By Macey Colvin
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce has a new leader at the helm.
Tom Simms, Partner in Charge of Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA’s and Advisors in Shreveport, has been named 2025 Chairman of the Board. A chamber member for more than 30 years, Simms is eager to use his position to expand awareness of the chamber’s mission and initiatives.
“There are a number of important initiatives competing for attention, but I will be focusing on three that I believe are most critical this year,” Simms said.
Key Priorities for 2025
Historic Chamber Building Rehabilitation
One of Simms’ top priorities is the ongoing rehabilitation of the chamber’s 103-year-old building at 400 Edwards Street. In 2022, the City of Shreveport transferred ownership of the historic structure to the chamber, which committed to funding and managing a major renovation.
To support this effort, the chamber has launched a $5 million capital campaign to restore the building, which originally served as Shreveport’s first Shreve Memorial Library.
Enhancing Educational and Workforce Development
Education and workforce development initiatives in Caddo Parish will also be a focus. Simms emphasized the chamber’s efforts to expand internship opportunities for high school students.
“We’re working to help facilitate internships for upper-level high school students, giving them exposure to various industries before they enter the workforce or pursue higher education,” Simms said.
These internships will introduce students to a broad range of career paths, including both traditional and non-traditional industries.
Supporting Barksdale Air Force Base
Simms is also committed to advocating for Barksdale Air Force Base and its personnel.
“With confusing messages coming out of Washington, membership in the chamber is more important now than ever,” Simms said. “Our role is to be a unifying voice for businesses in the Shreveport-Bossier area, supporting economic development, business growth, and a strong local business environment.”
He emphasized that the chamber collaborates with various organizations to ensure a harmonious and effective approach to business advocacy.
2025 Chamber Leadership
Executive Board
- Chairman of the Board – Tom Simms, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
- Chairman-Elect – Scott Ward, Southern Components, Inc.
- Treasurer – Denny Mouton, Regions Bank
- Vice Chair, Economic Development – Brian Crawford, Willis Knighton Health
- Vice Chair, Marketing & Investor Relations – Michelle Cavanaugh, Expand Energy
- Chair, Education – Lance Miller, Prolec GE USA
- Vice Chair, Membership – Jason Smith, Bonvenu Bank
- Vice Chair, Public Policy – William Bradford, SWEPCO
Board Members
- Gabriel Balderas, El Cabo Verde
- Jason Cram, Vintage Design Group
- Keith Evans, Brammer Engineering, Inc.
- Dr. Christopher Holoman, Centenary College Shreveport
- Verni Howard, Incoming Head of Community Development, City of Shreveport
- Charles Johnson, CeJay Enterprises of Louisiana
- Jeremy Johnston, CW Lane Company, Inc.
- Curtis Joseph, Blanchard, Walker, O’Quinn & Robert
- Dustin Niemoeller, Benteler Steel/Tube
- Sacha Purciful, KSLA News 12
- Jim Shockley, Gordon Inc.
- David Simon, Gibsland Bank & Trust
- David Smith, EAP
- Mark Snow, Aillet, Fenner, Jolly & McClelland
- Victor Thomas, SUSLA
- Riley Waddell, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport
- Adam West, Progressive Bank
- Ryan Williams, Seedlinks Behavior Management
Originally published at shreveportchamber.org.