MAKESHA L. JUDSON

Makesha Judson currently serves as the director of governmental affairs and legislative liaison for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is the state agency responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and building a more vibrant Louisiana economy. Judson’s advocacy efforts at LED ensures that Louisiana is prime to attract, recruit, and retain new and existing businesses and increase job growth throughout the state. In 2022 alone, LED announced more than 50 major projects across the state, representing over $20 billion in new business development and expansion projects and more than 9,300 new jobs.

Prior to joining LED, Judson served as the deputy director of policy and legislative affairs for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in the Division of Children and Family Services. She previously worked for the Louisiana Department of

Children and Family Services; and was appointed by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome as the chief service officer for the City of Baton Rouge.

Makesha is a distinguished leader in the public sector with an impressive track record for strategically navigating local, state, and federal government, public policy affairs, and partnering with higher education institutions. She has developed an expertise for working collaboratively across political party lines and with each branch of government to be successful in this arena.

In her role at LED, Judson works collaboratively with the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor’s Administration to advance policies that strengthen the state’s economic growth opportunities. She also works closely with Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C. on economic development opportunities and federal issues. In addition to her governmental affairs duties, Judson manages the agency’s partnership with the Essence Festival, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, and the Louisiana Research & Technology Park and Nexus Louisiana. She serves as co-chair for the Workforce & Economic Development Committee for the Louisiana Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Advisory Council.

The council is comprised of the eight HBCUs located in Louisiana and meets regularly to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs, increase opportunities for these institutions to benefit from state and federal programs, and promote strong student success as part of the state’s talent development pipeline.

Additionally, Makesha was appointed to serve as a member of the Governor’s Women’s Policy and Research Commission—a commission that was created to support public policy that promotes the educational, health, social and economic well-being of women and girls in Louisiana.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Makesha remains actively engaged in the community. She regularly volunteers with City Year Baton Rouge, the Junior League of Baton Rouge, and was previously recognized as a Great Futures Honoree for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. She also volunteers with the Southern University’s Alumni Chapter, in which she is a member. For her contributions to the city and professionalism, Judson was named one of Baton Rouge’s Top Forty Under 40 Young Professionals by the Baton Rouge Business Report.

In addition to her regular work duties and volunteerism, Makesha believes it is imperative to leverage her influence to ensure diversity, equity and cultural inclusion is being addressed in every space she steps foot in. Having received her certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from Cornell University and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida, Makesha firmly believes that institutions that fully embrace diversity, equity and cultural inclusion are more advanced, more