BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors and the newest members of its Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) following its recent Annual Meeting. The organization, which serves as Louisiana’s state chamber of commerce and manufacturers association, brings together business leaders from across the state to advocate for economic growth and innovation.
Leadership for 2025
Tom Cox, Founder and Executive Chairman of Golfballs.com, has been appointed Chair of LABI’s Board of Directors, succeeding Jason DeCuir, Co-Owner and Partner at Advantous Consulting, LLC, who will now serve as Immediate Past Chair.
Other key appointments include:
- Scott Ballard, Founder of Ballard Brands – Vice Chair
- Scott Poole, President and CEO of MARTCO, LLC – Secretary
- Eric Danos, Owner of Danos, LLC – Treasurer
A Vision for Growth
“Louisiana stands at a pivotal moment,” said LABI President and CEO Will Green. “Momentum is building, and we have an opportunity to cement Louisiana’s path to a more prosperous future. With this capable, experienced group of leaders, we can drive meaningful change and innovation for the betterment of our communities and the state.”
Cox emphasized LABI’s role in strengthening Louisiana’s business climate:
“LABI is more than an organization, it is a force for positive change. The entire team works every day to create a stronger, more competitive business environment. I look forward to working alongside so many talented business leaders to ensure employers across the state are represented, informed, and equipped to succeed.”
New Board Members
LABI welcomed 14 new members to its Board of Directors, bringing expertise from a range of industries:
- Kyle Bacon – Jones Walker
- Stephanie Cargile – ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery
- Doran Drummond – Taylor Wellons Politz & Duhe
- Kaci Easley – John Deere Thibodaux
- Caleb Etheridge – Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit
- Vanessa Graham – V. Graham, LLC
- Bryan Hay – Hay Brothers
- Sarah Hughes – Sasol Chemicals (USA)
- Erin Monroe – Cox Communications
- Matthew Newchurch – DDG
- Michelle Orrock – BP America
- Teddy Price – Central Management Company
- Eric Schouest – Cleco Power
- Jodie Teuton – Kenworth of Louisiana
Additionally, 19 returning members were nominated for another term, joining 63 existing board members.
Emerging Leaders Council (ELC)
LABI also announced 14 new members to its Emerging Leaders Council (ELC), a program designed to engage young professionals and entrepreneurs in shaping Louisiana’s business environment:
- Logan Austin – Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
- Jacques Bourque – Catalyst Bank
- Connor Bradford – Cleco Power, LLC
- Joshua Etheridge – Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit
- Philip Giorlando – Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP
- Jordan Gleason – Cornerstone Government Affairs
- Paxson Guest – Phelps Dunbar, LLC
- Blake Hollingsworth – Hollingsworth Richards Ford
- James Howell – T. Baker Smith
- Sunny Mayhall – The LDS Group
- Katherine McKeogh – The Ehrhardt Group
- Jen O’Connell – Taylor Porter
- Will Scott – Stonehenge Capital
- Caroline Walters – Davis, Roy & Associates Wealth Management
A Commitment to Louisiana’s Business Community
Since its founding in 1975, LABI has worked to foster economic growth and champion the principles of free enterprise. The organization remains actively engaged in political, legislative, judicial, and regulatory processes to support businesses across Louisiana.
For a full list of 2025 LABI Board members, visit LABI’s website.