Alumni Spotlight: Staci Albritton Mitchell

Staci Albritton Mitchell, Agricultural Business

Education

B.S. in Agricultural Business, 1990

Current Position

Mayor, City of West Monroe

About:

I have lived in West Monroe, LA for most of my life. I did spend a few years in Baton Rouge while in college and after until deciding to go into business with my parents in West Monroe. My brothers and I were very active in 4-H in all sorts of projects and showed market lambs. Northeast LA is a huge agricultural area with timber, cotton, soybeans, corn and rice. I choose LSU because I spent a good bit of time there while in high school participating in 4-H Short Course, Junior Leaders, and Girls' State. I loved it! I started college majoring in Business. After a year, I changed to Ag Economics because I was more interested in the commodities and agriculture-related business. After college, I choose not to move away to DC or Chicago but became a small business owner with my parents. I have always been active in my community and civic organizations. When my two kids (both LSU graduates) were in high school, I decided to get into City government and was appointed an alderman in 2011. I ran for Mayor in 2018 and have now served just over 2 years. I am married to Jay Mitchell who is an Assistant District Attorney. We have 4 children (all LSU graduates) and 4 grandchildren (future tigers).

Job Responsibilities:

The Mayor is the top elected official serves as the CEO and head of the executive branch of the City's government. Not only does the Mayor manage the daily business of the City and its 300 employees, but I also lead the City with a vision for future growth and sustainability. This includes ensuring the City has good infrastructure (streets, water, sewer), public safety, quality services and economic development. West Monroe is focused on community-based economic development which means making our community a place people want to live and do business through providing basic needs, amenities and quality of life projects. I oversee the City's budget, apply for grants and other funding opportunities, work with City Engineer on projects, work with the City Attorney daily, and work with departments heads all while representing and serving the City of West Monroe's citizens. Hiring professional and experienced department heads is one of the most important aspects of my position. Before being elected Mayor, I was a small business owner of a professional photography studio and school portrait division for 27 years. Those years of business experience and working with the public helped prepare me for public office.

Favorite LSU Memory:

Graduating in Tiger Stadium with my two best friends I made in college sitting on each side of me. President Ronald Reagan was the guest speaker. It was a really cool day.

What advice do you have for current and prospective LSU Agriculture students?

Other than study and make good choices, take opportunities as they are offered. Have an open mind and make new friends and contacts. Get outside your comfort zone and broaden your horizons. Learn and experience all you can. Your degree and college experiences will be invaluable to you regardless of your career field.

Awards and Honors

Chairman of the Board for the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, West Monroe High School Distinguished Alumni, Ouachita Leadership Charlie Mac Award for Kindness and Caring = Success, Louisiana Municipal Association Community Achievement Award, Louisiana Municipal Association Outstanding Community Improvement in Economic Development, Louisiana State University Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Alumni Association Outstanding Alumnus Award. I am a Leadership Louisiana 2012 graduate and a Delta Leadership Institute 2019 graduate.