One Acadiana has hired Lafayette native Phyllis Mouton to direct the development and execution of the economic development organization’s government relations strategy, including advocacy efforts, lobbying activities and coalition building.
Mouton, who most recently worked as special assistant to the chancellor for government relations at Baton Rouge Community College, will serve as vice president of governmental affairs, a newly created position.
She joins 1A Feb. 1.
Mouton will be responsible for developing and executing strategies and tactical plans to advance 1A’s policy priorities, including those related to transportation infrastructure, workforce development, public education, tax policy and economic development programs.
“Phyllis will spend the majority of her time cultivating strong working relationships with policymakers at all levels and engaging stakeholders from across the region to mobilize support for issues important to Acadiana’s business community,” 1A President and CEO Jason El Koubi says in announcing the new hire.
1A says Mouton’s broad range of professional experience and relationships in both Acadiana and Baton Rouge make her an excellent fit for this new role of representing 1A and the wider Acadiana business community at all levels of government. Prior to her current role at BRCC, she served as vice chancellor for economic development and workforce solutions. Preceding her 18-year tenure with BRCC, she held numerous leadership positions in corporate, education, and nonprofit entities. She served as Louisiana’s secretary of labor in Gov. Buddy Roemer’s administration; was elected the first female chair of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, now One Acadiana; and is a past president of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the fifth largest Rotary club in the world.
She has served on the boards of Lafayette General Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Acadiana, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Greater Baton Rouge Chamber, the Public Affairs Research Council, Volunteers in Public Schools, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, INROADS and the Baton Rouge Technology Council. She also is director emeritus of the Southern Mutual Help Association.