Economic Development

CHAMBERS

ELIZABETH DAUTERIVE

CEO

St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce

Dauterive’s extensive background in tourism, community organizing and events planning now serves to steer the development of the business environment and workforce in St. Bernard Parish. Together with the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, Dauterive is an organizer of Grow St. Bernard, a six-part program providing professional development opportunities.

Education: University of Southern Mississippi (BS) Advice: “Protect your joy.” Hobby/Passion: “Spending time with my family is so important to me. I have the most supportive husband, two handsome boys and the best dog!” Nonprofit Cause: St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe Work Highlight: “The connections I have made”

CHAMBERS

RUTH LAWSON

President

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

In 2021, Lawson was selected from over 100 candidates to be the next president of the chamber. She previously served as executive director of the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority and is a co-owner of several Smoothie King franchises. She was a senior parish attorney and chief administrative assistant in Jefferson Parish. New Orleans Magazine has named her a Top Female Achiever.

Education: Louisiana State University (JD, BS) Go-to Restaurant: Mosquito Supper Club Hidden Gem: “Tan Dinh. It’s not hidden (unless you refuse to cross the bridge), but it’s a gem!” Work Highlight: “Advocating for a better business environment in greater New Orleans and connecting people and businesses.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest

CHAMBERS

SANDRA LOMBANA LINDQUIST

President and CEO

New Orleans Chamber of Commerce

Lindquist brings more than 25 years of experience in economic and community development to her leadership role at the New Orleans Chamber, which was founded in 2004 and now has more than 1,200 members. She has created several networking events and groups — including the chamber’s Women’s Business Alliance — and she’s active in civic affairs.

Education: Tulane University (MLA), University of Texas (BA) Go-to Restaurant: “This is too hard to answer. We have so many! And I can’t list just one chamber member, can I?” Advice: “Know your strengths and find a career that allows you to capitalize on it.” Who Do You Admire? “My dad!”

CHAMBERS

LACEY OSBORNE

President and CEO

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

Osborne leads the former St. Tammany West Chamber, which in 2019 was renamed the St. Tammany Chamber and now represents more than 1,100 member businesses (and 35,000 employees) across the parish. She’s a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Committee of 100,” a nationwide group that represents the perspectives of chambers and their members.

Education: Nicholls State University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Lola in Covington Advice: “You can get a lot done when you don’t care who gets the credit.” Nonprofit Cause: NAMI St. Tammany (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hidden Gem: Patrick’s Bar Vin Hobby/Passion: Family

CHAMBERS

MAYRA ELIZABETH PINEDA

President and CEO

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana

Pineda is a local businesswoman who has earned accolades for her efforts to support the Hispanic business community and increase trade between Louisiana and Latin America. A former consul general of Honduras, she has served on the boards of the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, JEDCO, the Resilient Louisiana Commission and many other organizations.

Education: University of New Orleans, L’Académie de Langues et de Commerce On the Horizon: “We are very excited about our growth resulting in taking steps to purchase our own building to establish our headquarters.” Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s Hidden Gem: Baru Latin Bistro Hero: “My mother”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JON ATKINSON

CEO

The Idea Village

Atkinson uses his background as a professional investor, “recovering” banker, professor and consultant to help guide and finance startups, and then help them scale. Founded two decades ago, Idea Village has helped hundreds of businesses get up and running. The nonprofit estimates these companies represent $267 million in annual revenue and more than 3,000 active jobs.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), Davidson College (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Paladar 511 Hidden Gem: Adolfo’s Best Fest: Jazz Fest Advice: “If you keep taking steps towards doing something you love, eventually someone will pay you for it.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DAVON BARBOUR

President and CEO

Downtown Development District

Barbour has more than 20 years of economic and community development leadership experience in Baltimore, Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles. He’s led the DDD since December 2021. “We are setting the stage to transform several open spaces,” he said. “The pandemic highlighted the importance of quality public spaces for residents and workers.”

Education: Goucher College (BA) Hidden Gem: Dovetail Bar Passion: Electronic music (deep house, soulful, Afro-Latin and more) Best Part of the Job: “Being empowered to align the varied interests of multiple stakeholders to create meaningful, lasting economic dominance and curate an envied physical environment”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NORMAN E. BARNUM IV

Interim President and CEO New Orleans Business Alliance

Barnum runs an economic development organization that partners with city government to attract and support businesses, develop talent and strengthen the city’s sense of place. For more than 30 years, he has used his financial expertise to help lead nonprofit organizations in the Northeast and Gulf South. He’s a multiple award winner and active member of several boards.

Education: Eastern University (MBA), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Hidden Gem: Treme Hideaway Bar Nonprofit Cause: Kingsley House Advice: “Focus on the things that you can control. Be the constant not the variable.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JERRY BOLOGNA

President and CEO

Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission

Bologna has championed industry recruitment, business retention efforts and major projects throughout Jefferson Parish. Highlights include a $1 billion investment in Waggaman from chemical company Dyno Nobel, the acquisition of the Avondale Shipyard by two industrial development firms and an Elmwood call center for the owner of Sleep Number beds. He’s an award winner and member of many boards.

