DDA + DLU Staff
We work every day to help Downtown grow and thrive.
Downtown Lafayette consists of two organizations, the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Development Unlimited who work together to preserve and enhance Downtown Lafayette’s place as the heart of Acadiana. Together they provide resources for businesses, developers, and community members to keep Downtown thriving and successful.
Meet The Team at Downtown Lafayette
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As the leader of DDA and DLU, Anita works with Downtown stakeholders, developers, government representatives, and community leaders to create a stronger and more dynamic Downtown for Lafayette. Before joining Downtown Lafayette, Anita worked as the Senior Vice President of Communications and Governmental Affairs with One Acadiana, and she has been actively involved in Lafayette leadership organizations like Leadership Institute of Acadiana and the 705. She currently serves as a board member of South Louisiana Community College Foundation and CASA of SoLA. Anita understands the regional importance of a vibrant urban core and she works to provide a strategic vision for leaders in Lafayette to utilize and grow Downtown as a flagship district for culture and commerce in Acadiana.
Fun fact: Anita is originally from Church Point, Louisiana and has lived her entire life within a 20 mile radius of the heart of our city. As Herman Fuselier likes to say, “It takes a girl from Church Point to run Downtown Lafayette!”
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Rachel’s role at DDA is to facilitate Downtown real estate development and investment and serve as a liaison for private industry with Lafayette City-Parish government. Her background in architecture, experience with development codes, and involvement in development at all stages—from planning to construction—gives her a unique perspective when working with strategic partners. Rachel also serves on the board of directors for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity and is actively involved in both One Acadiana’s Urban Revitalization and Development Committee and the Acadiana Housing Alliance.
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Amy is responsible for managing office services, board minutes, financial statements, and accounting records. In addition to her accounting duties, Amy provides administrative support to the CEO. Outside of the office, Amy spends her time attending festivals, visiting museums, and enjoying our area’s great cuisine.
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As the Events and Marketing Manager, Janie is responsible for driving public awareness of Downtown Lafayette and DLU as well as creating engagement through its events and programs.
Janie most recently served as the Program Director of Crowley Main Street. During her tenure, Janie brought new life and energy to existing events, created new events and initiatives to strengthen Crowley Main Street’s program of work, grew Crowley Main Street’s digital presence through social media and email marketing campaigns, and increased revenue for their organization. Janie is a third-generation alumna of McNeese State University and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Fun fact about Janie:
She was a member of the McNeese women’s golf team and still actively competes in Louisiana Golf Association events.
