CDI Louisiana 2026 Resources
Christian Bergeron, PCED
Chief Operating Officer, COLAB
Christian Bergeron is a native of Houma, Louisiana, where he currently resides with his wife, Taylor, and their daughter, Evelynn. Deeply rooted in the Bayou Region, Christian has dedicated much of his professional and personal life to strengthening the communities of South Louisiana through public service, economic development, and civic engagement.
Christian earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and later obtained his Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. He is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration at Nicholls State University. In addition to his academic credentials, he holds the Professional Community and Economic Development (PCED) certification, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing regional economic growth and community development.
Professionally, Christian serves as the Chief Operating Officer of COLAB, the regional economic development organization representing Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes. Prior to this role, he served as District Representative and Grants Director for U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, where he worked closely with communities throughout South Louisiana to support federal initiatives, infrastructure development, and grant opportunities.
Christian’s leadership and community involvement have earned him numerous recognitions and leadership development opportunities. He is a 2024 Young Achievers Award recipient from the Houma Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, a 2023 graduate of Leadership Terrebonne, a 2024 graduate of the LSU Ag Louisiana Seafood and Fisheries Leadership Class, a 2025 graduate of Leadership St. Mary, and a 2025 graduate of the SCIA NextGen Council.
Shelby Fiegel, PCED
Director of Existing Industry, North Louisiana Economic Partnership
Shelby Fiegel is the Director of the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) and the Community Development Institute (CDI). She is an Honors graduate of Arkansas State University and holds a degree in public relations with minors in marketing and English. Shelby is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED), designated by the Community Development Council, and is a 2016 graduate of CDI.
She has also completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course. In 2017, Shelby received the New Professional Award from the Arkansas Community Development Society. She currently serves as the Ex Officio (previously served as Vice President of Membership and as Vice President of Technology) for the Arkansas Community Development Society, serves as UCA Staff Senate Secretary, is a member of the Breakthrough Solutions Advisory Board, Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the PRSA Arkansas Chapter. Shelby serves on the Conway Historic District Commission and is an Arkansas Municipal League City & Town magazine contributor.
She is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) in 2017, is a Certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader, a member of LeadAR Class 19, and a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach.
Robert Elliott
Deputy Director, Bossier Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Robert Elliott is Deputy Director of the Bossier Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. He has over 31 years of experience in emergency management in both the private and public sectors.
Some of his previous work included overseeing the Shreveport Police Department's Communications Bureau, Hazardous Materials Team, and Critical Incident Debrief Team, as well as serving as the Lead Emergency Management Specialist for Ochsner/LSU Health Systems. He was responsible for the regional emergency management program in all these areas, reporting to local public and private officials.
He is a Chief Warrant Officer with the 4th Area Command of the Louisiana State Guard, serving as the Civil Affairs Officer under LTC Kevin Baxter. He is the State Deputy Director for the Louisiana Military Emergency Management Academy.
Robert holds a Master of Military Emergency Management certification from the State Guard Association of the United States. He is passionate about improving the community’s capabilities through exercises, planning, and natural hazard mitigation strategies. Robert resides in Keithville, Louisiana, with his wife, Lisa, a school counselor for Caddo Parish at Donnie Bickham Middle School. The two have one daughter, Emily, a Caddo Parish School Teacher at North Caddo High School in Vivian; she and her husband, Edmond Vaz, reside in Blanchard, LA. He and his wife are the proud owners of two dogs: Lincoln, a golden marshmallow, and Todd, a mini golden doodle.
Justyn Dixon
President & CEO, North Louisiana Economic Partnership
Justyn B. Dixon has served as President & CEO of NLEP for five years and brings more than 18 years of industrial and economic development experience, along with over 30 years in sales and marketing. During his time at NLEP, more than $15.5 billion in capital investment and over 5,500 jobs have been announced across the organization’s 11-parish region. His work focuses on driving growth and investment through strong relationships with brokers, site consultants, and economic development partners.
Before joining NLEP, Dixon served as Gulf States Regional Development Director for Agracel, Inc., where he led the development and management of a 4.5 million-square-foot industrial portfolio across four states. He also held economic development roles with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Mississippi Development Authority, specializing in project management, site development, and business recruitment.
A University of Mississippi graduate, Dixon also served in the Mississippi Army National Guard Military Police during Desert Storm. He and his wife, Leslie, have two children, Mary Reid and Sims.
Keri Perot Vance, PCED
Executive Director, Panola County Chamber of Commerce
Keri Perot Vance has served as the Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce since 2021. She is committed to building relationships that create opportunity, foster collaboration, and support sustainable growth across Panola County and East Texas.
She is passionate about helping businesses and communities access the tools, talent, and partnerships they need to thrive. Through her work with the Chamber, she champions workforce development, small business support, and community engagement, while actively promoting Panola County as a great place to invest, work, and live.
