What is your name?

Don Pierson

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Pierson Delamain & Associates

How long have you been in economic development?

38 years

How did you get started in economic development?

As a general contractor and real estate professional in Louisiana during 1988, it became increasingly difficult for my companies to survive the severe downturn in the real estate and construction industries. At the time, Louisiana was struggling with extraordinarily high unemployment. The unemployment rate averaged approximately 10.9% in 1988, compared with 5.5% nationally, leaving roughly 209,000 Louisianians unemployed. It is hard to imagine those circumstances in today’s world.

Much of the economic hardship was driven by weakness in the oil and gas sector. Louisiana was still suffering the effects of the mid-1980s collapse in oil prices, which had severely reduced drilling, exploration, and oil-related employment. The impact was particularly damaging because Louisiana had not yet diversified its economy and remained heavily dependent on the energy industry.

It was during this difficult period that I learned of an opening for an Executive Director of Economic Development in Bossier Parish. Recognizing an opportunity to apply my business experience in a new way, I submitted my application. I was fortunate to be selected to serve as the new Executive Director of the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation.

That opportunity marked an important turning point in my career, taking me from the challenges of surviving the private-sector downturn into the field of economic development and community leadership.

Tell us how your community is great.

I am proud of my successful service at both the parish level in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, and at the state level from 2005 through 2023. Serving at the state level gave me the opportunity to see firsthand that many Louisiana communities are truly great places, and without question, Louisiana has remained incredibly successful for more than a decade.

I am proud to have played a small part in what was achieved by an amazing team of dedicated professionals during my tenure. Some have since retired or moved into other professions, while others continue to serve their communities or at the State level and are contributing to Louisiana’s continued success.

How has being a member of SEDC benefited you?

Without question SEDC provided professional development opportunities and colleague networking that allowed me to achieve exceptional results as an organizational leader both at the Parish and State level. Highlights are hosting the SEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans and being designated by SEDC as an Honorary Life Member. Participating in SEDC activities over several decades has enriched my career and my personal life.

What is something you/your organization has accomplished that you are most proud of?

In January 2026 Hanwha Defense USA announced their plans to invest approximately $1.3 billion to build a new munitions facility in the U.S. that will transform domestic munitions production and modernize America’s munitions industrial base. Pierson Delamain & Associates was part of a team working the project through much of 2025. It was certainly rewarding to see Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas become the site selected. This investment will also allow Hanwha to potentially transform an underutilized Army property into a modern asset that advances both U.S. national defense priorities and U.S. Army priorities, including readiness that protects today’s war-fighters.

Where is your favorite spot in your community and why?

The airport, gateway to the world!

What is a current podcast or book you would recommend?

Everyone should read 'The Alchemy of Air' ~ This is a historical work and a short read. It is very relevant in many respects to the circumstances we find ourselves in today.

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

Monday Night Football

What is something you do in your free time?

Cycling, as 'on a bicycle' with a recent 35 mile ride that included a 2.5 mile lap around the Daytona Speedway in Daytona Beach Florida.

When you were younger, what did you envision yourself being when you grew up?

Growing up as a military dependent, I always expected to be a military officer as my career choice. And as it turned out, I did graduate from West Point and serve five years with the 82d Airborne Division as a Ranger qualified Airborne Infantry Officer.

Who is on your Economic Development Mount Rushmore?

Jeff Finkle, Michael Olivier, Gene Stinson and Mike Randall. All have been on the front lines of economic development organizational development, technology transitions and challenging leadership roles.