Former Stetson official Lou Paris to head Volusia's Economic Development Division
Volusia County has a new Economic Development Division leader tasked in part with bringing businesses to the community and helping existing ones flourish.
Lou Paris, of Port Orange, formally got the job this week upon approval by the County Council.
Paris is coming to the county from his role as operations director for an investment consultancy firm in Miami called GloboFran, which specializes in attracting "international investors through construction development ventures in Florida," according to his resume.
He began his work there in 2023 and was responsible for bringing in new investors and fostering relationships.
Paris has over 15 years of experience in business and economic development. He was the business development and marketing manager for CareerSource Flagler Volusia, according to the county. He worked for Stetson University in the Prince Entrepreneurship Program from 2009 to 2023, including serving as director.
“I’m deeply impressed with Lou’s professional experience and accomplishments leading business and economic development activities in Florida,” County Manager George Recktenwald said. “He brings strong talent and determination to our many economic development endeavors, which are some of the most robust in the state.”
Paris won the Volusia County Business Incubator’s Ambassador of the Year Award in 2021 "for his commitment to the creation and growth of new business ventures," according to the county. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Stetson University.
The previous economic development director, Helga van Eckert, left Volusia County in 2023 to work for the health supplements firm Vidya Herbs.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County chooses new economic development leader
