North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) recently welcomed two new members to its team, Phillip Summers as Director of Workforce Initiatives and Tory McCoy as Economic Development Specialist. In their new roles, Summers and McCoy will work across different areas of NLEP’s economic development efforts, from helping employers address workforce needs to supporting business recruitment and expansion projects through research, data and project assistance. The addition comes at a time of continued growth and investment across North Louisiana and an increasing need to connect businesses with the resources, workforce and information they need to grow in the region.
“As economic development activity continues to grow across North Louisiana, it is important that our team has the expertise and capacity to meet the needs of the businesses and communities we serve,” said Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “Phillip and Tory each bring a valuable skill set and a strong understanding of our region. Their contributions will strengthen our workforce and economic development efforts as we continue working to attract new investment and support the growth of existing businesses.”
Phillip Summers, Director of Workforce Initiatives
As Director of Workforce Initiatives, Summers will lead efforts to connect North Louisiana employers with workforce resources, training programs and education partners to address current and future talent needs. His role will include working closely with industry and regional partners to identify workforce challenges and strengthen the connections between employers, education and training providers.
A Shreveport native, Summers brings experience in business operations, education, workforce development and healthcare administration. Prior to joining NLEP, he served as Chief Operating Officer for BISHOP, a Shreveport-based custom fabricated durable medical equipment company. He previously served as Clinic Administrator for The Neurology & Sleep Clinic and Academic Services Director at Ayers Career College.
Summers also spent several years as a teacher in Caddo Parish, an experience that helped shape his interest in connecting young people with education and career opportunities. He is particularly passionate about helping students better understand the career paths and opportunities available to them in North Louisiana.
Summers earned his Master of Business Administration from Centenary College of Louisiana and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He and his wife are raising their family in Shreveport.
Tory McCoy, Economic Development Specialist
As Economic Development Specialist, McCoy will support NLEP’s economic development efforts through research, data analysis, business support and project assistance. His work will help provide the economic intelligence and research needed to support business recruitment, expansion and regional competitiveness efforts.
Prior to joining NLEP, McCoy served as a Research Assistant with LSU Shreveport’s Center for Business and Economic Research, where he supported research on regional economic conditions and trends, economic data analysis and the development of economic intelligence tools.
McCoy has also conducted independent research focused on regional economic development, public finance, capital formation and workforce participation, presenting his findings to community leaders and stakeholders throughout the Shreveport-Caddo region. His background also includes experience in entrepreneurship, logistics, property management and real estate.
He currently serves as Louisiana State Liaison for Sister Cities International and previously founded the LSUS Economic Think Tank, a student organization focused on economic analysis, public policy and community development. McCoy earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration with a concentration in International Business from Louisiana State University Shreveport. He also holds a Certificate of Technical Studies and Technical Diploma in Network Administration from Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.
The addition of Summers and McCoy comes as NLEP continues to expand its work supporting business attraction, existing industry, workforce development and economic development initiatives throughout its 11-parish service region.