Leah Long has been named NFIB’s state director for Louisiana and Mississippi. She succeeds Dawn McVea, who currently serves as Regional State Director overseeing six states in the South and Midwest.

“We’re thrilled to have Leah join the organization,” McVea said. “She has demonstrated her understanding of the challenges facing Main Street businesses, and we know she’ll be a strong advocate for our members in Louisiana and Mississippi.”

Long most recently served as southeast regional director and coalitions director for U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana. There she worked closely with elected officials and constituents, many of whom were small business owners. Before moving to Louisiana, she worked as government relations and membership director of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. Long holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arkansas Tech University. As NFIB’s state director for Louisiana and Mississippi, she will divide her time between Baton Rouge and Jackson.

“I’m proud to become a part of NFIB,” Long said. “Small business is the heart and soul of our economy, and I look forward to promoting and protecting our members’ right to own, operate, and grow their businesses.”