TRENDS Keynote Speaker

Paige Carter, Chief Business Development Officer, and Ileana Ledet, Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer with the Office of Louisiana Economic Development, as our keynote speakers. They’ll share exclusive insights on the transformational projects shaping the future of our state and local community. You will not want to miss these announcements!

 

Paige M. Carter, MBA, Chief Business Development Officer

About Paige

Paige Carter is responsible for leading and expanding LED’s business development, expansion and retention activities to drive economic growth and prosperity across Louisiana. She brings a wealth of experience to LED, having previously served as the Executive Director of Industry Engagement at the LSU Foundation. In this role, she established the Office of Industry Engagement, driving LSU to national prominence in industry research and philanthropic investments through innovative partnerships and strategic alignments of talent, research, and industry needs.
At LSU, Carter was instrumental in securing the largest philanthropic donation in the university’s history and the largest corporate investment supporting energy-related initiatives. Her efforts in facilitating synergy and collaboration among academia, industry and government resulted in transformative impacts.

Prior to her tenure at LSU, Carter served as Director of Business Development at LED, where she successfully cultivated relationships with global consulting firms, corporate leaders, and statewide partners. Her work led to the creation of over 11,000 jobs and substantial capital investments throughout Louisiana. Paige has been recognized for excellence in economic development through an Area Development Silver Shovel award; leadership in her community as a 2021 honoree of the Baton Rouge Business Report 40 Under Forty; and commitment to the LSU Foundation and its mission as the 2022 Employee of the Year.

Carter is passionate about serving her community and dedicates her time to the impact-driven mission of the Junior League of Baton Rouge as a member of its board of directors. She holds a Master of Business  administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport, and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in communication. Paige lives in Baton Rouge with her husband David and their two children, Kennedy and James.

An innovative problem solver and life-long learner with strong leadership, organizational, and relationship-development skills. By connecting people to purpose, my skill set, tenacity, and experience facilitate innovative solutions, prosperous relationships, and exceptional results.

 

Ileana Ledet, Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer at Louisiana Economic Development

About Ileana

Ileana Ledet serves as the Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer at Louisiana Economic Development, where she leads efforts to enhance the state’s competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth for generations to come. She has significant experience in economic development, public policy, and public affairs at the state and federal levels.

Prior to joining LED, Ileana worked on Entergy Louisiana’s Economic Development team. Ledet previously served as the Economic Development Representative in Louisiana with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, working with rural and urban communities across the state. Prior to that, she was the Senior Vice President of Policy at Greater New Orleans, Inc., leading efforts to advance state and federal policies to create a thriving regional economy. Ledet also served as Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs at the Louisiana Department of Insurance, and managed communications and stakeholder engagement at the Louisiana Department of Education. Before joining state government, Ledet worked as a television producer in the New Orleans and Phoenix media markets.

Ledet is fluent in Spanish and graduated from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. She has served on several boards, including the Bureau of Governmental Research, KIPP Schools, and the River Region Chamber of Commerce. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice and served as the Vice-Chair of the Jefferson Ready Start Network. She and her husband are natives of New Orleans and have two children.