The Port of South Louisiana announced Thursday that Julia Fisher-Cormier has been selected as its next executive director following a national search and a unanimous vote by the board of commissioners.
Fisher-Cormier returns to the port after serving in the administration of Gov. Jeff Landry, R.-La., as deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
“As a lifelong resident of the River Parishes, returning to the Port of South Louisiana as its leader is both an honor and a responsibility that I embrace,” Fisher-Cormier said. “My passion for public service has deepened my commitment to build a more resilient and competitive infrastructure and logistics network that has historically been the backbone of our region. I look forward to working with our industry partners, key stakeholders, and communities to increase cargo, jobs, and investment across America’s most vital corridor.”
Port of South Louisiana Commission Chairman Joey Murray said the board unanimously supported the appointment.
“Julia combines deep transportation experience with proven statewide leadership,” Murray said. “After a thorough national search, the Commission proudly voted unanimously to appoint a River Parish native as executive director. We are confident she will accelerate the port’s strategic priorities and strengthen our position as an economic engine for Louisiana and America.”
Fisher-Cormier previously served as chief commercial officer at the Port of South Louisiana before joining the Landry administration. At DOTD, she was appointed deputy secretary in August 2025 and led the Office of Transformation, overseeing initiatives to modernize operations, improve fiscal efficiency, and reduce administrative barriers. She previously served as commissioner of the Office of Multimodal Commerce, overseeing funding programs for ports, waterways, rail, aviation, and trucking.
During her tenure in state government, her office managed more than $120 million in port and aviation infrastructure funding, advanced state-funded passenger rail routes, and secured a federal planning grant for Louisiana’s 32 active ports. She also serves as chairman of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission and sits on the Louisiana Board of International Commerce.
At the Port of South Louisiana, Fisher-Cormier’s earlier tenure included launching more than $1 billion in new foreign direct investment, retaining and expanding anchor tenants, revitalizing the Globalplex Intermodal Facility, and reversing a decade-long decline in tonnage with consecutive years of growth.
A third-generation resident of St. Charles Parish, Fisher-Cormier served as councilwoman for District VII from 2012 to 2024 and held leadership roles with regional and national organizations. She is a graduate of Hahnville High School and the University of New Orleans and is a lifelong resident of Luling.
Founded in 1960, the Port of South Louisiana is a 54-mile port district along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, encompassing St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James parishes. It is the largest port in Louisiana and ranks second in the Western Hemisphere, serving as the nation’s top grain exporter and second-largest U.S. energy transfer port.
