One Acadiana hires governmental affairs expert

One Acadiana has hired Phyllis Mouton to direct the development and execution of its government relations strategy, including advocacy efforts, lobbying activities and coalition building.
Phyllis Mouton, currently special assistant to the chancellor for government relations at Baton Rouge Community College, will serve as vice president of governmental affairs for One Acadiana. Mouton will be the first person to serve in this new role for the regional business organization. The position will be funded by The Campaign for One Acadiana, a five-year regional economic development program that began its implementation phase in 2015.
In her new role, Mouton will be responsible for developing and executing strategies and tactical plans to advance One Acadiana’s policy priorities including those related to transportation infrastructure, workforce development, public education, tax policy, and economic development programs.
One Acadiana President and CEO Jason El Koubi said Mouton’s position is integral to the success of the nine-parish regional organization. “In her new role, Phyllis will spend the majority of her time cultivating strong working relationships with policymakers at all levels and engaging stakeholders from across the region to mobilize support for issues important to Acadiana’s business community.” He added, “On a personal note, I’m delighted that Phyllis has accepted this role. She is an outstanding leader with a passion for improving Lafayette and Acadiana. Welcome home, Phyllis!”
Mouton has an impressive track record of success and outstanding operations. Prior to her current role at BRCC, she served as vice chancellor for economic development and workforce solutions. Preceding her 18-year tenure with BRCC, Mouton held numerous leadership positions in corporate, education, and nonprofit entities. She served as Louisiana’s secretary of labor in Gov. Buddy Roemer’s administration; was elected the first female chair of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, now One Acadiana; led as president of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the fifth largest Rotary club in the world; and contributed in many other notable ways at the local, state, and national levels. 
She has served on the boards of Lafayette General Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Acadiana, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Greater Baton Rouge Chamber, Public Affairs Research Council, Volunteers in Public Schools, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, INROADS, Baton Rouge Technology Council, and Director Emeritus of Southern Mutual Help Association.
Mouton expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to collaborate with diverse leadership to lead One Acadiana’s governmental relations strategy, “I am delighted to return to Lafayette and join One Acadiana’s dynamic team. I look forward to collaborating with One Acadiana staff and members; local, regional, state and national governmental leaders; education and economic development officials; investors and community leaders from our nine parishes. Working together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for continued economic growth and development for our region.”
Mouton’s broad range of professional experience and relationships in both Acadiana and Baton Rouge make her an excellent fit for this new role of representing One Acadiana and the wider Acadiana business community at all levels of government. Leaders are excited to work with Phyllis to develop and implement priorities for the Acadiana region.
Rep. Taylor Barras, newly elected speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of Mouton’s new role. “One Acadiana’s commitment to building relationships with the delegation across nine-parishes will help our region achieve great outcomes in the years to come. I’m excited about Acadiana coming together because strength in numbers and collaboration at the Capitol are crucial to our success. In my new role as Speaker of the House, I look forward to collaborating with Phyllis and other One Acadiana partners to support initiatives that preserve and encourage Acadiana’s long-term potential for growth.”
Shawn Wilson of Lafayette, who heads the State Department of Transportation and Development, sees the intrinsic value of a One Acadiana staff member who focuses collaborating with all stakeholders in the community. “As Lafayette undertakes one of the most important transportation infrastructure projects in its history, it’s imperative that our business community work closely with the entire community to chart our future.” Wilson added, “We must accelerate the completion of the Lafayette Connector and I-49 South in order to begin reaping the tremendous economic benefits of a redeveloped corridor. One Acadiana has been an excellent partner and advocate when it comes to transportation infrastructure efforts, and the relationships Phyllis will build and maintain across Acadiana will help take efforts to the next level.”
Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Joel Robideaux agrees that strength in numbers will take Lafayette and Acadiana to new heights. “We know that working together and partnering with organizations like One Acadiana will strengthen Lafayette’s voice at the Capitol. I am thrilled that One Acadiana sees the value in a position dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with elected officials.”
Newly elected State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux highlighted Mouton’s many attributes on both a professional and personal level. “Phyllis is a woman of extraordinary character and is excellent at building relationships across the community and across networks. One Acadiana is fortunate to secure a highly-experienced team member who will represent the organization with grace and integrity.”
Mouton is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor of science degree in computer science and an master of science in rehabilitation counseling; a graduate of the LSU Executive MBA Program; and has completed required coursework toward a doctorate from the Southern University Graduate School of Public Policy. She will assume her new role beginning Feb. 1.