In addition to her professional role, Keri enjoys serving in a variety of volunteer capacities, including various boards, civic organizations and is a member of the Rotary Club of Carthage. She has been married to her husband, Ryan since 2009, and together they are raising their two children, Christopher and Olivia, in Panola County, a place they are proud to call home and where they have grown their own small businesses.
Mike Busada
Attorney, Economic Development and Municipal Bond Finance Partner
Mike Busada is an economic development and municipal bond finance partner with Butler Snow LLP. He represents the state, local governments, industrial development boards, economic development organizations, and companies with structuring innovative financing for economic development projects. Throughout his career, Mike has represented clients throughout the state, facilitating over $12.5 billion in capital investment. Notably, he represented the State of Louisiana in one of the largest economic development projects in the state’s history.
His contributions also include drafting numerous pieces of state legislation aimed at enhancing the tools available for economic development. Mike served as the Chair of the National Association of Bond Lawyers’ Governmental Affairs Committee from 2022 to 2024. He is an active member of Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development.
Jovon Richardson
Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Founder, Lagniappe Business Services, LLC
Jovon "Jeaux" Richardson is the founder and principal consultant of Lagniappe Business Services, LLC, a minority woman-owned consulting firm headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana.
A Certified Behavioral Specialist and GiANT Worldwide Leadership Coach, she brings over 25 years of expertise spanning business administration, human resources, accounting, and insurance. Jovon has more than 10 years of experience in executive leadership roles, having served as Director of Human Resources at Harrah's New Orleans, New Beginning Schools, The Providence House, and Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana.
With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Louisiana Tech University and a Leadership Development Certificate from the University of New Orleans, Jovon seamlessly blends her academic background with hands-on experience. She is passionate about empowering leaders to cultivate self-awareness, foster empathy, and build collaborative environments. Her mission is to bridge gaps in understanding, transforming relationships and driving success for individuals and organizations alike.
A true “Louisiana girl,” Jovon was born in New Orleans and raised in Shreveport. When she’s not inspiring others, Jovon cherishes time with her husband Gary and her daughters, Aubrey and Nia.
Gregory Kallenberg
Founder & Executive Director, Prize Foundation
Gregory Kallenberg is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from Shreveport, Louisiana. He is the founder and executive director of the Prize Foundation — a one-of-a-kind organization that fuels creative talent and bold ideas by empowering youth, filmmakers, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs through competitions, mentorship, and community building. Founded in 2012, the Prize Foundation has contributed over $40 million in economic development to the Shreveport/Bossier area and has become a driving force in making Northwest Louisiana a premier creative and entrepreneurial destination.
A filmmaker and journalist by training, Kallenberg directed and produced Rational Middle of Immigration, Rational Middle: Net Zero, Unexpected Modernism and the award-winning Haynesville: A Nation's Hunt for an Energy Future. He has written for Esquire, The New York Times, and the Austin American-Statesman, and holds a film degree from the University of Texas. He is the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities' 2019 Champion of Culture, the Bossier Chamber's 2024 Business Person of the Year, and serves on the SXSW Interactive Executive Advisory Board and the Artspace board in Shreveport.
Kent Rogers
Executive Director, Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG)
Kent Rogers is the Executive Director of Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG). He has been with NLCOG since December of 1991 and named Executive Director in April 1993. NLCOG serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Shreveport Bossier urbanized area overseeing federal and state transportation investments for the area.
Kent earned Master’s Degrees in Geography and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL) in Lafayette, LA where he also earned his undergraduate degree studying Architecture. Prior to working at NLCOG Kent worked for the Lafayette Areawide Planning Commission and the LeBlanc Group, Architects and Engineers.
Kent has served as the President of the Louisiana Planning Council and as a board member to the Louisiana Transportation Authority, appointed by then governor Foster. Kent also serves as a member of the LaDOTD Executive Advisory Council, Intermodal Advisory Council, and the Regional Planning Officials Advisory Council.
Kent grew up in Shreveport and is a graduate of Captain Shreve. He has been married to his loving wife Crissy for 41 years. He is the proud father of three wonderful children and two beautiful granddaughters.
Carlotta Askew-Brown
Executive Director, Bossier City–Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission
Carlotta Askew-Brown is a distinguished civic leader and devoted member of the Bossier Parish community. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she has proudly called Bossier home for the past 17 years. Carlotta holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and currently serves as Executive Director of the Bossier City–Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission, where she continues to shape the city’s future with integrity, vision, and dedication.
Her leadership and impact have been widely recognized through numerous honors, including the 40 Under 40 Award, the Athena Honoree distinction, and the Rising Star Award from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association. She has also been named a Community Champion by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the Hispanic Heritage Association. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in certificates from the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy and Community Development Institute (CDI) Louisiana.
Carlotta has served as Chairwoman of the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments, a Board Member of the Shreveport-Bossier Tourist Bureau, and was part of the founding team for the National Cyber Research Park. She has also been featured in regional media for her leadership on transformative projects such as the East Bank District redevelopment and initiatives to enhance walkability and public spaces.
