ABOUT US
The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD) is a non-profit trade organization whose mission is to increase the effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Louisiana through education, public policy advocacy, and collaboration; LEAD is the voice of the profession in Louisiana.
OUR BOARD
The LEAD Board of Directors are chosen through annual elections. The four officers each serve a one-year term, and the board members each serve two-year terms. Below is the list of the Board of Directors.
Russell Richardson
LEAD 2025 President
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Mandi Mitchell
LEAD 2025 Vice President
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Ashley Llewellyn
LEAD 2025 Secretary
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Justyn Dixon
LEAD 2025 Treasurer
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Devin Harrison
LEAD Director (LED Designee)
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Jim Bourgeois
LEAD Director
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Ginger Cangelosi
LEAD Director
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Janet Galati
LEAD Director
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Stephanie Hartman
LEAD Director
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Lafe Jones
LEAD Director
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Rocky Rockett
LEAD Director
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Amy Thibodeaux
LEAD Director
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COMMITTEES
To meet the objectives of the organization and move it to a higher level, LEAD relies on committees and the active participation of LEAD members.
The committees and committee chairs are listed below. Please contact them to get involved.
Communications & Marketing
Coordinating with all standing committees and association management, this committee develops communication templates and designs to communicate LEAD benefits to members. The Communications and Marketing Committee is responsible for communication activities as they relate to the website, social media platforms, e-newsletters, and print collateral.
Legislative
Mandi Mitchell
Serving as the liaison between LEAD, the Governor’s Office/LED, and State legislators, the Legislative Committee's primary goal is to protect the interests of Louisiana businesses and incentives. LEAD members receive weekly updates during the Legislative Session on LEAD positions and relevant bills moving through the process.
Membership
Membership is the reason for LEAD. In economic development jargon, the Membership Committee is responsible for three (3) key areas:
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Business Retention
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Business Expansion
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Business Diversification
Programming
The Program Committee is responsible for planning LEAD events to include location, agenda, guest speakers, sponsorships, and budgets. This group coordinates with the Professional Development Committee if CEUs are offered to specific groups.
Professional Development
Brittany Deal
The Professional Development Committee develops a variety of programs that benefit LEAD members. The Professional Development and the Membership Committees have areas where collaboration will benefit LEAD.