Turner Industries Chairman Emeritus Roland Toups, Port Fourchon’s Chett Chiasson, Meta, Entergy, Danos were among the top names in Louisiana’s energy industry honored Wednesday night at the inaugural Louisiana Energy Awards, presented by 10/12 Industry Report.
The event, held at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge on Nov. 5, brought together hundreds of executives, policymakers and innovators to celebrate the people and projects shaping the state’s energy future.
Developed to recognize leadership and innovation across Louisiana’s traditional and emerging energy sectors, the Louisiana Energy Awards highlight those driving growth, advancing sustainability and strengthening the state’s position as a global energy leader.
Finalists and honorees were selected by an independent panel of industry judges following a rigorous nomination process, and awards were presented by Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.
Awards were presented in seven major categories:
- Emerging Energy Leader: GodeGig founder and CEO Kellen Francis, whose company helps industrial clients reduce emissions and improve performance using advanced analytics and real-time monitoring.
- Executive of the Year: Chett Chiasson’s “all-things-energy” vision for Port Fourchon includes LNG, offshore wind, coastal protection, and deepwater capacity—positioning it at the center of both traditional and emerging sectors and ensuring it remains a national energy linchpin.
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Large Company of the Year: Entergy Louisiana is partnering on projects that bring jobs and investment to parishes statewide, and was a key player in recruiting Meta to Louisiana. The company is also modernizing generation, hardening the grid, and advancing renewables.
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Small/Midsized Company of the Year: Placid Refining, a key supplier of transportation fuels and jet fuel for the U.S. Department of Defense that has invested roughly $650M in expansions and modernizations— doubling capacity and diversifying product capabilities.
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Deal of the Year: Meta’s $10 billion AI data center is turning Richland Parish into a digital engine—creating 500+ direct and 1,000+ indirect jobs, with about 5,000 at peak construction. The 2,250-acre mega site will spur new activity across the region, as Meta prioritizes local labor and partners with schools to strengthen STEAM education. This project has the potential to transform one of the nation’s most challenged regions into a long-term technology hub.
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Legacy Award: Longtime chairman and CEO of Turner Industries Roland Toups was honored for his decades of ethical leadership, workforce development advocacy and community service. Under his leadership, Turner grew from 100 employees to 20,000 and $3 billion in annual revenue, while helping launch LSU’s construction management program and serving on numerous statewide boards. Toups continues to inspire the next generation of industry leaders with his faith-driven commitment to people and purpose.
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Community Impact Award: The Danos Foundation was recognized for cultivating a powerful culture of giving within the Gray-based oilfield services company. Founded in 2017, the Foundation has distributed more than $1.4 million to nonprofits focused on family support, sustainability and hunger relief. Every employee contribution is matched by the company and supported by outcome-based grants. As part of the Community Impact Award recognition, the foundation received a $10,000 contribution.
“These honorees represent the best of Louisiana energy—visionary leaders and organizations who are innovating, investing and ensuring this industry continues to thrive for generations,” said Julio Melara, publisher of 10/12 Industry Report and chairman of parent company Melara Enterprises. “Their work reflects the strength, adaptability and long-term significance of the energy sector in our state.”
See photos, video and full coverage of the 2025 Louisiana Energy Awards.
