First Person: Scott Walker, SWLA CHAMBER ALLIANCE CEO/PRESIDENT

by Kristy Como Armand

After one month in his new position as the CEO and President of the Chamber SWLA Economic Development Alliance, Scott Waker is moving full steam ahead, immersing himself in the region’s business community.

Walker brings over 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, business management, and community collaboration. He has a proven track record of driving significant economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering partnerships that have helped transform communities. For the last ten years, he served as president and CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce in Lafayette, Indiana. Prior to that, he was the chief executive officer of Midland Tomorrow in Midland, Michigan, for 10 years, a position he moved to after he began his career as an engineer in the automotive industry.

His extensive economic development experience, combined with his background in financial management, strategic planning, and workforce development, will be instrumental in advancing the Chamber SWLA/Alliance’s mission of driving economic growth.
Thrive was able to welcome Walker to Southwest Louisiana and discuss his perspective as he steps into the economic development leadership role for the region at a critical time in the region’s history, with over $60 million in proposed projects announced.

What interested you in the leadership position at the Chamber Alliance in SWLA?
I was drawn to this opportunity because of SWLA’s potential for growth and its vibrant business ecosystem. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building partnerships that drive regional economic success, and I see tremendous possibilities in SWLA. The area has a strong industrial base, a workforce with globally competitive expertise and skills, and many stakeholders ready to do what it takes to change our collective destiny, all of which make it an exciting place to lead economic development efforts.

Your have a background in the manufacturing industry. How did it prepare you for work in economic development?
Spending nearly a decade in manufacturing, working as an engineer, sales and account manager, and Six Sigma Black Belt, gave me firsthand experience in the decline of American manufacturing. I worked on teams that closed four plants in Michigan and Ontario and moved production to low-cost countries. That experience saddened me and gave me motivation to enter the economic development field, where understanding the needs of industries and aligning them with community resources is key. I understand the challenges that businesses face—from workforce development to operational efficiency. My ability to bridge the gap between businesses, government, and workforce initiatives comes directly from that background.

What is most rewarding about work in economic development?
I am an engineer, and I am fascinated by the nexus of science and innovation that enables companies to bring products to market. I also enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and building partnerships that lead to sustainable success. Seeing the tangible impact of economic development is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s attracting new investments, creating jobs or implementing workforce initiatives, I take pride in making a lasting difference in communities. And finally, I am a bit competitive; I like to win.

What are the biggest challenges facing our region in terms of economic growth and how do you plan to address/overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges facing SWLA’s economic growth is attracting and retaining talent, which is directly tied to quality of life. We are in a global war for talent.  People choose where to live based on more than just job opportunities—they want vibrant communities, strong schools, diverse amenities, and a high standard of living. To address this, we need to enhance regional livability by investing in cultural attractions, recreational spaces, housing options, early childhood education and workforce-friendly policies. I think the Just Imagine Master Plan, facilitated by the Community Foundation Southwest Louisiana, is steering the community in the right direction. I look forward to learning more and working with community partners in SWLA to create an environment where people want to live, work, and stay for the long term.

What are the biggest strengths that can/should be promoted to drive regional economic growth in SWLA?
SWLA has a strong industrial and petrochemical base, a skilled workforce, and from my short experience here, a quintessential American spirit—resilient, hardworking, and driven to get things done. Additionally, its geographic location and deep-water ports provide strategic advantages for logistics and trade. These strengths, combined with a proactive approach to workforce and business development, will be key to positioning the region for future success.

Can you share some of your immediate and long-term priorities?
My immediate priorities include strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, assessing regional economic development strategies, and identifying opportunities for growth. Long-term, I want to focus on business retention and attraction, and regional efforts to enhance SWLA’s competitiveness. We will be building a long-term Economic Development Strategy over the next six months.

Successful regions follow a clear economic formula: great companies create great jobs, great jobs attract and retain great talent, and great talent fuels further business success and company attraction. You can’t have one without the other—they are intrinsically linked in the equation for sustained growth. A strong quality of life is the constant that supports and amplifies this cycle, making a region a place where people want to live, work, and invest. The final variable is innovation—the factor that rewrites the equation, driving long-term competitiveness and adaptability. My goal is to work collaboratively with businesses, local leaders, and residents to ensure SWLA continues solving for success, evolving, and thriving for years to come.

Where do you see SWLA five years from now?
In five years, I see SWLA as a recognized leader in clean energy and economic development, with a thriving business environment, a robust workforce pipeline, and a strong reputation for innovation and investment. I envision a region that attracts top-tier employers while supporting homegrown businesses, ensuring sustainable economic growth.

What’s a piece of advice that has guided you in your personal and/or professional life?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to always focus on building relationships and trust. Economic development is as much about people as it is about numbers and policies. By fostering strong, collaborative relationships, you can achieve long-term success that benefits entire communities.

What are you looking forward to about calling SWLA home?
I’m excited to become part of the community, build relationships, and contribute to the region’s success. SWLA has a unique culture and energy, and I look forward to immersing myself in it, both professionally and personally.