Voices: C-suite leaders weigh in on our region’s distinctive competitive edge

From shaping skylines to preparing the next generation, Baton Rouge’s progress is driven by people. Hear from local leaders as they reflect on the Capital Region’s strengths.

Mike Wampold
Founder and CEO, Wampold Companies

The developer behind many of the buildings that shape the local skyline—from the towering Rivermark Centres I and II to the stylish Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel and Watermark hotel—Mike Wampold spends much of his time studying national building trends. Strong local office and apartment occupancy rates make him glad to be here right now, he says—and not anywhere else.

“Jobs move everything. They bring people to town and keep them here. Baton Rouge is home to one of the largest oil refineries in the nation, ExxonMobil. The Mississippi River has us situated right on a major trade route. We have two major universities that are economic engines. We’re becoming a major medical community. The Capital City brings legislators. Plan Baton Rouge III is really focused on growing downtown. All of that creates thousands of jobs. That is a big deal.”

Lucas Spielfogel
CEO, Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition has prepared nearly 1,000 underresourced youths for postsecondary education, with a 90% four-year degree completion rate. Even after 14 years leading BRYC, Lucas Spielfogel says he’s stunned by his students. Children’s voices are often the least represented in the community, he adds, but their perspectives arguably hold the most potential for the region’s future.

“Statistically, we have a higher percentage of native-born residents than any state in the country. That is one of the most powerful advantages we have, because it means our kids are more likely to stay here. If we know most of our youths are going to stay, we can make more economically viable pathways for them after high school. It’s an incredible opportunity to show our more academically diverse population how to be successful, including in very technical spaces that promise not to be replaced by AI.”

Kristin Wall
President and CEO, LWCC

Kristin Wall has been a force at LWCC since its 1992 beginnings. As her career blossomed, landing her in the role of president nearly 20 years ago, the organization grew, too. Today, it’s the state’s largest workers’ comp insurance carrier, serving nearly 19,000 policyholders—and it’s a pivotal support system for local small businesses.

“Baton Rouge is truly Louisiana’s meeting place. It brings together the state’s flagship university, the seat of government and a growing base of innovative businesses all in one region. That mix constantly attracts new people and fresh ideas. … Local culture, food and genuine hospitality create a strong sense of belonging, and that helps us attract and retain exceptional employees.”

Celton Hayden Jr.
President and CEO, CC’s Coffee House

CC’s Coffee House is 30 and thriving. The south Louisiana-born brand, now with more than 40 locations, celebrated its milestone birthday in 2025. Celton Hayden Jr. has been part of the CC’s team for nearly 25 years. He attributes its staying power to its very DNA: It’s authentically Louisiana and sticks with the generations of customers that keep bringing their families back for another cup of Joe.

“If you commute to work downtown or the Industrialplex, you can find yourself living in places like Denham Springs or Central, where you can be close enough to work yet still be comfortable living away from the city center. I moved to this region in 2004 with no large network of friends or family, and those communities have been very welcoming to my family.”

Kate Lightfoot
Integrated Complex Manager, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge

After more than two decades working with ExxonMobil throughout Texas, Kate Lightfoot became the first female chemical plant manager at the energy giant’s Baton Rouge complex last year. Directing one of the largest refineries in the nation has quickly given her a new perspective on our region. 

“Baton Rouge has a workforce with unique skills that are hard to replicate. At ExxonMobil, our teams are not just powering homes and businesses; they’re producing the essential building blocks for everyday life: medical supplies, electronics and food packaging. Our region’s greatest strength lies in its people. I’m proud to be on the same team as the incredible leaders and team members across the region.”

Norisha Kirts Glover
Founder and Owner, NRK Construction

Norisha Kirts Glover is familiar with breaking ground. Her firm, NRK Construction, has transformed buildings into schools, restaurants, parks, offices and homes. And as a community figure who regularly serves on nonprofit boards and speaks at events, she’s also keen on constructing a new blueprint for our region.

“We have three great colleges here preparing our children for the workforce. I think there was a time when an industry might need a skill set, and a school might take years to match that. But now they are able to respond much more quickly and nimbly to create concentrations, certificate programs and extracurriculars and be really intentional about meeting needs in health care, IT, construction and industrial fields. While there is always room for improvement, how many other regions are home to three higher education institutions?”

This story is part of Business Report’s Capital Assets edition. Get the entire 2026 Capital Assets edition.