Louisiana revenue chief stepping down for job at LSU

Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis will be leaving her post  for a job that starts next week at LSU, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office announced Friday.

Kevin Richard, a long-time Department of Revenue employee, will take Lewis’ place, according to the announcement.

Lewis was put in charge of the state revenue department in 206 when Edwards took office. She has also been an adviser to the governor on business issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and health equity.

“I am grateful for the outstanding leadership Kimberly Lewis has provided to the state of Louisiana over the last six years as both a trusted advisor and my Secretary of Revenue,” Edwards said in a statement. “An intelligent and exceptional public servant, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of our state and our people. I offer her my heartfelt congratulations as she transitions to her new leadership role at LSU. Geaux Tigers!”

Lewis will become the new chief administrative officer at LSU effective Feb. 1, according to a statement from the university.

Richard is being promoted from the role of deputy secretary and has been with the Department Revenue since 1994,, the governor’s office said. He started with the agency as a tax auditor, having earned  accounting and business degrees at Southern University at New Orleans and an MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce

Richard is a licensed certified public accountant in Louisiana and Texas.