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Chris Stelly, Director, Legislative Affairs, Louisiana Economic Development
Chris Stelly is responsible for leading the effort to grow the state’s film, music and live performance industries, while simultaneously serving as Louisiana Economic Development’s official liaison with members of the Louisiana Legislature and other state agencies.
The native Louisianan joined LED in 2004 as executive director of the department’s entertainment office. Under his direction, Louisiana became one of the top film production destinations in the world. Due to the state’s trailblazing incentives program, Louisiana experienced exponential growth and the state became a powerhouse in the film industry.
He has also been at the forefront of LED’s efforts to establish Louisiana as a prime location for software development business investment. In this expanded role, he will continue to lead those efforts in addition to his legislative affairs responsibilities.
MY MOTTO
Be honest and work harder than the next person.
I’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, on how to translate inspiration into action
MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY IN A LEADER
Integrity, honesty and humility. Rather than “faking it,” be honest enough to recognize that you will never know everything. In other words, it is OK to say “I don’t know.”
LAST BOOK THAT MADE AN IMPACT
Robert Caro’s The Passage of Power. It’s book four in an in-depth biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Just understanding the kinetic action of this man who became in his life one of the most memorable and probably the last president to actually alter history—both good and bad.
STRATEGY FOR STAYING AHEAD OF DISRUPTION
Research and patience
PIVOTAL MOMENT IN MY CAREER
Being asked to shift roles internally here at LED and take on additional duties as director of legislative affairs
IF I HAD ONE DO-OVER
I’d join a branch of the U.S. military.
ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF
Finish what you started.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I’VE RECEIVED
It’s OK to fail. In fact, it is better to fail and learn from that experience.
BUSINESS ADVICE I SHARE WITH OTHERS
Surround yourself with the best and brightest.
MUSIC THAT MOTIVATES ME
Anything by Pearl Jam
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON I’VE LEARNED
Be patient and kind. You never know who you meet on the way up and if you ever get humbled, you will need the help of those you meet along the way.
MOST UNUSUAL JOB
I once held a job that was called a “munchkin” at the movie theater at Bon Marche. We just cleaned the houses after a showing.
FIRST SET OF WHEELS
Isuzu pick-up. It was a standard transmission and I was so proud of that little black vehicle.
