In a recent meeting of the Louisiana Legislature's House Municipal Committee on May 22, 2025, discussions centered around the appointment of Becky Mackey as the director of the State Museum System. Daryl Gissel, a long-serving member of the State Museum Board, advocated for Mackey, highlighting her extensive experience at the World War II Museum in New Orleans and her innovative business practices that have already begun to transform the museum system.

Gissel emphasized the importance of broadening the candidate pool for the director position, which oversees ten museums across the state. He argued that Mackey's selection was the result of a comprehensive search process, which he believed would enhance the quality of leadership within the museum system.

However, the discussion took a contentious turn when Representative Roseanne Knox raised concerns about the motivations behind the bill supporting Mackey's appointment. She suggested that the legislation appeared to favor Mackey specifically, questioning the implications of such preferential treatment in light of recent legislative moves to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Knox expressed a desire for further private discussions with the lieutenant governor regarding the matter, indicating a need for transparency and clarity in the selection process.

The committee ultimately voted on a substitute motion to report the bill favorably, which passed with a majority despite Knox's objections. The vote tally showed 12 in favor and 4 against, allowing the bill to advance to the floor for further consideration.

This meeting highlights ongoing debates within the Louisiana Legislature regarding leadership appointments and the balance between merit-based selection and perceived preferential treatment. As the State Museum System seeks to navigate these challenges, the implications of this appointment could resonate throughout the state's cultural institutions and their governance. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential votes in the broader legislative assembly, where the future of the museum leadership will be determined.