Shreveport DDA Hires Agency for Executive Director Search and Identifies Four Local Candidates

Shreveport Downtown Development Authority Prepares for Executive Search

The Shreveport Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has taken actions in pursuit of finding a new executive director. Michael Corbin, Chairman of the DDA Board, confirmed that the board agreed to engage an external national hiring firm in an effort to widen their search at a meeting held on April 24.

Appointment of Four Local Candidates

Announced along with the decision to outsource a hiring firm, the DDA has already identified four local candidates. These potential selections will be added to a pool of candidates provided by the chosen recruiting agency. The local individuals in consideration for the position are:

• Adam Bailey, current Community Planning and Design Manager for the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission,
• Guy Fortt, established in a contract position with the Department of Children and Family Services,
• Cedric Glover, former Shreveport Mayor and State Representative,
• Adrian Diego Lopez, Executive Director of the Save Energy Coalition.

Next Steps in the Hiring Process

The resumes of all four local candidates will be handed over to the selected search agency once the DDA Board finalizes the contract. In the next 60 days, it’s expected that the hiring agency will deliver it’s recommendations.

Interim Leadership and Predecessors

In the meantime, Janie Landry has assumed the role of interim director, taking over the responsibilities of Liz Swaine who vacated the position in December.

The Continuing Search for Shreveport DDA’s Executive Director

The engaged search agency will play a crucial role in shaping the future leadership of the Shreveport DDA. With both local and national candidates now in consideration, it’s expected that the final decisions will emerge from a diversified list of potentials. By broadening the search, the DDA hopes to discover the best possible individual to move the organization forward.