Don Pierson
Pierson’s 35 years of experience as an economic development professional include executive-level leadership and strategic economic development program implementation. Successful results include job retention, international economic development, and fostering strategic partnerships. Key strengths include strategic planning, governmental relations, site selection, industrial recruitment and retention as well as attracting foreign direct investment.
Recent Experience:
Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development January 2016 – January 2024
Appointed by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards to oversee the implementation of domestic and international economic development programs, and job retention and creation efforts for the State of Louisiana. Served as Gov. John Bel Edwards’ primary representative to governmental officials, local communities, and site selector consultants on economic issues.
From 2016 to 2023, the state participated in more than 400 major economic development projects representing more than $100 billion of new capital investment in Louisiana. Those projects account for more than 95,000 potential new jobs. Prior to 2022, Louisiana had never had consecutive years of investment above $20 billion; before the fourth quarter began in 2023, Louisiana had surpassed that mark for a third year in a row.
Awards and Accomplishments:
Honorary Life Member, Southern Economic Development Council
Eugene J. Schreiber Award, World Trade Center of New Orleans 2018
Louisiana National Guard Distinguished Civilian Service Medal 2023
State of Louisiana Committee of 100 ~ Distinguished Service Award 2023
Innovation Leadership Award ~ SBIRC.org 2022
Louisiana Economic Development Corporation
Board of Directors 2016-2023
Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry
Executive Director 2016-2023
Louisiana Cyber Security Commission
Board of Directors 2017-2023
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Board of Directors 2016-2023
Louisiana Military Advisory Council
Chairman 2016-2023
Aerospace Alliance, Louisiana
Board of Directors 2016-2023
Rachel Pierson Delamain
Consulting and economic development professional with over 18 years of experience in business development, project management, site selection, incentive negotiation, strategic planning and building coalitions. Rachel has a proven track record in driving business attraction initiatives and working with state and local officials, utilities, and community stakeholders to communicate strengths and resources to companies and site selection consultants seeking new and expanding facilities. Rachel excels in facilitating innovative solutions across multiple stakeholder groups to achieve tangible results with lasting impact. She has diverse life experiences that have created strong relationships in the public and private sectors across the U.S.
Originally from Bossier City, LA, Rachel earned her B.S. degree in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University. Rachel is a graduate of Donaldson Real Estate School and holds Economic Development Finance Professional, E.D.F.P. designation. Received national “40 Under 40” by DCI & Jorgenson Consulting in 2019. She is among North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, a distinction conferred by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that works with economic developers and location consultants. Recipients of this prestigious recognition are nominated by their colleagues in economic development and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation, and success in building the communities they serve