Roundup: Partnership CEO search / Broadband expansion / Tariff negotiations

August 19, 2026 - 22:28

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership is moving forward with its leadership transition, with officials now saying they expect to have a new chief executive in place within the next three to four months. The organization kicked off its national search for a replacement on Aug. 4, and while the group is keeping internal milestones under wraps, leadership insists the process is progressing on schedule.

According to a statement from the Partnership, the board remains focused on finding the right candidate rather than rushing the decision. The search is being conducted with an eye toward long-term stability, and the organization says it is committed to a thorough and deliberate process. No timeline has been set for announcing finalists, and the Partnership has not commented on the size of the applicant pool or whether internal candidates are being considered.

In other regional news, broadband expansion efforts continue to move ahead as part of a broader push to improve digital access across the parish. Local officials are working with state and federal partners to identify underserved areas and secure funding for infrastructure projects. The goal is to close the connectivity gap for residents and businesses, particularly in rural parts of the region.

Meanwhile, tariff negotiations remain a topic of interest for local manufacturers and exporters. Business leaders are closely monitoring talks that could affect supply chains and trade costs. The Partnership says it is staying in contact with industry stakeholders to provide updates and advocate for policies that support economic growth in the Baton Rouge area.