With endurance, research and a good internal compass for business and political issues, Randy Haynie has navigated the ever-changing arena of Louisiana politics for over three decades.
Part lobbyist and part entrepreneur, Haynie has grown his lobbying practice over the years while also owning several other businesses, including Louisiana Governmental Studies, Capitol View Development and Haynie Properties.
As Business Report details in its new Executive Spotlight on Haynie, he has witnessed and played an instrumental role in some of the biggest issues to come before the state Legislature since 1980. Working with CEOs in private and publicly traded businesses around the state as well as teachers, doctors and citizens, Haynie is constantly learning about the issues that impact his clients and our state.
He has been called a “mastermind” of Louisiana politics and deemed one of the most effective lobbyist to work the floors of the State Capitol, but for Haynie, it is all in a day’s work.
“[It takes] hard work and focus on what matters,” he says. “The key is to thoroughly understand your client’s issues and learning to convey their point of view timely to the right decision makers.”
The most challenging part of the job comes once a year with each legislative session, as all of his clients’ issues come to a head and are acted upon in a short period of time.
“The process of a legislative session controls your life from start to finish during this 90-day time period,” Haynie says.
The public perception of a lobbyist’s honesty and ethical standards is often quite negative. However, Haynie says most people with a negative opinion probably don’t realize they have a lobbyist representing them.
“Every profession—from doctors to engineers to teachers—all have a professional lobbyist speaking on their behalf,” Haynie says.
A Louisiana historian and collector at heart, Haynie enjoys collecting Louisiana memorabilia, art and currency from 1812 to 1930 issued by private banks, cities and parishes at that time.
“In my next life I will be a professor of Louisiana history,” he says.
Also an avid outdoorsman, Haynie unwinds by hunting Louisiana fowl, reading up on the state’s history or traveling with his wife and family.
Read the full Executive Spotlight Q&A with Haynie. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
What is your secret to navigating Louisiana politics?
“Understanding that Louisiana is a very diverse state by region with very different opinions on issues and solutions. Louisiana is truly a melting pot of race, religion and philosophy. That is what makes Louisiana so unique and a great place to live and raise a family.”
