What Does Louisiana Economic Development Do?

Total employees181
HeadquartersBaton Rouge
Founded1936

Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is the state's lead agency for strengthening Louisiana's business environment and creating a more vibrant economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana by attracting and retaining businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting the state's diverse industries. Key focus areas include site development, business incentives, workforce development, international trade, and supporting small business growth. LED collaborates with regional and local partners to ensure prosperity reaches all corners of the state.

Where Is Louisiana Economic Development's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the central administrative and strategic hub for LED, overseeing statewide economic development programs, policy formulation, business recruitment and retention initiatives, marketing, and international trade efforts.

Notable Features:

Located in the LaSalle Building, a modern state government office tower in downtown Baton Rouge, part of the Capitol Park complex, offering convenient access to other state agencies and the State Capitol.

Work Culture:

The work culture at LED headquarters is professional, results-oriented, and collaborative, driven by a public service mission to enhance Louisiana's economic landscape and create opportunities for its citizens.

HQ Significance:

The Baton Rouge headquarters is crucial for coordinating statewide economic development strategies, engaging with legislative and executive branches of government, and serving as the primary contact for businesses considering investment in Louisiana.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters' central location and professional environment reflect LED's commitment to accessibility, efficiency, strategic collaboration, and effective stewardship of public resources in pursuit of economic growth.

Location:

Louisiana Economic Development actively promotes the state on the international stage to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and support Louisiana businesses in expanding to global markets. LED engages in international trade missions, participates in industry-specific global expos, and maintains relationships with international business councils, consulates, and investment promotion agencies. Key sectors for global engagement include advanced manufacturing, energy and petrochemicals, life sciences, technology, and agribusiness. While not maintaining numerous physical overseas offices, LED utilizes targeted international representation and partnerships to support its global objectives.

Street Address:

1051 North Third Street

City:

Baton Rouge

State/Province:

Louisiana

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Louisiana Economic Development Operate Around the World?

Various Regions, Louisiana/USA

Address: N/A (Field-based regional managers)

To provide tailored, on-the-ground support for economic development initiatives, connect local entities with state resources and programs, gather regional economic intelligence, and foster strong partnerships to drive growth aligned with each region's specific assets and needs.

Buying Intent Signals for Louisiana Economic Development

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
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Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Louisiana Economic Development? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Louisiana Economic Development' leadership includes:

Susan B. Bonnett Bourgeois - Secretary
Robin Optimé - Deputy Secretary
Anne Villa - Undersecretary, Office of Management and Finance
Paige Carter - Assistant Secretary, Economic Development Delivery
Rachel Shields - Executive Director of Business Development
Patrick W. Witty - Executive Director, Louisiana Entertainment

Who's Investing in Louisiana Economic Development?

Louisiana Economic Development has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Primarily funded through appropriations from the Louisiana State Legislature.
May also utilize federal grants and other programmatic funding sources for specific initiatives and programs.

What Leadership Changes Has Louisiana Economic Development Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits1

The most significant executive change in the last 12 months was the appointment of a new Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development following the gubernatorial transition. Additionally, there were key appointments within Louisiana Entertainment, a division of LED.

Departures

Don Pierson, Don Pierson departed his role as Secretary following the end of the previous gubernatorial term.

New Appointments:

Susan B. Bonnett Bourgeois, Susan B. Bonnett Bourgeois was appointed as the new Secretary to lead Louisiana Economic Development.
Chelsea Harris Dufrene, Chelsea Harris Dufrene took on the role of Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Entertainment.
Stacey Neal, Stacey Neal was appointed to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Entertainment.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byLouisiana Economic Development?

Discover the tools Louisiana Economic Development uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Louisiana Economic Development Email Formats and Examples

As a Louisiana state agency, Louisiana Economic Development primarily utilizes email formats associated with the state government domain (@la.gov). The most common format typically includes the employee's first name and last name.

[first].[last]@la.gov

Format

jane.doe@la.gov

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Louisiana Economic Development?

OpportunityLouisiana.gov NewsMay 9, 2024

CF Industries Announces $2 Million Investment in Louisiana STEM and Workforce Development

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. revealed a $2 million commitment over four years to bolster STEM education and workforce development programs in Louisiana. LED praised this investment for its contribution to cultivating a skilled local workforce crucial for the state's key industries....more

OpportunityLouisiana.gov NewsJanuary 9, 2024

Governor-elect Landry Announces Susan Bonnett Bourgeois as Secretary of LED

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announced the appointment of Susan Bonnett Bourgeois as the new Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. Bourgeois brings extensive experience in economic and community development to lead the state's primary economic growth agency....more

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