BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) today announced three new hires to begin 2025, the organization’s 50th anniversary. These new staff members will oversee a broad range of LABI priorities, including communications, advocacy, and supporting pro-business policies and candidates.
“We are thrilled to welcome three experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge to our growing team,” said Will Green, President and CEO. “As we embark on a new year, one that will provide ample opportunities to continue moving Louisiana forward economically, it is important that we have the people in place to deliver for our member businesses across the state. I am confident these additions will help us continue to produce results, tell our story, and elevate free enterprise policies.”
Rowdy Gaudet will serve as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications. Gaudet, a Lake Charles native, brings an abundance of policy and communication experience from more than a decade of public and private service, most recently at V. Graham, a financial services firm.
Gaudet earned his master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University and his bachelor’s degree in communications from McNeese State University. He also obtained an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Through leadership positions at Baton Rouge City Hall, including as the District 3 councilman on the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council, he has fine-tuned skills ranging from government relations to strategic planning and crisis communications. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife and their four children.
“LABI has been a force in Louisiana for decades, working tirelessly to represent businesses of all shapes and sizes,” Gaudet said. “To be able to join a dedicated team focused on ensuring Louisiana is an attractive state for investment and innovation is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I am excited to get to work.”
Luke Bullock takes over as Political Director, focusing on supporting and advancing candidates who champion free enterprise policies. Additionally, he will lead the organization’s Energy and Environmental Quality Council. Bullock has built a distinguished career in public service and political strategy. His executive experience spans multiple high-profile roles, including positions with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Agriculture under Commissioner Sid Miller, and the Office of the Governor for then-Governor Rick Perry.
As Legislative Director in the Texas House of Representatives, Bullock successfully managed policy initiatives and committee operations. His national experience includes numerous presidential campaigns and key leadership roles in the 2020 Republican National Convention and the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee. During the Trump administration, he served in the Secretary’s Office at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Bullock studied Political Science and Business Law at Stephen F. Austin State University. He recently relocated to Baton Rouge with his wife and their two children.
“If the last year has taught us anything, long-held goals are attainable when you have leaders who are on the same page, working towards a shared vision,” Bullock said. “Louisiana has so many talented public servants dedicated to pro-growth, pro-business policies, and I am enthusiastic to work with them, alongside LABI’s political action committees, to advance their messages and policy goals.”
Shelby Dunbar joins LABI as Director of Government Relations, where she will lead the Civil Justice and Technology councils. A native of Marksville, Shelby obtained her Juris Doctor from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2018 and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. Before joining LABI, Shelby was part of a Baton Rouge-based practice primarily focused on insurance defense litigation.
“At the Capitol and across Louisiana, LABI’s advocacy team is unmatched,” Dunbar said. “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to join such a revered group. Making sure our member businesses have a seat at the table will be my top priority in this new role.”
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About the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry: The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry was organized in 1975 to represent Louisiana businesses, serving as both the state chamber of commerce and state manufacturers association. LABI’s primary goal is to foster a climate for economic growth by championing the principles of the free enterprise system and representing the general interest of the business community through active involvement in the political, legislative, judicial and regulatory processes. Find out more information at labi.org.