Chief Executive Officer

St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District (SLED)

Lead the Next Chapter of Economic Growth in One of Louisiana's Most Promising Parishes

About St. Landry Parish

Nestled in the heart of South Louisiana, St. Landry Parish (County) offers a rare combination of strategic location, rich cultural heritage, affordable quality of life, and untapped economic opportunity. Positioned along the I-49 corridor with convenient access to Interstate 10, the parish serves as a gateway connecting Louisiana's major metropolitan markets while maintaining the authenticity and charm for which Acadiana is known.

Home to nearly 80,000 residents, St. Landry Parish boasts a diverse economy built upon manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The parish is home to Opelousas—Louisiana's third-oldest city—as well as a collection of vibrant municipalities and rural communities that together offer tremendous opportunities for redevelopment, business investment, workforce advancement, and quality-of-place improvements.

With significant available industrial assets, development-ready properties, transportation infrastructure, and a collaborative network of public and private partners, St. Landry Parish is well positioned for transformational economic growth. The community is committed to creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, revitalizing commercial corridors, and building a prosperous future for generations to come.

This is an opportunity to help shape that future.

Why St. Landry. Why Now. A Rare Opportunity to Shape the Future of One of Louisiana's Most Promising Communities

Economic development professionals are drawn to communities where they can make a meaningful impact. St. Landry Parish offers precisely that opportunity.

Located in the heart of South Louisiana, St. Landry Parish is the northern gateway to the Acadiana Region—one of Louisiana's most dynamic and fastest-growing economies. While the region has long been recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness, it is now experiencing a new era of economic diversification fueled by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, aviation and aerospace, logistics, agriculture, and energy innovation.

St. Landry Parish offers a rare combination of strategic location, authentic culture, affordable quality of life, and significant economic opportunity. Positioned along the Interstate 49 corridor with convenient access to Interstate 10, the parish serves as a gateway connecting Louisiana's major metropolitan markets while maintaining the rich heritage and welcoming character that define Acadiana.

As the northern gateway to Acadiana, St. Landry Parish is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this regional momentum. Businesses locating in the parish enjoy access to the region's growing workforce, higher education institutions, transportation infrastructure, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and collaborative network of public and private partners. At the same time, the parish offers abundant opportunities for industrial development, downtown revitalization, site redevelopment, and quality-of-life investments that position it for sustained long-term growth.

Home to Opelousas—Louisiana's third-oldest city—and a collection of vibrant municipalities and rural communities, St. Landry Parish combines deep cultural roots with a forward-looking vision for economic prosperity. Its diverse economy is supported by strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and small business development, while its available industrial assets and development-ready properties create exciting opportunities for future investment.

Unlike many mature economic development organizations, St. Landry presents something increasingly rare: the opportunity to build. The next Chief Executive Officer will inherit an organization with a solid foundation while helping define the next generation of economic success for an entire parish. From recruiting new employers and supporting existing industries to revitalizing downtowns, strengthening workforce initiatives, advancing site development, and cultivating entrepreneurship, the opportunities to make a lasting impact are significant.

This is more than a leadership position—it is an opportunity to shape the future of a community with tremendous, untapped potential while leveraging the strength and momentum of one of Louisiana's most vibrant regional economies.

Today, St. Landry Parish stands at an important moment in its history. With strong regional partnerships, expanding infrastructure, available sites, and a shared commitment to economic growth, the parish is well positioned to become one of Louisiana's leading destinations for business investment and community development. The next Chief Executive Officer of St. Landry Economic Development will have the unique opportunity to help shape that future while leveraging the momentum of one of the state's most promising regions.

About the Opportunity

St. Landry Economic Development is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and results-oriented executive to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is more than a traditional economic development position—it is an opportunity to lead the economic future of an entire parish.

The CEO serves as the chief economic development ambassador for St. Landry Parish, working alongside business leaders, elected officials, site selectors, regional partners, and community stakeholders to drive transformational growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating strategic vision into measurable results while building strong relationships throughout Louisiana and across the nation.

The ideal candidate will bring the ability to think strategically while executing effectively—someone equally comfortable recruiting major employers, developing public-private partnerships, speaking before civic organizations, advocating for economic development policy, mentoring staff, and guiding complex organizational initiatives.

This individual will inherit an organization with a strong foundation and have the opportunity to elevate its regional and national profile while helping position St. Landry Parish as one of Louisiana's premier locations for business investment.

About SLED

• Total Budget: $750,000.00
• Administrative oversight over SLED, Opelousas Downtown Development District (1-cent TIF District), Central St. Landry Economic Development District (1-cent TIF District), and Vision St. Landry (a public-private partnership advisory board)
• 4 Direct Reports:
  • 1 Operations manager
  • 1 CSLEDD Project Manager
  • 1 ODDD Project Manager
  • 1 Administrative Specialist
• Visit OpportunityStLandry.com to learn more about SLED.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer will:

• Lead the development and execution of SLED's comprehensive economic development strategy.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson and economic development representative for St. Landry Parish.
• Recruit new business investment while supporting the growth and expansion of existing employers.
• Foster strong relationships with municipal, parish, regional, state, and private-sector partners.
• Guide workforce development, entrepreneurship, redevelopment, and community development initiatives.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies that diversify and strengthen the local economy.
• Work closely with multiple governing boards to establish priorities, execute strategic initiatives, and ensure organizational accountability.
• Represent SLED before public bodies, business organizations, industry leaders, and economic development partners throughout Louisiana and beyond.
• Champion policies and initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of St. Landry Parish and improve its business climate.
• In close collaboration with SLED’s Operations Director, oversee organizational operations, financial management, budgeting, and staff leadership.

