Roughly six months after launching an extensive search for its next executive director, the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce has hired Jamie Hanks, a Louisiana native who comes to the chamber after most recently serving as director of legislative affairs for the Division of Administration, as its new leader.
Hanks will take over as executive director on Monday, Oct. 12. Her predecessor, Kathy Stuart, left the organization in March after four years at the helm to become southeast Louisiana field representative for U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to West Baton Rouge and are elated with the skill set and vast array of knowledge she brings with her,” says Scott Gaudin, who chairs the chamber board, in a prepared statement. “Jamie has extensive experience in numerous areas which not only includes a track record of success at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, but she also has thorough knowledge of the capital outlay process which helps determine the priority of state funding as it relates to road and infrastructure projects in Louisiana.”
Prior to her work with the state, Hanks served as the communications director for former Louisiana Congressman Rodney Alexander in Washington D.C. for a number of years. Her experience also includes serving as coordinator of government programs for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“West Baton Rouge has positioned itself as a unique place to work and live by bringing in businesses of all sizes and improving the quality of life for its residents,” Hanks says in a statement. “With an impressive board of directors and membership in place, I am eager to begin this new role at the West Baton Rouge Chamber to ensure the parish continues to thrive.”
Hanks adds that her top priorities in her new position will be “promoting our businesses, pursuing new economic ventures and serving the best interests of the chamber.”
—Steve Sanoski