Education: University of New Orleans On the Horizon: “Further development of assets like Churchill Technology and Business Park and Avondale” Nonprofit Cause: The Fore!Kids Foundation Hidden Gem: Yakuza House Advice: “Use your talents and resources to give back to the community.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JASMINE BROWNDEROUSSELLE

Vice President of Public Policy

Greater New Orleans Inc.

Brown-DeRousselle is responsible for leading GNO Inc.’s policy initiatives at the state and federal level and she provides oversight to a number of programmatic initiatives, with a specific focus on economic mobility, coastal restoration and the music industry. She was a commercial litigator at a local civil defense firm and worked as a consultant for Deloitte and Touche in Los Angeles.

Education: Louisiana State University (JD), Loyola University New Orleans (BS) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: “Monday in Mid-City for the best sweet potato beignets on the planet” Advice: “Always remember that all things work together for the good of those who believe.” Hero: Oprah Winfrey

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ANDREA CHEN

CEO

Propeller

Andrea Chen co-founded Propeller in 2009 with the mission to “help grow and support entrepreneurs working to tackle social and environmental disparities.” Since its inception, the nonprofit has accelerated more than 300 ventures, generated nearly $290 million in revenue and financing, launched a 10,000-square-foot coworking space and been featured in national media reports.

Education: University of New Orleans (MEd), Stanford University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Willie Mae’s Hidden Gem: Backatown Coffee Parlour On the Horizon: “This year, we are getting excited to wrap up renovations and move back to our coworking facility at 4035 Washington Avenue.” Hobby/Passion: Meditation

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LARRY DALE

Executive Director

Jefferson Business Council

This former Jefferson Parish School Board member assumed his new role in January 2022. His initiatives include hosting a “drop-in” breakfast to bring elected officials and business leaders together for better rapport and communication. He has served in a variety of civic and business roles, and he’s president of Pinnacle Employment and founder of Larry Dale Consulting.

Education: University of New Orleans (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Ristorante Filippo in Metairie Hobby/Passion: “I love to fish, but my wife and my children are my passion.” Heroes: “Henry Shane for his selfless philanthropy, Jim Hudson for his strong commitment to our community and Dr. James Gray for his leadership and resiliency”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

VAUGHN RANDOLPH FAURIA

Executive Director/President

NewCorp

Since 1997, Randolph Fauria has led an economic development nonprofit that promotes the advancement of small, minority- and women-owned businesses. During her tenure, NewCorp has provided nearly $30 million in loans, earned designation as a federal community development financial institution (CDFI) and served as the SBA’s micro-lender for the state.

Education: Stony Brook University (MSW), University of New Orleans Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Hidden Gems: Snug Harbor, Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel Hobby: Roller skating Work Highlight: “The lessons learned every day keeping up with my clients”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MICHAEL HECHT

President and CEO

Greater New Orleans Inc.

As leader of a regional economic development organization, Hecht is a “multitasking master” who is organizing a business effort to fight crime (the NOLA Coalition), advocating for more common sense flood insurance rules, and working to make Louisiana a hub for hydrogen power. Previously, he worked for the mayor’s office in New York City.

Education: Stanford Graduate School of Business (MBA), Yale University On the Horizon: “Driving the offshore wind sector for Louisiana” Best Fest: “Buku RIP” Hidden Gem: Luvi Hobby/Passion: “Music, spinning as ‘DJ El Camino’” Nonprofit Cause: The NOLA Coalition Fund

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHRIS MASINGILL

CEO

St. Tammany Corporation

Since Masingill took the reins in 2018, the St. Tammany Corporation has initiated “Thrive 2023,” a five-year economic development strategic plan. So far, the organization has announced multiple recruitment and expansion projects representing over $48 million in capital investment and 1,000 jobs. Masingill has won multiple awards and is active on many boards, committees and commissions.

Education: Texas Wesleyan University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s Hidden Gem: Pat’s Gallagher’s 527 On the Horizon: “Developoment of the St. Tammany logistics and advanced manufacturing corridor” Best Fest: Bluesberry Festival Nonprofit Cause: The American Red Cross

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MEAGHAN McCORMACK

CEO

St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation

McCormack’s efforts center on marketing St. Bernard parish as a great place to live, work and play. “What I love about working in economic development, and specifically my job leading SBEDF,” she said, “is that our organization intersects every one of my areas of interest, from business, workforce and community development to environmental justice.”

