SHREVEPORT, La. — North Louisiana Economic Partnership has hired Phillip Summers as director of workforce initiatives and Tory McCoy as economic development specialist, adding staff to support employers, business recruitment and expansion projects across its 11-parish service region.
Summers will connect employers with workforce resources, training programs and education partners to address current and future hiring needs. McCoy will provide research, data analysis and project assistance to support business recruitment, expansion and regional economic development efforts.
“As economic development activity continues to grow across North Louisiana, it is important that our team has the expertise and capacity to meet the needs of the businesses and communities we serve,” said Justyn Dixon, NLEP president and CEO. “Phillip and Tory each bring a valuable skill set and a strong understanding of our region. Their contributions will strengthen our workforce and economic development efforts as we continue working to attract new investment and support the growth of existing businesses.”
A Shreveport native, Summers brings experience in business operations, education, workforce development and health care administration. He previously served as chief operating officer for BISHOP, a Shreveport-based company that produces custom fabricated durable medical equipment.
His previous positions include clinic administrator for The Neurology & Sleep Clinic and academic services director at Ayers Career College. He also taught in Caddo Parish.
Summers earned a Master of Business Administration from Centenary College of Louisiana and a bachelor’s degree in English and history from LSU.
McCoy previously worked as a research assistant at LSU Shreveport’s Center for Business and Economic Research, supporting regional economic research, data analysis and the development of economic intelligence tools.
He also has conducted independent research on regional economic development, public finance, capital formation and workforce participation. His professional background includes entrepreneurship, logistics, property management and real estate.
McCoy serves as Louisiana state liaison for Sister Cities International and founded the LSUS Economic Think Tank, a student organization focused on economic analysis, public policy and community development.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in management and administration with a concentration in international business from LSU Shreveport. He also holds a certificate of technical studies and a technical diploma in network administration from Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.