Baton Rouge, LA (Oct. 2, 2023) – The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. (C100) is pleased to announce the selection of Adam Knapp as its new Chief Executive Officer. Knapp has served as President and CEO of the Capital Region’s economic development organization, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), since 2008 and was selected for his new role following an extensive nationwide search. “The vision and energy Adam will bring to C100, coupled with his proven track record of advancing business and industry growth, is exciting for our organization and Louisiana, as a whole,” said C100 Executive Committee Chair Wayne Brown, Founder and Senior Vice President of Brown Builders, Inc. of Bossier City.

“We are fortunate to have had such a committed and experienced leader in retiring CEO Michael Olivier to guide C100 for the past 14 years. I know that we will be well-positioned under Adam’s leadership to continue to drive positive change that will improve the economy and quality of life for all Louisianans.”

“I am honored to have been selected for this important role, and to have an opportunity to serve a statewide mission. I have been impressed with the ambition of the C100 Board to move Louisiana forward at this crucial time for our state. I appreciate the confidence they have placed in me to represent the state’s top leaders in business and academia to accomplish their goals. I intend to hit the ground running on day one.” said Knapp.

Founded in 1992, C100 is the state’s business roundtable, serving as a catalyst for positive change in government, education and the economy to improve the quality of life for all people in Louisiana. Its membership includes senior executives of leading public and private companies, as well as university presidents from across the state. In addition to business and industry growth, C100 engages its membership in influencing state public policy issues from early childhood and higher education funding to infrastructure improvement and broadband expansion, as well as new challenges and opportunities as they arise. C100 is a respected business voice to which government, policy and media leaders turn for reliable nonpartisan policy guidance, providing access to some of the state’s leading critical thinkers in business and academia.

Prior to his tenure at BRAC, Knapp developed an extensive background in private sector and economic development leadership. From an early career at the consulting firm, Accenture, he worked as Economic Development Policy Advisor to two governors, at Louisiana Economic Development, and for the post-Katrina/Rita Louisiana Recovery Authority as its deputy director. He has gained extensive experience in economic development work as well as major state policy reforms, such as education, tax and incentives, transportation, and workforce issues.

As part of its program of work, C100 will hold its annual meeting in December in Baton Rouge, as well as its annual Washington Briefing in conjunction with Washington Mardi Gras in January 2024.

With the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), C100 is pushing to implement its RESET Louisiana agenda, a platform that outlines the state’s structural and economic challenges and the improvements needed to solve them. During this statewide election cycle, this agenda is intended to educate candidates and elected officials about the paths forward for Louisiana.

Knapp will officially begin his new role with the Committee of 100 on November 1.