Henry moved to Lafayette in 1997, knowing only a couple of people here…and they were relatives.  He immediately got involved with the Kiwanis of Acadiana and the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and began attending events like the LEDA Networking Luncheon. Henry soon found himself chairing the chamber’s Diplomat Committee and serving as Kiwanis president. He figured Lafayette was either a very welcoming place, or the locals were tired of doing all the work. Either way, Henry soon experienced the Lafayette syndrome – that’s when people move to Lafayette, fall in love with the people and the town, gain 20 pounds (or more) and refuse to leave.

Henry’s role as LITE’s chief executive officer finds him doing a little bit of everything: working with the staff, hosting clients and prospects, dealing with legislative/budget issues and giving presentations about LITE to various civic groups and local media. Before coming to LITE, Henry spent seven years at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), bringing new companies to town and helping existing ones grow. 

At work and at home, Henry tries to do too many things at once.  The list of organizations he has been involved with is a long one – Oil Center Renaissance Association, Career Connections, Festival International, March of Dimes, the Arthritis Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, South Louisiana Community College, Junior Achievement, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, Lafayette City/Parish Civil Service Board and Acadiana Outreach Center. He’s one of the founders of TechSouth and the 705, a new organization for Acadiana’s emerging leaders. He was named Diplomat of the Year by the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce in 1998, Jaycee Young Man of the Year in 2001, Kiwanian of the Year in 2002-03 and the Times of Acadiana’s Faces to Watch in 2003. Henry was also recognized with the Chase’s 20 Under 40 Award in 2005 and is a member of Leadership Lafayette Class XVI. 

Henry is married to Kimberly and has two daughters - Caroline and Emily.  He attended LSU, is a Management grad from NLU, and is pursuing his MBA at ULL. Henry also recently graduated from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. So he’s a Tiger, Warhawk, Ragin’ Cajun and Sooner. He’s a twin.  Et il parle francais.