Mike McSwain
Principal in Charge / Lead Architect, Mike McSwain Architect
Mike McSwain leads the creative design team at Mike McSwain Architect, LLC. Mike’s passion is in the design and construction process leading to unique creative solutions.
Mike is a principal of Mike McSwain Architect, LLC in charge of overall project management and project delivery. He is an energetic, hands-on professional with strong communication skills and a long list of successful projects. With over 30 years’ experience in the practice of architecture, Mike has proven ability in delivering high quality projects in a variety of project types.
Understanding a variety of project delivery methods has led to hundreds of successful projects. Mike and his team have collaborated locally with Louisiana Economic Development (LED), City of Bossier City, City of Shreveport, Caddo Bossier Port Commission and Bossier Parish recently for the delivery of many community assets.
He has worked on projects of all types regionally around Texas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, and Louisiana, as well as nationally and internationally in China, Taiwan, Bali, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Croatia, and many other countries. In addition to work, Mike travels internationally with his family for pleasure. This experience allows for a broader array of design influences for each project.
Prior to founding Mike McSwain Architect, LLC, Mike was managing partner at Slack, Alost, McSwain Architects; Division Manager for the Multi-Family Housing division of Page Southerland Page; and architectural designer for international projects at Three Architecture and HKS, Inc.
Justin Lemoine
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Cultural Development | Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Justin Lemoine is a 2006 graduate of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at LSU. After a brief residence in Austin, TX, Justin returned to Baton Rouge where he began working as a Landscape Architect leading the design of parks, public spaces, and community plans. In June of 2020, Justin stepped into the role of Executive Director for the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. At ANHA, Justin worked with community partners, environmental organizations, and governmental agencies to support and enhance cultural heritage, natural resource, and recreational resource access and appreciation. Justin also chairs the state’s Landscape Architecture Selection Board and has served as President and Trustee for the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Justin was also past board member and president for Baton Rouge Green and the Mid City Merchants Association. Justin is a beautification committee volunteer for the Mid City Merchants working with a group of merchant members to implement public art and beautification initiatives throughout Mid City. Justin co-founded the Mid City Makers Market, which ran monthly from 2016-2022. In April of 2025, Justin was promoted to Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development where he oversees the Atchafalaya, Division of the Arts, The State Historic Preservation Office, the Division of Archaeology, and CODOFIL.
Heather McKnight, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Dean, College of Nursing, Health and Human Services Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Dr. Heather McKnight, DNP, RN, NE-BC, is the Founding Dean of the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services at Texas A&M University–Texarkana, where she also serves as a tenured associate professor of nursing. She leads the strategic growth of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on preparing practice-ready professionals to serve the Ark-La-Tex region and beyond.
With more than two decades of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership, Dr. McKnight’s background spans acute care leadership/administration, stroke program development, quality improvement, academic nursing, and academic leadership/administration. She has been instrumental in launching new nursing and healthcare degree options and expanding clinical education opportunities, helping address workforce shortages and improve access to high-quality care in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. McKnight holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, along with national board certification as a nurse executive and IHA Health Literacy Specialist certification, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based leadership, organizational, and healthcare excellence. Her scholarly and professional interests include innovative nursing education models, interprofessional collaboration, and the development of strong academic–practice partnerships that align education with real-world healthcare needs.
A dedicated mentor and advocate for students, Dr. McKnight is known for fostering a supportive, student-centered learning environment that emphasizes professionalism, clinical judgment, and community engagement. Active in regional and professional organizations, she collaborates closely with healthcare leaders and community partners to strengthen the local pipeline of highly skilled nurses, social workers, and health professionals.
Rich Lamb
Shareholder, Wiener, Weiss & Madison
Rich is a shareholder with Wiener, Weiss & Madison. He joined the firm in 2013 and advises businesses, families and individuals in the areas of taxation, corporate law, securities law, mergers & acquisitions, real estate, estate planning, successions/probate, title insurance and nonprofit law.
Representation of individuals and families in preparation and implementation of estate plans, including wills, trusts, partnerships and limited liability companies, intra-family sale transactions, tax planning, and the formation of private foundations. Representation of closely held businesses, special purpose entities, and other investment vehicles, including preparation of organizational documents, tax planning, structuring and negotiating sales to private equity firms and other buyers, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, employment agreements, shareholder agreements, and other commercial contracts. Representation of real estate investors in connection with the acquisition, divestiture or development of real estate. Representation of various banks and borrowers in connection with secured lending, including recourse and nonresource loans, and loans for the construction, sale and purchase of hotels, apartment complexes and other developments. Representation of business clients in capital raises through private placements of securities to fund the operations of biotech companies, hotels, restaurants, pharmaceutical companies and other ventures. Representation of business clients concerning tax incentives, structure of executive compensation, and structure of carried interests and profits interests. Representation of public and private charities in connection with governance, tax status, and planned giving. Licensed by the Louisiana Department of Insurance as a title insurance producer, and authorized title insurance agent for Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company, and Chicago Title Insurance Company.