The SWLA Chamber/Economic Development Alliance Executive Board has formed a Search Committee Task Force to select a new SWLA Chamber/Economic Development Alliance President/CEO. The Search Committee Task Force will partner with an executive search consulting firm to conduct a national search to identify a dynamic, experienced and visionary leader to serve as the organization’s new President/CEO.

The Search Committee Task Force will also play an active role in updating the job description and qualifications for the role, as well as reviewing the structure of the organization to make recommendations for continued success in the future. The group will be involved throughout the recruitment and interview process and make final recommendations to the SWLA Chamber/Economic Development Alliance Executive Board on qualified candidates for the role. The Search Committee Task Force includes business and community leaders from the five-parish region representing a cross-section of industries and business sectors.

The Search Committee Task Force members are:

Calcasieu Parish:

• Keith DuRousseau, Keiland Construction (Chair)
• Bart Yakupzack, Lawton Companies (Vice-Chair)
• Tobie Hodgkins, Century 21 Bessette Realty
• Jim Rock, LAIA
• Brian Abshire, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
• Byron Hardy, Centerpoint Entergy
• Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles

Allen Parish:

• Matt Fontenot

Beauregard Parish:

• Kathryn Shirley, Amerisafe

Cameron Parish:

• Patrick Hebert, Marshland Equipment Rentals

Jeff Davis Parish:

• Jolie Oustalet Picou, Oustalet Chevrolet

“We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent search process to ensure we identify a leader who will lead our area’s economic development efforts into a new era of growth and innovation for the success of future generations,” says Janie Frugé, CEO of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital/2024 SWLA Chamber Board President.

Stakeholders, including Chamber members, business leaders and community members, will have opportunities to provide valuable feedback and insights throughout the process.