Lori Melançon

Chief Operating Officer + VP of Marketing

As the chief operating officer and vice president of marketing, Lori drives growth by implementing strategic priorities and leading the firm’s marketing efforts.

Lori brings two decades of experience as one of the top place marketing leaders in the nation. She has been repeatedly recognized for the creativity, strategic approach, and passion she brings to every project. Before joining GLS, Lori led economic development marketing efforts at Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Louisiana Economic Development (LED), and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). During her tenure at VEDP, she modernized the VEDP and Virginia brands, managed all components of the organization’s marketing and communications program, and had a pivotal role in crafting the winning bid for Amazon’s HQ2. Lori has also worked for two advertising agencies, managing relationships with economic development and private-sector clients.

She is a recipient of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s 40 Under 40 Award and the Arden O. French Award for Leadership. Her work has been recognized by several organizations including multiple ADDYs, two Stevie Awards, a Telly Award, and a Best In Show from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). 

Lori holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a master’s in occupational technology from the University of Houston. In her free time, Lori enjoys traveling and cheering for the LSU Tigers with her husband David and dog “Mardi Gras” Mambo.