Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry has finalized his cabinet appointments by selecting Susan Bonnett Bourgeois as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development. His final appointment was made public on Thursday morning at an event organized by the Committee of 100 for Economic Development.
Bourgeois brings experience to her role having been the president of SBB Consulting and holding the position of president emeritus at the Northshore Community Foundation, an $86 million philanthropic organization she founded. For over 17 years, Bourgeois has served as a chief executive for the organization.
Established in 2007, The Northshore Community Foundation “is a member-driven organization that serves those who want guidance in giving back to their communities in a meaningful and impactful way.” The company proudly shares how for the past 15 years, they have helped orchestrate “more than $76 million in philanthropic fuel through the [Northshore] region.”
Prior to establishing the Northshore Community Foundation Bourgeois served as president of Bonnett & Co., a consulting firm specializing in public affairs with a focus on insurance interests and advocacy. She also just recently completed a single year term as board chair of GNO, Inc., the state’s largest nonprofit economic development organization. Additionally, she played a role in former Louisiana Governor Mike Foster's administration as Director of Administrative Affairs.
Governor Landry believes a person with such a bolstered resume is what the Department of Economic Development - and Louisiana - need.
"Susan is exactly what this department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward and put us on the playing field with our southern neighbors," Landry said at the Committee of 100 event.
In a statement accepting the position, Bourgeois shared, “I am honored that Gov. Landry has chosen me to help lead our state into the prosperous, vibrant future we deserve. Louisiana is blessed with resources other states can only envy - we have spoils of riches in natural resources, geographic positioning and deep-rooted legacy industries. I look forward to working alongside Gov. Landry to create a welcoming and thriving business environment so our children and grandchildren will never again have to leave for opportunity elsewhere.”
Susan and her husband, Mace Bourgeois, live in Covington, Louisiana, and have four children.
The Department of Economic Development, Louisiana’s agency promoting employment opportunities for the state’s citizens, is likely to undergo major changes with Bourgeois at the helm. While these changes are not exactly clear yet, Bourgeois assured residents that her primary focus will be creating better opportunities in the Bayou State to help curb the amount of residents leaving the state seeking better opportunities.
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