News Summary
Former Shreveport mayor Cedric Glover has been appointed as the new executive director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The board’s unanimous decision came after a comprehensive nine-month national search. Glover aims to rejuvenate downtown Shreveport by focusing on business retention, revitalization, and enhancing the area’s cultural scene. His wealth of experience in local politics positions him well to tackle challenges ahead. The DDA is optimistic about Glover’s leadership, anticipating community engagement and development in the near future.
Cedric Glover Takes the Helm as Executive Director of Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority
Shreveport, get ready for some exciting changes as former mayor Cedric Glover has officially been appointed as the new executive director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The big decision was made during a DDA meeting held on September 13, where board members voted unanimously to bring Glover into this pivotal role. With a rich background in local politics and community development, there’s a buzz in the air about what he might accomplish!
A Thorough Search for Leadership
The board’s decision followed a thorough nine-month national search that attracted a diverse pool of 20 candidates. While many were eager to step into this important position, Cedric Glover stood out among the contenders. Initially, the search resulted in 14 local applicants, showing the community’s interest in enhancing downtown Shreveport.
A Wealth of Experience
Cedric Glover’s resume speaks for itself. He served on the Shreveport City Council from 1990 to 1996 and continued to make his mark in Louisiana politics as a legislator until 2006. Most notably, he was the mayor of Shreveport from 2006 to 2014, where he developed a deep understanding of the city and its needs. This extensive background equips him perfectly to tackle the challenges that lie ahead for the DDA.
Looking Ahead
As Glover prepares to step into his new role, the DDA is waiting to finalize an employment contract with him. After this agreement is settled, they will be able to discuss his official start date. In the meantime, the board remains optimistic and is looking forward to Glover’s leadership to rejuvenate downtown Shreveport.
Community and Business Focus
Glover has shared his vision for downtown Shreveport, emphasizing the need for the area to remain vibrant and engaging. His focus will center on retaining and revitalizing existing businesses, ensuring that they thrive and contribute to the local economy. The downtown area is not just about commerce; it’s also about culture and creativity, and Glover sees potential growth in Shreveport’s film and entertainment industry. This presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate Shreveport’s profile and attract attention from outside the region.
Continuity and Transition
This is a significant moment for the DDA, especially since the executive director position has been vacant since January when former director Liz Swaine resigned. In her absence, Deputy Director Janie Landry has been providing interim leadership, guiding the DDA through this transitional phase while the search for a new leader unfolded.
Engaging with the Public
Mark your calendars for September 25! The DDA is hosting its next board meeting, where public comments will be welcomed. This is a great opportunity for members of the community to share their thoughts and contribute to shaping the vision for downtown Shreveport under Glover’s direction. With an engaged public and strong leadership, there’s a lot to look forward to in the revitalization of this essential part of the city.
Conclusion
With Cedric Glover stepping in as the executive director, there’s hope for a renewed sense of energy in downtown Shreveport. His past experiences as a public servant, combined with his commitment to fostering local businesses and culture, paint an exciting picture of what’s to come. Stay tuned, Shreveport, because this downtown development effort promises a bright future for us all!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cedric Glover Appointed Executive Director of Downtown Development Authority in Shreveport
Shreveport Appoints Former Mayor Cedric Glover as New Executive Director of Downtown Development Authority
Shreveport Downtown Development Authority Nears Completion of Executive Director Search with Two Finalists Remaining
Shreveport DDA Narrows Down Executive Director Search to Final Two Candidates
DDA Enlists Outside Agency to Find New Executive Director, Aims for Candidate Diversity and Downtown Development Expertise
Shreveport DDA Elects Hiring Agency for Executive Director Search, Discloses Four Local Candidates
Additional Resources
- KSLA: Cedric Glover Selected as New Downtown Development Authority Executive Director
- Wikipedia: Cedric Glover
- Shreveport Times: Glover Outlines Plans for Downtown Shreveport
- Google Search: Cedric Glover Shreveport
- KTBS: DDA Selects New Executive Director
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cedric Glover
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: DDA Executive Director Cedric Glover
- Google News: Cedric Glover DDA
- The Center Square: Glover’s Appointment as DDA Director
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
