LEAD (Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development)

This Thanksgiving, LEAD gives thanks for the incredible members, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. Because of you, Louisiana’s economic development community is stronger, more connected, and ready for what’s next. From all of us at LEAD, Happy Thanksgiving! #Thankful #LEADLouisiana

This Thanksgiving, LEAD gives thanks for the incredible members, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. Because of you, Louisiana’s economic development community is stronger, more connected, and ready for what’s next. From all of us at LEAD, Happy Thanksgiving!

As Thanksgiving approaches and we reflect on all we have to be grateful for, we extend our heartfelt thanks to LEAD’s 2025 Board of Directors for their outstanding leadership, guidance, and vision. Your commitment has strengthened our organization, inspired our progress, and set the foundation for an exciting year ahead in 2026. Thank you for helping LEAD Louisiana forward! #LEADLouisiana

Our members are the heart of LEAD. Their passion, partnership, and belief in our mission have fueled tremendous progress this year as we worked to rebuild and strengthen our association. One member summed it up perfectly: “I am truly impressed and deeply grateful for all the hard work you have poured into breathing new life into our association. It feels like a fresh, bright day is dawning for economic development in Louisiana. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS for your incredible support throughout 2025 and for helping us build a stronger, more connected association. Together, we’re LEADing Louisiana forward! #LEADLouisiana #EconomicDevelopment

From professional development courses to our annual conference, our sponsors and partners make LEAD’s work possible. Your investment helps us strengthen Louisiana’s economic development network statewide. Thank you for believing in our mission and for LEADing Louisiana forward. #LEADersCircle #LEADLouisiana 

Today we honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our nation, especially those in Louisiana who continue to serve their communities through leadership, business, and economic development. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #LEADLouisiana

LEAD is proud to announce our 2026 Officers and Board of Directors. These outstanding leaders represent every corner of Louisiana’s economic development community and will continue guiding our mission to strengthen capacity, foster collaboration, and advance opportunities statewide. 2026 Officers: President: Mandi Mitchell, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) Vice President: Ashley Llewellyn, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Secretary-Treasurer: Justyn Dixon, North Louisiana Economic Partnership Immediate Past Chair: Russell Richardson, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation 2026 Board of Directors: Jim Bourgeois, Entergy Ginger Cangelosi, TANGIPAHOA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION INC Rob Cleveland, Grow NELA Devin Harrison, Louisiana Economic Development Stephanie Hartman, Louisiana Economic Development Lafe Jones, Louisiana Central Rocky Rockett, GREATER BOSSIER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Amy Thibodeaux, Cleco We appreciate the strong leadership and dedication of these economic development professionals. Their commitment and expertise will position LEAD for another impactful year of growth, innovation, and collaboration. #LEADership #EconomicDevelopment 

LEAD's AI in Economic Development course brought together professionals from across Louisiana to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we attract, grow, and retain business. The conversations were insightful, the collaboration inspiring, and the energy unmatched! As we wrap up 2025, LEAD is already looking ahead to a robust 2026 professional development lineup designed to strengthen skills, spark innovation, and build capacity across Louisiana’s economic development community. Stay tuned for details on upcoming learning opportunities and how you can continue growing with LEAD in 2026. #LEADLouisiana #EconomicDevelopment

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making the 2025 LEAD Annual Conference possible! Your partnership allows us to connect, educate, and empower Louisiana’s economic development community throughout the year. We’re grateful for your continued support and shared commitment to LEADing Louisiana forward. LEMOINE, Louisiana Economic Development, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, Greater New Orleans, Inc. – GNO, Inc., Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Leaders for a Better Louisiana, Cleco, Entergy, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), BRF, COLAB, CSRS, a Westwood company, DEMCO, Didier Consultants, GREATER BOSSIER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, Holbrook Multi Media, Inc, Location Design Group, LLC, Louisiana Central, One Acadiana, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, Southwest Louisiana Alliance, SumIt Credits, TANGIPAHOA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION INC

These comments from conference attendees say it all! “The best LEAD conference yet! Thought-provoking panels, new partnerships, and an energy that’s driving real progress for Louisiana.” “Engaging, inspiring, and full of momentum! LEAD has truly reignited our state’s economic development community.” We’re still feeling the buzz from last week’s LEAD Annual Conference! Attendees are calling it transformational, and the conversations sparked are already shaping what’s next for Louisiana. If you joined us, share your favorite session, speaker, or takeaway in the comments. We’d love to hear what inspired you most! #LEADConference2025 #LEADLouisiana #EconomicDevelopment