Leading through expansion and change requires decisions that strengthen today’s operations while creating room for tomorrow’s growth. This year’s finalists are guiding major manufacturing investments, advancing offshore energy leadership and expanding services through acquisitions, with an emphasis on safety, people and Louisiana’s future.
Danny Cedotal
Vice President of Manufacturing, Shintech Inc.
Since joining Shintech in 2013, Danny Cedotal has guided the company through numerous expansions and investments, including a $3.4 million investment announced in March that seeks to bolster the plant’s capabilities.
The new investment builds on Shintech’s 25-year track record of continued growth in Louisiana, including seven major projects totaling $9 billion that have created 725 direct jobs and 940 nested contractor jobs.
Also in March, Shintech celebrated its 25th anniversary in Louisiana. Today, the facility is recognized as the gold standard across Shintech operations—leading in safety, quality, reliability and environmental performance, including more than 15 years without a recordable injury.
Today, Cedotal guides nearly 1,000 direct employees and nested contractors across operations in both Louisiana and Texas. He is also community minded, having served as chairman of the Louisiana Chemistry Association Board from 2024-2025. He also volunteers his time with organizations such as St. John Church, Al Hambra and The Arc of Iberville.
Shintech’s integrated manufacturing facilities produce polyvinyl chloride products, including the company’s manufacturing facilities operations, maintenance, environmental health and safety, and materials handling. The company’s Louisiana operations have supported more than 3,000 regional indirect jobs and thousands of construction jobs.
Paul Danos
Owner and CEO, Danos
As CEO of Danos, Paul Danos provides enterprise leadership for the company’s operations with a focus on strategy development and long-term growth.
In recent months, Danos has guided the company through significant milestones, overseeing major acquisitions to expand Danos’ capabilities.
In March 2024, Danos Group acquired Performance Energy Services, enhancing its project services portfolio and creating more growth opportunities for employees. Then, in February 2025, the company acquired the assets of X-Pro Valve and Surplus Valve Warehouse, further strengthening its valve and wellhead services for industrial and energy clients.
In June 2025, Danos announced the successful acquisition of Wood’s U.S. onshore labor supply operations, marking its seventh acquisition since 2014 and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy by expanding service capabilities, investing in its people and strengthening support for customers nationwide.
Danos currently serves on the executive committee and is past chairman of the board of the National Oceanic Industries Association, is a member of the Committee of 100 for Leaders for a Better LA, recently served as president and board member of the South Central Industrial Association, is a graduate of the Council for a Better Louisiana Leadership Louisiana program and is a member of the Tugboat Institute.
He has also spoken before Congress on behalf of the energy industry and written influential opinion pieces on the offshore energy industry’s prominence in both the U.S. and world energy economy.
Danos is a champion of community and environmental stewardship. The company has supported 234 nonprofits through the Danos Foundation and actively participated in coastal restoration projects, including the construction of artificial reefs, pipeline preservation and living shorelines—all vital to protecting Louisiana’s fragile coast.
Colette Hirstius
President, Shell USA
Executive Vice President, Shell Gulf of America
In her role as president of Shell USA Inc., Colette Hirstius leads the strategic integration and governance of Shell’s diverse U.S. businesses and represents the company in key energy policy and societal discussions. She is responsible for aligning Shell’s U.S. operations with its global strategy, overseeing a portfolio that spans the entire energy value chain, from exploration and production to trading to manufacturing, marketing and power distribution.
As executive vice president of the Gulf of America, Hirstius oversees Shell’s offshore operations in the region, including 10 production hubs and a vast subsea infrastructure network, driving performance, safety and sustainability in one of Shell’s most critical upstream assets. It is the first time in the history of Shell that these roles have been domiciled in Louisiana.
Hirstius has combined her international experience with the unique perspective she brings as a native Louisianan, playing a pivotal role in reinforcing the state’s position as a global energy hub while supporting long-term investment in the state. This includes championing the development of Shell’s new Gulf of America headquarters in the New Orleans’ River District.
As an early adopter of digital transformation, Hirstius champions the use of technology to eliminate hazardous work, transform to a more affordable and sustainable way of working and improve workforce decision quality with AI in a manner that has kept focus, care and respect for people.
She also actively promotes collaboration across industry, academia and communities.
