Russell Richardson knows what it feels like to be on the other side of the table.
Before building a career in economic development, he ran a small timber brokerage on the Northshore, navigating the same market pressures and infrastructure realities that he now helps companies manage as a professional.
“As I’ve grown in this field, I’ve come to appreciate how much a company’s success depends on the quality of the community it operates in,” he said. “Today, what motivates me is helping businesses navigate that landscape while also working to strengthen the communities that support them.”
Richardson arrived at St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation last September after nearly a decade at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where, as senior vice president of business development, he helped secure $20 billion in new investment and more than 7,800 jobs across a nine-parish region.
Some key wins from his tenure there included Hyundai Steel Group’s $5.8 billion steel production facility and Amazon’s automated distribution center at the former Cortana Mall site.
The early returns in St. Tammany have been promising. Since September, the EDC has announced six projects representing more than $200 million in capital investment and over 1,100 new and retained jobs, a pace Richardson describes as both unexpected and energizing.
“I’m eager to work alongside these companies as their investments take shape,” he said, “and to ensure our communities are connected to the opportunities they create.”
His near-term agenda is grounded in fundamentals. Competitive sites, reliable utilities, functional permitting, a workforce pipeline — Richardson is direct about what it takes to win projects and equally direct about what gets in the way.
“If those pieces aren’t in place, it’s hard to win,” he said.
He’s also focused on alignment, aiming to keep business, government and community stakeholders pulling in the same direction. Recent investments from Ampirical, Textron Systems and Associated Wholesale Grocers signal that companies are taking notice.
Despite the large scale of his endeavors, Richardson has emphasized the importance of a human touch.
“I’m continuing to get out and meet with local companies — introducing myself and making sure they understand how we can support their growth,” he said. “If we can continue strengthening our local business climate, we’ll be in a strong position for long-term growth.”
Company
St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation
Title
President and CEO
Assumed New Position
September 2025
