The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development announces the resignation of Megan Malmay Duhon who will step down as CEO on January 31, 2024. Duhon has accepted the position of Director of Economic Development at One Acadiana, the region’s economic development organization, where she will continue to work for a better Acadia Parish and Acadiana.
Duhon began her tenure at the Acadia Parish Chamber in August of 2015 as an intern while working on her undergraduate degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After graduation, Duhon was named the Membership Engagement Coordinator. Her ability to lead and commitment to excellence led to her being named interim CEO in November of 2021 and CEO in March of 2022.
“The last eight years have no doubt been the highlight of my career – having the opportunity to be at the helm of an influential organization that convenes business-minded leaders and drives change has provided me with a solid foundation. I am forever grateful to this community and the many business leaders that I have had the privilege of working with; this parish has much to be proud of”, Duhon comments. “It has been an honor working in tandem with partners, elected officials and stakeholders to better the business community and quality of life of the parish.”
Throughout her years in Acadia, Duhon has worked to create the first Economic Development District in the parish that will generate funds to create and accelerate growth along the I-10 corridor. She has continued to work alongside state and regional agencies providing land owners and companies with the resources they need to succeed and grow, logging a $16.2 million expansion for Supreme Rice’s parboil facilities. Over the last several years, Duhon, staff, and the Board of Directors have implemented internal initiatives to help bridge the gap between education and workforce, strengthening the pipeline of qualified and committed workers in Acadia Parish – initiatives which are poised to continue for years to come.
Duhon is currently enrolled in Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute (OUEDI), the premier continuing education opportunity in the field, where she is working to secure her credentials as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Duhon’s move to One Acadiana is a continuation of her work in economic development for not just Acadia Parish, but the region. The organization works closely with local economic development partners across the nine parish region to improve the quality and long-term sustainability of the regional community and economy. “Acadia Parish is my home and I’m looking forward to continuing to advance it, only from a different vantage point,” Duhon says. “Acadiana, as a region, is on the cusp of tremendous growth and opportunity. It’s exciting to work alongside talented colleagues from all nine parishes to reach those goals.”
Acadia Parish Chamber Chairman Michael Doughty comments, “While we are sad to see Megan leave, we celebrate her accomplishments and wish her the best as she joins Troy Wayman’s elite team of talented individuals at One Acadiana. The Acadia Parish Chamber has been and will continue to be an organization that invests in and develops its people.” Doughty continues, “As the board and I work to secure a successor that will be building off the works of Megan, the parish can rest assured that our stakeholders’ needs will not go unaddressed as we transition into the next era of our organization. Businesses are growing and new businesses are coming. We have exciting days to come here in Acadia Parish!” The chamber’s Chairman and Board of Directors are actively engaged in the search for a successor to build upon the foundation laid by Duhon and previous leadership. For more information on the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, visit www.acadiaparishchamber.org.
