February 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
Contact: Mandi D. Mitchell
Phone: 337.593.1417
Email: info@louisianalead.org


LEAD announces Stacy Romero as New Executive Director

The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD) proudly announces the appointment of Stacy Romero as its new Executive Director. With a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to fostering economic and community development, Romero will lead the statewide association in its mission to support Louisiana economic developers through education and professional development, networking, and public policy advocacy. LEAD is the voice of the economic development profession in Louisiana and its members serve as key players in promoting the economic health and competitiveness of the State of Louisiana.



Stacy Romero has achieved a series of impressive milestones in organizational growth and community impact. She has increased membership engagement, improved retention rates, and expanded financial resources in her previous leadership roles. Romero is an IOM-certified professional, a graduate of CABL’s Leadership Louisiana program, and a member of Cohort 9 of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program. Her accolades include receiving the distinguished 2024 Richard E. Boudouin Friend of Business Award from Junior Achievement of Acadiana, among others. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Romero has dedicated her career to advancing Louisiana’s communities through leadership roles in economic development and community engagement. Her recent achievements reflect her passion for creating meaningful impact both in Louisiana and nationally. With certifications from the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute of Organization Management and extensive experience in program development, advocacy, and organizational leadership, Romero is well-equipped to guide LEAD into its next chapter of growth.



Formerly known as LIDEA, the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development underwent a strategic plan and rebranding exercise in 2024 with the assistance of nationally recognized firm Ernst and Young, and among its top priorities was to select a highly qualified, full-time leader to drive implementation of the organization’s new vision, mission, goals and objectives. Building upon the organization’s 60-year history of serving Louisiana economic development practitioners, the Board of Directors and its new Executive Director will focus on implementing the organization’s strategic framework, which prioritizes cultivating leaders and emerging professionals, fostering connectivity among economic development practitioners, and championing pro-economic development policies across Louisiana. Romero will serve as the organization’s chief advocate and strategist, ensuring that LEAD remains the trusted voice for the state’s economic development professionals.



“It is an exciting time in the State of Louisiana under the leadership of Governor Landry and LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, and we are thrilled to play our part in Positioning Louisiana to Win,” said 2025 Board President, Russell Richardson. “We are thrilled to welcome Stacy as our first ever full-time Executive Director. Her extensive organizational leadership experience and unwavering commitment to excellence will be invaluable as we strive to enhance opportunities across our state. With her visionary leadership, we are confident that our association will continue to equip Louisiana economic developers in their efforts to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and support sustainable growth for our communities. Together, we look forward to building a brighter economic future for all.”



“We are excited to welcome Stacy as our new Executive Director. Her proven track record in strategic implementation and her passion for economic development make her the perfect fit for our organization at this pivotal time,” said Mandi Mitchell, Board Vice-President and Strategic Planning Committee Chair. “With Stacy at the helm, we are confident that we will effectively execute our strategic plan and drive meaningful progress. Together, with our members who are the boots on the ground economic development practitioners statewide, we’ll navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that will help shape our state’s economic future.”



Romero states, "I am honored to join LEAD at such a pivotal time for Louisiana’s economic development community. Our state is rich with opportunity, and by strengthening our network of professionals, advocating for smart policies, and investing in the next generation of leaders, we can create a more prosperous future. I look forward to working alongside our members and partners to drive meaningful progress across Louisiana."





About LEAD
The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD) is the statewide association for economic development professionals, partners, and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing Louisiana’s economic health and vitality. The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development is a membership-based organization that empowers economic development professionals to foster growth, strengthen communities, and enhance the state’s competitive edge. Through professional development, informed policy advocacy, and meaningful connections, LEAD plays a pivotal role in shaping Louisiana’s future. For more information about LEAD and its initiatives, visit https://www.louisianalead.org.

February 15, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bridgette O’Connor
bridgette@oconnormg.com
Date: February 15, 2022


LOUISIANA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION (LIDEA)
ANNOUNCES 2022 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BATON ROUGE, LA -- The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA) has elected its Officers and Board of Directors for 2022. The Board of Directors includes representatives ranging from industry consultants, and regional and state economic development officials. In addition to its Board of Directors, LIDEA’s membership has elected its Officers to help guide and prioritize the association’s activities.

LIDEA 2022 Officers
• President: B. Troy Villa, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P.
• Vice President: Clair Hebert Marceaux, Skeeter Contractors
• Secretary: Rachel P. Delamain, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
• Treasurer: Jessie D. Broderick, Sumit Credits
• Past President: Larry Collins, Louisiana Economic Development

2022 LIDEA Board of Directors
• Angela W. Adolph, Kean Miller
• Rhonda Boatner, Didier Consultants
• Amanda Edge, Entergy
• Grady Fitzpatrick, GNO, Inc.
• Ashley C. Llewellyn, St. Tammany Corporation
• Mandi Mitchell, Lafayette Economic Development Authority
• Kim Wallett, Advantous Consulting
• Don Pierson, Ex-Officio, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development

“As Louisiana’s economy emerges this year from the effects of the pandemic and evolves in response to current market demands, LIDEA will play a key role in advancing ideas, opportunities, and policies through our diverse membership of economic development professionals, policymakers, consultants, and industry leaders. It is with great pride that I will serve as LIDEA’s president in 2022, a year that we will certainly look back upon as a pivotal period in the continuum of our state’s path of economic growth and stability.” stated incoming LIDEA president Troy Villa.

LIDEA will continue to partner with allies throughout the state, including the eight regional economic development organizations, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), and the Committee of 100, Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL), and the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), among others to ensure a strong business reputation and workforce that will entice new opportunities and build on the existing investment businesses have already made in Louisiana.

ABOUT LIDEA
The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA) 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; LIDEA is the voice of the profession in Louisiana.

November 6, 2019

BATON ROUGE, LA -- The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA) has elected its Officers and Board of Directors for 2020.  The Board of Directors includes representatives ranging from parish level economic developers, regional economic development organizations, state economic development officials, and industry consultants. In addition to its Board of Directors, LIDEA’s membership has elected its Officers to help guide and prioritize the association’s activities.