BATON ROUGE, LA  – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) announced its officers and Board of Directors for 2022 at its Annual Meeting last week, along with members of the 2022 LABI Emerging Leaders Council (ELC). The ELC is a group of young entrepreneurs from each region of Louisiana who have demonstrated a commitment to making the state a great place to live and work. 

“From job shortages to inflation, the Louisiana business community is facing tremendous challenges going into 2022,” said LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack. “But I’m hopeful that with this outstanding group of business leaders, we can work together to bring solutions to the Capitol as well as results to Main Street. Representing every area of the state, these innovators are at the top of their game and they’re ready to help move Louisiana forward.” 

Christel Slaughter, CEO of SSA Consultants, will serve as the chair of LABI for 2022. She replaces Terry Baugh, CFO of D&J Construction Company, who becomes the immediate past chair. B1BANK CEO Jude Melville will serve as the board’s vice chair. Jason DeCuir, partner at Advantous Consulting, will become secretary while Tom Cox, CEO of golfballs.com, will serve as treasurer.  

“LABI is a catalyst for change in the business world,” said Slaughter. “We had a very successful legislative session last year because LABI has the ability to bring people together. Now especially, there are lots of opportunities to attract business to our state and retain and expand the business and industry who are already here. LABI is a convener, bringing businesspeople together to create jobs and solve problems. I can’t wait to get started.” 

Other appointments include: 

• Lisa Johnson of Bossier Chamber of Commerce will serve as this year’s president of Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 
• Adam Haddox of Capitol Resources will serve as the annual Trade Association Representative 

• John Overton of Turn Key Solutions will serve as the Small Business Representative 
• Cody Bauman of Drax Biomass will serve as Chair of the Emerging Leaders Council 

7 LABI members are new to the Board of Directors: 

Dan Brouillette 

Cameron LNG 

Tee Brown 

GMFS 

April Brumfield 

Verizon 

Camille Pampell Conaway 

Deloitte 

Tyler Gray 

Placid Refining Company 

Andy Huggins  

Southwestern Energy 

Scott Rainwater 

Taylor, Wellons, Politz & Duhe, LLC 

26 LABI Board members were nominated for another term and will join the returning 61 board members: 

Joe Arroyo 

Fire Extinguisher & Supply Company 

Andree Begneaud 

Begneaud Manufacturing 

Jill Benoit 

LafargeHolcim U.S. 

J.H. Campbell, Jr. 

Client Consulting Services 

Kim Carver 

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust 

Ryan Girouard 

Hancock Whitney Bank 

George Guidry, Jr. 

Koch Companies Public Sector 

Mike Hall 

Nucor Steel Louisiana 

David Huval 

CEC, Incorporated 

Steve Jordan 

Central Crude 

Chris Kinsey 

Kinsey Interest 

Jody Montelaro 

Entergy 

Michael Nicaud 

Hornbeck Offshore Services 

Reldon Owens 

Diamon B Construction and Affiliated Companies 

Fred Palmer 

Shell Oil Company 

Sonia Perez 

AT&T Louisiana 

Todd Perry 

PPM Consultants 

Arthur Price 

Badger Oil Corporation 

Phillip Rozeman 

Willis-Knighton Cardiology 

Matt Saurage 

Community Coffee Company 

Nathalie Simon 

Laitram 

Christel Slaughter 

SSA Consultants 

Kelli Bondy Troutman 

LUBA Workers’ Comp 

Shawn Usher 

Sparkhound 

John Walters 

Chevron, U.S.A. 

Robert Webb 

Louisiana CAT

9 LABI members are new to the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) and will join the 40 returning ELC members:

Mark Kent Anderson 

Mid-South Extrusion 

Dusty Bastion 

HNTB Corporation 

Catherine Brenner 

Ochsner Health 

Melanie Clouatre 

Placid Refining Company 

David Hebert 

Grace Hebert Curtis Architects 

Josh Hollins 

Stifel Financial 

Jason Hughes 

Capital City Collision 

Seth Irby 

LWCC

Jason Sistrunk 

Cintas Corporation 

For a full list of 2022 LABI board members please visit Board of Directors – LABI: 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 www.labi.org