Downtown Lunch & Learn: A Conversation with Louisiana Downtown Leaders

Join Downtown Lafayette Unlimited for our first Lunch & Learn of 2024 presented by Catalyst Bank with support from The Evangeline Bank & Trust Company. Davon Barbour, CEO of the New Orleans Downtown Development District and Whitney Hoffman Sayal, Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District, will join a conversation with downtown business owner and Downtown Development Authority Board Member, Marie Centanni, on the importance of Downtown organizations and their contributions to their cities and regions. Together, these three leaders will discuss triumphs, challenges, best practices, and lessons learned in their respective roles.

As Executive Director for the Downtown Development District (DDD), Whitney Hoffman Sayal is responsible for carrying out the mission to initiate, incubate, and support partnerships that develop and enhance Downtown Baton Rouge. Hoffman Sayal previously worked over eight years for the DDD as Development Project Director, assisting her predecessor Davis Rhorer to further the vision outlined for Downtown Baton Rouge in various Downtown Master Plan documents. Hoffman Sayal has planning experience and knowledge of community and urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture systems.

Barbour is an enthusiastic urban advocate, possessing more than twenty years of progressive leadership in inclusive economic and community development. He has worked for the private sector, public sector, and non-profit organizations revitalizing urban communities across the nation including Baltimore, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles. Davon led the Community & Economic Development Division of the Los Angeles County Development Authority where he oversaw the county’s redevelopment initiatives, revolving loan portfolio, construction administration, and the nation’s largest urban county district Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. He played a lead role in developing and administering more than $150M in COVID-19 economic recovery programs such as business microgrants, loans and childcare.

This event is scheduled from 11:30am-1:00pm to provide adequate time for networking and dining.

We look forward to seeing you!

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Catalyst Bank, Presenting Sponsor

The Evangeline Bank & Trust Company, Supporting Sponsor

The Jefferson, Our Host Sponsor

Tickets are $25 and will cover the cost of lunch. Seating is limited to the first 70 registrants.