ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – Chris Masingill, the newly appointed president and CEO of Louisiana Central, has begun his tenure with a mission to enhance economic development across Central Louisiana. He officially assumed leadership on August 27, bringing more than 20 years of experience in regional growth initiatives. n nNow over 100 days into his role, Masingill is focused on strengthening the organization’s impact. His vision emphasizes improving internal operations, refining existing programs, and expanding collaborative efforts with stakeholders. n n”Our goal is to elevate everything – our institution, our strategies, our partnerships – in meaningful and measurable ways,” Masingill stated. “We’re building on a solid foundation and a strong legacy, and we aim to take it further.” n nHe highlighted that Central Louisiana ranks third among the state’s eight economic regions in terms of growth. Over the past four consecutive years, the region has seen its GDP rise by more than $17 billion, reflecting consistent economic expansion. n nMasingill pointed to the region’s industrial heritage, including long-standing companies like RoyOMartin, Crest Industries, and Procter & Gamble, as key assets. He also emphasized the workforce’s resilience, strong work ethic, and community values. n nIn addition to human capital, he cited logistical advantages such as transportation networks, rail systems, and port facilities as critical components that position Cenla to attract global business interest. n nEchoing statements from Governor Jeff Landry, who has spoken of a rising “new industrial south,” Masingill aims to turn that vision into reality for Central Louisiana as he advances his regional development agenda. n
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Louisiana Central’s new CEO looks to elevate economic development in Cenla
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – Louisiana Central’s new leader is excited to elevate the organization, their programs and their economic development for the Central Louisiana region. n nChris Masingill officially began as the president and CEO of Louisiana Central on August 27. He brings over two decades of experience in economic development and is excited to finally be planted here on the ground, working with the team and the stakeholders. n nNow, well into his first 100 days, Masingill’s vision includes elevating Cenla. n n“We want to elevate our organization. We want to elevate our programs. We want to elevate our economic development strategies. We want to elevate our collaborations and partnerships in some pretty substantial ways,” he said. “We’ve got a great legacy to build on, a good foundation, and we want to elevate that legacy to new heights.” n nMasingill said the Cenla region is one region leading the state in economic performance. n n“When you look at all eight regions, we’re third of all eight as it relates to economic growth,” he shared. “We’re setting, over the last four years of annual economic increase as it relates to GDP, we’ve increased the GDP in Central Louisiana by over 17 billion now in the last four years in a row.” n nWith those numbers, mixed with political and industrial assets, as well as Cenla’s geographical location, Masignill said the region can connect with business around the world. n n“We’ve got legacy industries from RoyOMartin, that’s celebrating a hundred years, Crest Industries, P&G,” he said. “When you think about the assets, not only our people power, because this is a region that has grit, that has an unbelievable work ethic, resilient. They believe in their faith and family and their neighbor. When you combine that with the physical assets, like our transportation, like our ports, like our rail, these really, I think, create a formula for major opportunities in the future.” n nIn past statements, Governor Jeff Landry has maintained that there is more opportunity for Central Louisiana and North Louisiana, adding that there is a “new industrial south” transforming all of the states around Louisiana. n nMasingill hopes to bring that idea to fruition for this area, as his journey in Cenla begins. n nClick here to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email.