Empowering Louisiana's Economic Developers

Welcome to LEADing Louisiana,

the quarterly newsletter of the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development,

where insight drives action, impact fuels progress, and innovation shapes the future of economic development in Louisiana.

What's Included in this Edition:

From the Helm: Messages from LEAD's leadership

Connect & Collaborate: Where Louisiana's economic leaders come together

Power Up: Opportunities to learn, grow, and lead

Inside LED: Strategy, Innovation, & Impact: A look at what LED is focused on

Maximizing Your Membership: Get the most out of your LEAD membership.

From the Helm

Messages from LEAD's Leadership

A Message from Stacy Romero,

Executive Director

As we turn the page to 2026, I want to begin by reflecting on what an extraordinary year 2025 was for LEAD and, more importantly, thanking you for making it possible.

Together, we achieved meaningful growth and impact. LEAD more than tripled its membership, reached record levels of sponsorship support, and delivered high-value professional development opportunities that strengthened economic development practice across Louisiana. We expanded our statewide footprint, deepened

partnerships, and elevated LEAD's role as a trusted convener and voice for the profession. The momentum we built in 2025 is real and it sets a strong foundation for what comes next.

Looking ahead, we have solid plans in place to build on these successes and continue that momentum throughout 2026. Members can expect new opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate at events held across the state, along with expanded ways to engage through sponsorships that support LEAD’s programming and mission.

Membership renewal invoices will be delivered to your inbox soon, and I encourage you to renew as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to LEAD benefits and opportunities. And if you’re interested in sponsoring an event or exploring how your organization can further support LEAD’s work in 2026, I would love to connect with you directly.

Thank you for being part of LEAD’s continued growth and impact. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead and working together to make 2026 another year of progress for our members and for Louisiana.

With gratitude,

Stacy Romero

Executive Director, LEAD

stacyr@louisianalead.org | (337) 962-7991

A Message from Mandi Mitchell,

Board President

As we begin 2026, I am honored and excited to serve as President of the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development. LEAD enters this year with strong momentum, a growing and engaged membership, and a clear sense of purpose and I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide our organization forward.

Over the past year, LEAD continued to demonstrate why it is the leading professional association for economic development practitioners in Louisiana.

Through high-impact education, meaningful networking opportunities, and thoughtful advocacy, our organization delivered real value to professionals at every stage of their careers. The connections formed, ideas exchanged, and best practices shared throughout 2025 have strengthened not only our members, but the communities we serve across the state.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our 2025 President, Russell Richardson, for his leadership and dedication. Russell’s steady guidance, collaborative spirit, and commitment to advancing LEAD’s mission helped build the strong foundation we stand on today. On behalf of the membership, thank you for your service and the energy you brought to the organization.

Looking ahead, 2026 presents exciting opportunities. We will continue to invest in robust professional development programming, expand enriching networking gatherings, and create spaces where both seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders can learn from one another. As the economic landscape evolves, LEAD will remain focused on equipping our members with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to drive sustainable growth, attract investment, and inspire innovation throughout Louisiana.

Most importantly, LEAD’s strength lies in its members. Your engagement, expertise, and willingness to collaborate are what make this organization impactful. I encourage you to stay involved, share your ideas, and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.

As you review this newsletter, I encourage you to get involved with LEAD - register for upcoming events, participate in professional development opportunities, and connect with your peers from across the state. Together, we can continue building momentum and shaping a stronger Louisiana economy from the ground up!

I look forward to a productive and inspiring year together as we continue shaping a stronger, more resilient Louisiana.

Warm regards,

Mandi D. Mitchell

President & CEO – Lafayette Economic Development Authority

2026 LEAD Board President

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

We're grateful to the dedicated economic development professionals who are committed to guiding LEAD forward into the future. Click here to get to know our board members and learn about the experience they bring to the organization.

Connect & Collaborate

Where Louisiana's economic leaders come together

Looking Ahead to 2026

LEAD is pleased to share a preview of our 2026 Programming Outlook, featuring a full year of professional development, regional economic assets tours, statewide forums & convenings, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities. Dates and locations are currently being finalized.

2026 Programming Outlook

Be the First to Know

Event announcements, registration details, and speaker updates will be shared as they are confirmed through this newsletter, on LEAD's website (www.leadlouisiana.org), and on social media. Be sure to follow LEAD on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay informed.

Support LEAD’s 2026 Events

LEAD’s programming is made possible through the support of our sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are available across courses and regional and statewide events. To learn more about sponsoring any of the 2026 events, click here to view the 2026 Sponsorship Menu, or reach out to Stacy Romero at (337) 962-7991 or stacyr@louisianalead.org.

We look forward to another impactful year of learning, connection, and statewide collaboration!

Power Up

Professional development opportunities to learn, grow, and lead

Stay Tuned!

Make plans to attend LEAD's IEDC-accredited Basic Economic Development Course on February 23-26 in New Orleans. More details related to registration and accommodations are coming soon, so follow LEAD on LinkedIn and Facebook and check the dedicated professional development page on our website often (www.louisianalead.org/professional-development).

Feel free to reach out directly to training@louisianalead.org with questions or for additional information.

Inside LED

Updates on Strategy, Innovation & Impact

Louisiana Wins Back-to-Back Platinum Deal of the Year

Louisiana has been named Business Facilities' Platinum Deal of the Year for the second consecutive year, becoming the first state in the award's history to receive back-to-back top honors. The award recognizes Hyundai Steel's nearly $6 billion investment in Ascension Parish.

This recognition demonstrates Louisiana's ability to support projects of national scale through coordinated site readiness, infrastructure and workforce development. It follows the state's record-breaking year of capital investment and job creation in 2025 and reinforces Louisiana's national competitiveness.

Learn more: Louisiana Wins Back-to-Back Platinum Deal of the Year, Signaling a New Era of National Competitiveness

Maximizing Your Membership

Get the most our of your LEAD membership.

We're excited to share that LEAD has implemented GrowthZone, an interactive membership database designed to make your experience easier and more engaging. Through your personal member portal, you'll be able to update your information, manage your profile, register for events, and access resources all in one convenient place. Click here to be taken to the Info Hub login page.

2026 membership renewal invoices were recently emailed. Please check your inbox where you'll find your invoice and the option to pay dues online. Please feel free to reach out to info@louisianalead.org with questions or if you need assistance.

Not a LEAD member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join! You’ll get access to professional development, statewide networking, and resources that keep you connected to Louisiana’s economic development community. Click here to join LEAD now.

Support LEAD through Sponsorship

LEAD proudly recognizes the following 2025 LEADer’s Circle Sponsors, whose support played a critical role in making last year one of the most successful in the organization’s history. Their investment helped expand LEAD’s reach, strengthen professional development offerings, and elevate economic development conversations across Louisiana.

As we move into 2026, LEAD is now welcoming new partners to join us. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels and support LEAD’s statewide events, programs, and continued momentum.

To learn more about available opportunities, click here to view the 2026 Sponsorship Menu, or contact Stacy Romero by phone at (337) 962-7991 or email at stacyr@louisianalead.org to discuss how your organization can get involved.