Louisiana Business Roundup: New Hires and Executive Promotions Across the State

Businesses and nonprofit organizations across South Louisiana are reporting a flurry of activity, with a series of high-level appointments, promotions, and strategic expansions strengthening firms from New Orleans to Lafayette.

New Orleans Updates

Loyola University New Orleans has announced the appointment of Deidre Deculus Robert as its new general counsel and director of government affairs, effective September 1. Robert brings a wealth of experience from the public and private sectors, including prior roles with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and the Southern University System. She joins the university after serving as the president and CEO of Build Baton Rouge.

In the nonprofit sector, the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice has elevated Lisa Cooks to the role of executive director. Cooks, who has been with the organization since 2013, previously served as its administration and finance director and most recently as interim executive director.

In the legal field, the Metairie-based firm Blue Williams has expanded its team with two new associate attorneys. Abby Unsworth joins with a focus on insurance defense, and Austin Lanier joins with a background in premises liability, construction law, and business transactions. Both attorneys bring valuable experience in trucking litigation. Additionally, investment banking firm Chaffe & Associates has reached a record headcount by adding analysts Taygan Kosky and Collin Pelitere to its business valuation team, and Michael Karl to its corporate finance group.

Baton Rouge Developments

The capital city’s professional landscape is also shifting. John Walters, formerly the vice president of external affairs for LSU and a former government affairs leader at Chevron, has joined the lobbying firm Devise Strategy Group as a partner.

In the financial sector, Pelican Credit Union has promoted Ben Manry to chief lending officer. Manry, a former examiner with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, will oversee business and consumer lending, mortgage, and member solutions. Meanwhile, Neighbors Federal Credit Union has hired Cassidy McFarland as its new chief financial officer. McFarland is a familiar face to the organization, having spent 18 years there earlier in his career before holding leadership positions at Essential Credit Union.

Real estate firm Stirling has bolstered its Baton Rouge advisory team with three new hires: Travis Thornton, chair of the St. George Chamber of Commerce; former Century 21 agent Alexis Davis; and Spencer Trussell, who brings eight years of experience from CMC Corporate Solutions. Furthermore, law firm Breazeale Sachse has added commercial litigation associate Alec Keane and of counsel David Peterson, the former chief of the Land & Natural Resources/Environmental section for the Louisiana Department of Justice.

Regional Growth

Expansion remains a statewide trend. The River Parishes Convention, Visitors and Tourist Commission has selected Craig Howat as its new executive director. Howat’s career history includes tenures with the New Orleans Saints and St. Charles Parish government.

In Southwest Louisiana, Catalyst Bank has named Dorene Gothreaux as its new market president, tapping her for the role after her successful tenure as chief lending officer at Lakeside Bank. Finally, Jones Walker has significantly expanded its Lafayette office by adding five attorneys from the boutique firm Onebane. Partners Tommy Smart and Steve Lanza join the firm, alongside special counsels David Fink, Mark Oliver, and Doug Truxillo.

These updates reflect a dynamic period of growth for the region’s professional services and corporate sectors.

Do you have personnel changes to share or other ideas for our business coverage? Drop us a line at biztips@theadvocate.com.