Cooper hired as Alexandria Regional Port Executive Director

KALB – Alexandria, Louisiana The Board of Commissioners of the Alexandria Regional Authority unanimously voted on Monday to hire Alexandria-native Blake Cooper as its new executive director.

Bryon Salazar, President of the Commission, explained, “We feel confident that Blake has the capacity to lead the port and, ultimately, make us a better port. With the ideal mix of vision and execution, Blake will be laser-focused on growth in our business model.”

Selection committee members said Cooper stood out with a variety of business development, marketing, and government relations experiences that will enable him to lead the effort to drive business through the Port. Mr. Cooper is a graduate of Louisiana College and LSU with an MPA and has currently been employed by one of the South’s largest integrated wood-product manufacturers.

Commenting on the confirmation, Cooper stated, “This is an exciting time as Central Louisiana is poised for great economic expansion and the Port is uniquely positioned to react to those demands. I view myself as a strategic-builder, and I look forward to beginning the first stages of preparing for long-term growth.”

Cooper continued, “I want to become deeply engaged in new business development and retention and expansion of our current customers. Ultimately, the success of the region is dependent upon multiple groups working together for the common good. I look forward to building upon those strategic partnerships.”