Education: Loyola University New Orleans (BBA) Best Fest: “I haven’t missed a single day of Jazz Fest since I moved to New Orleans!” Go-to Restaurant: Cafe Degas Advice: “Fight the good fight. It likely won’t be the easy or popular route to take, but we need more people who are willing to do the right thing when faced with injustice and oppression.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHUCK MORSE

Executive Director Thrive New Orleans

Morse leads Thrive New Orleans, a nonprofit that provides entrepreneur support and career training, among other community services. He’s also president of the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association, a leader in the field of “green infrastructure,” a professor at Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary and a minister at Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Education: University of New Orleans (MS), Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary (MDiv), Virginia State University (BS) On the Horizon: Thrive Green Business Academy training facility Go-to Restaurant: Li’l Dizzy’s Fave Parade: Zulu Best Fest: Essence Fest

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

KHAI NGUYEN

Bilingual (Vietnamese) Program Manager MQVN Community Development Corporation

After the BP oil spill, the Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation created the VEGGI farmers cooperative to provide an alternative form of employment for the Vietnamese-American Village de l’Est community. VEGGI now harvests 10,000 pounds of produce per year, grows flowers and makes tofu. Nguyen coordinates orders and handles public relations.

Education: Tulane University (BA) Challenges: “The MQVN CDC was originally created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Now, the pandemic and busy storm seasons are the latest obstacles to be faced.” At Home: Nguyen grew up in Village de l’Est/ Versailles. After graduating, he began serving the community that helped shape him. BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DAVID B. PAYTON

Executive Director

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Delgado Community College

This New Orleans native leads the local iteration of a nationwide program for small businesses that “links learning to action.” Participants study negotiation, marketing and employee management. Payton has decades of professional, leadership and consulting experience in multiple industries, and he was a member of the New Orleans City Council. He’s active on many boards and commissions.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Estralita’s Cafe and Dooky Chase’s Restaurant Hidden Gem: Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits Best Fest: Gentilly Fest Advice: “Don’t fall in love with something that can’t love you back.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DON PIERSON

Secretary

Louisiana Economic Development

In 2016, this military vet was appointed to lead the state agency responsible for domestic and international economic development programs. During his tenure, LED says it has attracted or retained business that resulted in more than 64,000 total new jobs, 47,000 retained jobs and $60 billion in new capital investment. Pierson has earned multiple awards.

Education: United States Military Academy at West Point Highlight of Leadership: “The Army taught me that you don’t win when you cross the finish line; you win when your team crosses the finish line together, able to perform its mission.” Advice: “Always do everything you ask of those you command.” — General George S. Patton

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COLEMAN RIDLEY JR

Managing Director

The Business Council of New Orleans

Before joining the Business Council in 2013, Ridley was a partner at Jones Walker, where he was a member of the firm’s business and commercial litigation practice group for more than 14 years. In his current leadership role, he provides daily oversight and direction to the nonprofit public policy research and advocacy organization’s more than 70 CEOs.

Education: Tulane University (JD), College of William and Mary (BA) On the Rise: “I’m encouraged by the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and influx of talent.” Community Involvement: Service on the Audubon Commission and Quality Assurance Review Advisory Committee of the Office of Inspector General

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CARMEN SUNDA

Director

Louisiana Small Business Development Center, Greater New Orleans Region

Since 2003, Sunda has managed a regional small business development center housed at Xavier University that provides access to capital, business education and one-on-one consulting services. She’s helped with several disaster recoveries and won multiple awards for her efforts. Her specialties include financial management, loan packaging, strategic marketing, managing growth and risk management.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), Western Michigan University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Drago’s Advice: “Resolve challenges with patience, compassion and creativity.” Hidden Gem: Green Fork on Prytania Best Part of the Job: “Assisting New Orleans’ creative and talented local entrepreneurs”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AARON WALKER

Founder and CEO Camelback Ventures

Walker’s expansive career has brought him everywhere from West Philadelphia, where he taught ninth grade English, to New York City, where he raised millions in private investments to stimulate education reform for the NYC Fund for Public Schools. His mission is now to create a social innovation ecosystem by increasing access to opportunity for entrepreneurs of color and women.

Education: University of Pennsylvania Law School (JD), University of Virginia (BA) On the Horizon: “We are doubling the number of investments we are making and investing in a new $30 million fund.” Who’d Play You in a Movie? Mahershala Ali Go-to Restaurant: Bywater American Bistro Fave Jazz Fest Food: Ms. Linda’s yakamein

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

J. EDWIN WEBB

CEO

World Trade Center New Orleans

Webb helms an organization that works on behalf of regional businesses to create “global awareness” and “boost international trade.” He previously held the top job at the World Trade Center Kentucky and was the founding executive director of the Frazier History Museum in Louisville. He’s a frequent public speaker and an active member of many boards.

Education: Bellarmine University (MBA), University of Louisville (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Patois Restaurant Hidden Gem: Kingpin Advice: “Simple: Be kind to yourself and others. We’re in this together.” Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Hobby/Passion: Fitness