DDA + DLU Staff

We work every day to help Downtown grow and thrive.

Downtown Lafayette consists of two organizations, the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Development Unlimited who work together to preserve and enhance Downtown Lafayette’s place as the heart of Acadiana. Together they provide resources for businesses, developers, and community members to keep Downtown thriving and successful.

Meet The Team at Downtown Lafayette

Kevin Blanchard

Kevin Blanchard

CEO

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited and Downtown Development Authority 

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Jessica Hauerwas

Jessica Hauerwas

Executive Director

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

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Jessica’s role at Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is to oversee DLU’s day-to-day operations and implement DLU’s mission, vision and strategic plan to promote downtown as an economic driver, cultural epicenter and key element of the region’s quality of life. She also serves in fundraising strategy, nurtures relationships in the organization’s 200 members along with its donors, partners and broader community.

Jessica is a results-driven professional who uses creativity and strategy to accomplish the DLU mission. She is passionate about creating spaces and programming for all walks of life so that Downtown can be enjoyed by all. 

Prior to her role at DLU, Jessica served on the DLU Board of Directors for three years. In her professional career, Jessica has worked in management, marketing, and operations roles. She is a current member of the Lafayette Re-entry Coalition and is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette class XXXII. 

Rachel Holland

Rachel Holland

Director of Development & Planning

Downtown Development Authority

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Rachel’s role at DDA is to facilitate Downtown real estate development and investment and serve as a liaison for private industry with Lafayette City-Parish government. Her background in architecture, experience with development codes, and involvement in development at all stages—from planning to construction—gives her a unique perspective when working with strategic partners. Rachel also serves on the board of directors for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity and is actively involved in both One Acadiana’s Urban Revitalization and Development Committee and the Acadiana Housing Alliance.

Anna-Laura Edmiston

Anna-Laura Edmiston

Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

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Anna-Laura’s role as Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing for Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is to lead all aspects of the DLU marketing and communications efforts as well as develop and execute strategies that will continue to promote awareness and interest in Downtown Lafayette. Anna-Laura is a member of Designing Women of Acadiana.  She is also a member of the local women’s organization, Women of Wisdom, a non-profit focused on embracing, enlightening, and empowering women in Acadiana and collaborating with partners to create positive changes and improve quality of life for all. “Downtown Lafayette is the heart of our beautiful city. Its health and vibrancy create a ripple effect across the community.  The excitement and energy buzzing within the downtown area is contagious and I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be a part of it,” says Edmiston. Anna-Laura is passionate about applying her knowledge and experiences in ways that will contribute to the development and promotion of the City of Lafayette.

Amy Trahan

Amy Trahan

Director of Finance and Administration

Downtown Development Authority

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Amy is responsible for managing office services, board minutes, financial statements, and accounting records.  In addition to her accounting duties, Amy provides administrative support to the CEO.  Outside of the office, Amy spends her time attending festivals, visiting museums, and enjoying our area’s great cuisine.

Gabrielle Keaton

Gabrielle Keaton

Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

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As DLU’s Digital and Social Media Manager, Gabrielle’s role is to create engaging content, manage Downtown Lafayette’s social media platforms, develop marketing strategies and campaigns, and continue building the Downtown Lafayette digital audience while promoting the district’s assets.

Gabrielle has experience in several marketing genres, including product promotions, service advertisements, revitalization campaigns, and captivating storytelling with social media marketing being her bread and butter. She is motivated by others’ creativity and strives to think outside the box in hopes that others are inspired by the content she creates. “There is something special about helping others find their voice. It’s the most rewarding part about what I get to do. Having the opportunity to amplify the voices of Downtown Lafayette is both a thrill and an honor. In a world of heavy social media saturation, our downtown district stands alone in its cultural and experiential uniqueness,” says Gabrielle. 

Paige Miller

Paige Miller

Senior Events Coordinator

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

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As DLU’s Senior Events Coordinator, Paige’s role is to bring Downtown Lafayette events to life. She is responsible for planning and producing your favorite events like Downtown Alive!, our Rooftop Crawfish Boil, Lunch & Learns, DLU Member Meetups, and more. She manages logistics, recruits and oversees event volunteers, and creates new and exciting events to bring to Downtown. 

 

Paige has experience in several event planning markets – from University Presidents to Girl Scouts, she loves it all! Paige earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Orleans. She’s motivated by creating unforgettable experiences, improving her community, and crossing things off her to-do lists. With a commitment to excellence and a talent for turning visions into reality, Paige is dedicated to making every aspect of Downtown life an extraordinary affair.

Emily Bruno

Emily Bruno

Graphic Designer

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

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Emily is an accomplished graphic designer, artist, and versatile creative with over five years of experience in the industry. As DLU’s skilled graphic designer, Emily is responsible for creating visually stunning graphics, ranging from small-scale social media content to large event posters. With her innate passion for creativity and design, Emily strives to elevate the look and feel of DLU through her stunning imagery and impeccable aesthetic sensibilities.

Having spent the first five years of her career as a successful freelancer, Emily decided to become more involved with her local community. Her deep love for Louisiana’s unique culture, close-knit community, and fantastic food has inspired her to contribute her expertise to Downtown Lafayette, a place that exemplifies everything she adores about the state.

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