The Daily Advertiser

Anita Begnaud is the new CEO of Lafayette's Downtown Development Authority.

Begnaud most recently was the senior vice president of governmental affairs and communications at One Acadiana.

She will begin her new role on Oct. 22.

"Anita is ready to hit the ground running and brings experience, energy and strong relationships with business leaders, partners and government officials to the role," said Miles Matt, DDA chairman and partner at Law Offices of Matt & Allen. "Her strategic vision for where DDA needs to go and passion to strengthen and improve our downtown corridor will be great assets to lead our organization."

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As CEO, Begnaud plans to build upon existing planning efforts to attract new amenities, buildings, developments, jobs and residents, while also building on the district's unique character. She also plans to focus on increasing stakeholder engagement by providing existing businesses with necessary resources, unifying downtown and driving advocacy.

"For the past eight years, my professional focus has been on serving this community and region. This new role provides an opportunity to build up on the great work of organizational leaders who came before me, and I plan to focus on positioning DDA to be a leader in ensuring downtown Lafayette is the key asset our area needs to secure a bright economic future," Begnaud said. "A strong region requires a strong core, and downtown Lafayette's development is the catalyst to ensure Acadiana is competitive in the race to attract business and talent."

Begnaud replaces Geoff Dyer, who resigned in June after two years as the CEO of the Downtown Development Authority. Dyer returned to Canada to lead the urban design team of a planning and design firm.