The executive vice president of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected to lead the NOLA Business Alliance, a new public-private partnership for economic development in New Orleans. Baton Rouge Area Chamber websiteRod Miller Rodrick T. Miller, will head the new startup, focused on adding jobs and expanding wealth in the city. At the Baton Rouge area...
The executive vice president of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected to lead the NOLA Business Alliance, a new public-private partnership for economic development in New Orleans.
Rod MillerRodrick T. Miller, will head the new startup, focused on adding jobs and expanding wealth in the city.
At the Baton Rouge area chamber, Miller managed a $4.7 million budget and day-to-day operations for a 35 member staff. He also helped launch new programs in foreign direct investment attraction, talent retention and attraction, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Miller previously served in several positions for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and has international business experience in a number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Spain, and Germany.
Miller has a Bachelor of Science in International Business from St. Augustine's College, has completed graduate studies in Finance as a Fulbright Scholar in Mexico, and holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University. Miller is also fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese.
"Rod is uniquely qualified to lead our coordinated effort to deliver new jobs and economic opportunities for this city," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "We are confident that with him at the helm, the NOLA Business Alliance will help leverage our assets to facilitate large-scale economic growth for all New Orleanians."
Henry L. Coaxum, Jr., chairman of the NOLA Business Alliance, said Miller was selected after a three-month nationwide search.
"Our number one priority will be to strategically expand the economic base of the City in alignment with both local and regional priorities," closed Coaxum.
Miller will report to the group's 17-member board. The NOLA Business Alliance is focused on business retention, business expansion, prospect engagement, prospect negotiation, retail, small business services, entrepreneurship and strategic planning.
The alliance will be funded by $1.5 million from the city's Economic Development Fund and a minimum of $500,000 annually from the private sector.
Members of the NOLA Business Alliance board include:
-- Justin Augustine, Vice President of Veolia Transportation and CEO of the Regional Transit Authority (Treasurer)
-- Rita Benson LeBlanc, Owner and Executive Vice-President of the New Orleans Saints
-- Dwayne Bernal, Owner and President, Royal Engineers and Consultants
-- Hal Brown, Partner of Paladin Capital Group
-- Andrea Chen, Chair of Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans
-- Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, Councilmember-At-Large, City of New Orleans
-- Henry Coaxum, President of Coaxum Enterprises, Inc. (Chairman)
-- Patricia Hightower, President and CEO of Bayou Equity Mortgage
-- John C. Hope, III, Chairman and CEO of Whitney National Bank (Secretary)
-- Leslie Jacobs, Executive Vice President of Strategic Comp (Vice-Chair)
-- Darlene Kattán, Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of LA
-- Michael W. Kearney, Sr., President and CEO of Kearney Companies, Inc.
-- Mitch Landrieu, Mayor, City of New Orleans
-- Charles Rice, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
-- Ronald J. Sholes, Partner, Adams & Reese
-- Andrew J Y Wong, CEO, Jazzmen Rice, LLC