Year (2005), the Outstanding Service Award by the Habitat for Humanity (2002), the WCAC Citizen of the Year (2002) and the YMBC President’s Award (1980).