The Ideal Candidate

SLED seeks a leader who combines strategic vision with exceptional execution. Successful candidates will possess:

• A passion for economic and community development
• Exceptional relationship-building and consensus-building abilities
• Proven executive leadership experience
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills
• Experience working with boards, elected officials, and public-private partnerships
• Strong business development and project management capabilities
• Financial and organizational management expertise
• An entrepreneurial mindset focused on innovation and measurable results

Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of economic development organizational leadership experience at the executive,ndirector, or senior management level. A master's degree and professional economic development certifications (CEcD, EDFP, LEAD Master Practitioner or CLED, OU EDI completion, or similar) are highly desirable.

Why This Position?

Opportunities like this are rare.

St. Landry Parish stands at an exciting point in its history. With strong regional partnerships, significant redevelopment opportunities, available industrial assets, growing entrepreneurial activity, and a community committed to progress, the next CEO will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

For an accomplished economic development professional seeking the opportunity to shape a community, influence regional growth, and lead a respected organization, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: $125,000 minimum, with higher compensation considered based on experience and qualifications. SLED offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other employee benefits.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest and a current resume to SLEDSEARCH@GMAIL.COM.

In the letter of interest, please describe why you are interested in this opportunity; the experiences you believe best prepare you for this role; and your vision for advancing economic development in St. Landry Parish.

Local Residency: Because this position is deeply connected to the communities we serve, preference will be given to candidates who reside in St. Landry Parish or the greater Acadiana region, or who are willing to relocate to the area within six months of their start date.

Additional Information - St. Landry Parish By the Numbers

• Population

o 81,174

• Workforce

o 33,613

• Median age
  • 40.6

• Labor shed
• • 157,000+ workers within a 45-minute drive. This labor shed includes portions of Evangeline Parish, Acadia Parish, Lafayette Parish, St. Martin Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Rapides Parish and Pointe Coupee Parish.
• Major employers
  • Opelousas General Health System (1,180 Employees)
  • Wal-Mart Supercenter(s) (694)
  • Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino (643)
  • Wal-Mart Distribution Center (579)
  • Precision Drilling (400)
  • Waveland Corporation (350)
  • Ventura Foods (200)
  • Acadian Medical Center (200)
  • Delek (200)
  • Sunland Construction (170)
• Regional GDP
  • $3.18 Million
• Interstate access
  • Interstate 49 runs through the parish with convenient access to Interstate 10 via Lafayette, connecting north-south and east-west freight corridors
• Rail
  • Union Pacific Railroad freight service with regional connections to the national rail network
• Airports
  • St. Landry Parish Airport (Opelousas) for general aviation; Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) (~35 miles); Alexandria International Airport (AEX) (~60 miles); Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) (~70 miles)
• Ports
  • The Port of Krotz Springs is a regional inland port located on the Atchafalaya River, allowing companies to move product by barge, rail or truck, serving as an important asset for bulk cargo, industrial development, and manufacturing. The Port has over 130 acres of developed waterfront property, approximately 20,000 square feet of warehouse space, and over 200 additional acres available for future industrial development. Annual cargo throughput is approximately 3 million tons.

Higher Education, Skilled Trades Offerings Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) (Eunice, LA)

• Overview: A comprehensive, two-year public college operating under the LSU System

• Offerings: Associate degrees, transfer pathways to four-year universities (especially LSU System), health science programs (Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Stenography), certificate programs, and workforce development courses.

South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) – T.H. Harris Campus (Opelousas, LA)

• Overview: SoLAcc’s primary footprint in St. Landry Parish, featuring both its main

T.H. Harris campus and an extension campus along the I-49 service road.

• SoLAcc Offerings: Career and technical certifications, associate degrees, Practical Nursing (LPN) and healthcare programs, trade/industrial training (Welding, Electrician, Commercial Truck Driving), and specialized technical programs like Nondestructive Testing (NDT).

K-12 Education Options

• 6 public high schools, 5 middle and junior high schools, and 12 elementary schools
• Magnet & Specialized Academies
  • Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts (MACA)
  • Helix AI & Medical Academy (Opelousas)
  • JS Clark Leadership Academy
  • École St. Landry (Sunset – French Immersion Charter)
  • Washington Career & Technical Center
• Private & Parochial Schools
  • Academy of the Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau – All-Girls, PK–12)
  • Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau – All-Boys, PK–12)
  • Family Worship Christian Academy
  • Opelousas Catholic School (Opelousas – Co-ed, PK–12)
  • St. Edmund Catholic School (Eunice – Co-ed, PK–12)
  • St. Ignatius Elementary School
  • Westminster Christian Academy

Community Assets

• Historic Opelousas
• Deeply rooted, homegrown business base
• Downtown redevelopment
• Affordable cost of living
• Strong educational partners