St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation has named Franklinton native Russell Richardson as its new President and Chief Executive Officer following a national search. He will succeed Chris Masingill, who has led the organization for seven years.
“I am honored to join the team at St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation,” said Richardson. “I look forward to working with our elected officials, partners, stakeholders, business and industry leaders, community leaders, and residents across the parish as we continue to position St. Tammany as destination of choice for businesses to locate, advance, and thrive.”
Russell Richardson is part of an extended family that is well known in the Franklinton area. His late parents are Susan and Tommy Richardson. His uncle, Dick Richardson, is a well-known retired businessman in Franklinton. An uncle, France Watts, was a long time 22nd Judicial District judge, and another uncle, Richard Watts, was a well-known Franklinton attorney. Russell’s brother Thomas, is a Franklinton accountant. His sister Suellen Vise is a Covington attorney and a 22nd Judicial District hearing officer.
Russell Richardson is a 1994 graduate of Franklinton High School.
A proven leader in the economic development industry with deep roots on the Northshore, Richardson brings more than a decade of experience from across Louisiana. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of business development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), the regional economic development organization for the Capital Region.
In this role, he oversaw business development across the nine-parish region, helping secure $20 billion in new investment and more than 7,800 jobs. “When we started our search for a new CEO, we cast a net across the U.S. to find an experienced executive and economic development practitioner who could hit the ground running, immediately form trusted relationships in our community, and accelerate the momentum we have in St. Tammany Parish and across our local economy,” said Joan Coffman, Chair of the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Board of Commissioners.
“We were so pleased to find that our ideal candidate, Russell Richardson, was just down the road—bringing with him incredible experience, clear leadership skills, and strong familiarity with our area as a longtime former resident. We are excited to have Russell take the helm of our organization and to see the success we know will follow him as we welcome him home to St. Tammany.”
