BUSINESSFIRST

BY ASHLEY GORDON

Jude Melville brings a strategic mind to his new leadership role

LABI’S NEW CHAIRMAN of the Board of Directors brings quite a cache of experience to the table. Although, with a quick glance at the unassuming Jude Melville, one does not conjure up images of wartime intelligence. One would be wrong. This Bossier Parish native went to Harvard University on a military scholarship; he received a master’s degree from the London School of Economics which he attended as a Rotarian International Ambassadorial Scholar; and he worked at the Pentagon and spent years as an officer in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain, serving at various times in Turkey, Oman, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He returned to Louisiana at the urging of his uncle, former Gov. Buddy

Roemer, to help launch Business First Bank, a community bank in Baton Rouge that would support entrepreneurs and small community businesses. Today, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of the thriving b1BANK, which changed its name but kept its commitment to excellence and its entrepreneurial spirit for growth. Based in Baton Rouge, b1BANK has grown to become the largest bank by deposits headquartered in Louisiana.

“Many people don’t realize that opening a bank is an entrepreneurial journey just like opening other businesses,” says Melville. “Many of my role models have been business leaders.”

Melville becomes chairman of LABI’s Board of Directors during a pivotal election year coupled with an ambitious, strategic effort by LABI to create an informed road map for the state through the year 2030. In a nutshell, 2023 at LABI will not be a snoozer. But Melville is ready for the challenge and willing to step up in any way needed.

“I’ve always been aware of and respectful of what LABI means to the state and to all individuals involved,” says Melville, who has been a member for nine years. “I’m very excited about this year. The state needs a vision and a plan to achieve that vision and LA23 will produce that. I’m also excited to spread the word that small businesses are important, and LABI makes a difference.”

Melville has been married to Amy Moore Melville for 17 years and the duo has two teenage daughters. When it comes to considering a work/life balance, Melville contends that life is a series of tradeoffs and a long-term vision is imperative to keep you healthy minded at home and in the office.

“I’m a better dad because I’m a boss,” says Melville. “And I’m a better boss because I’m a dad.”

As far as leadership abilities go, LABI couldn’t have found a more insightful member to bring to the table during this pivotal year for Louisiana. 