Lou Paris Named Economic Development Director

The Volusia County Council gave seven thumbs up to Lou Paris during its February 20 meeting, approving him as the county’s new director of economic development.

“I’m deeply impressed with Lou’s professional experience and accomplishments leading business and economic development activities in Florida,” County Manager George Recktenwald told County Council members. “He brings strong talent and determination to our many economic development endeavors, which are some of the most robust in the state.”

Paris will be responsible for the daily operation of the county’s Economic Development Division, which attracts new businesses, expands existing businesses, and helps them get to market as quickly as possible.

He brings more than 15 years of experience in the business and economic development fields. He began his career as sales and marketing director for a multinational softwood sawmill in Germany, then returned to the United States to serve as business development and marketing manager for CareerSource Flagler Volusia. He then worked for Stetson University’s Prince Entrepreneurship Program from 2009 to 2023, serving as assistant director, adjunct professor, and director. Most recently, he was operations director for GloboFran, an investment consultancy firm in Miami.

In 2021, Paris received the Volusia County Business Incubator’s Ambassador of the Year Award for his commitment to the creation and growth of new business ventures. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Stetson University.

Learn more about the Volusia County Economic Development Division at https://floridabusiness.org.