JOSHUA J. COMBS
Baton Rouge
Summary
Business development and strategic leader with 15+ years of experience across economic development, infrastructure, and public-private investment. Leverages a Juris Doctor background to align government, private sector, and institutional stakeholders and drive complex initiatives from concept to execution. Proven track record supporting $350M+ in private sector investment and $500M+ in public and federally funded programs focused on hazard mitigation, resilience, and infrastructure.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Consultant
Emergent Method
09.2024 - Current
- Provide specialized support for the implementation of a $500M Louisiana Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO) Program, a statewide energy resilience initiative funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
- Developed and led the rollout of the HERO subrecipient application system supporting more than $100M in pilot energy infrastructure projects.
- Advised state agencies, universities, municipalities, and private entities on federal requirements, including DOE guidance, 2 CFR 200, and Davis Bacon, ensuring compliance and project alignment.
- Led statewide engagement efforts through webinars and virtual office hours to guide subrecipients through applications, clarify obligations, and sustain momentum across diverse stakeholder base.
- Managed cross-sector relationships among state agencies, higher education, contractors, and community organizations to resolve compliance issues and facilitate project implementation.
- Structured and aligned funding across multiple sources to meet federal requirements and support project execution.
- Refined tracking processes to monitor application progress, providing leadership with real-time visibility and insights for decision-making.
Manager of Business Development
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
East Baton Rouge Parish
10.2022 - 08.2024
- Led economic development initiatives resulting in more than $350M in new business investment and the creation and retention of over 3,000 jobs in East Baton Rouge Parish within a two-year period.
- Engaged corporate prospects and site selection consultants through industry conferences and targeted outreach, generating leads and recruiting companies in manufacturing, technology, and life sciences sectors.
- Advanced industrial projects by aligning state and local incentive strategies across multiple programs, including Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), and engaging governing bodies to streamline approval process.
- Built relationships across local government, businesses, and community organizations to identify and advance economic development opportunities.
- Conducted market analysis and feasibility assessments, supporting recruitment efforts for targeted industries.
- Utilized economic modeling software and data analytics to assess the economic impact of development projects and policy changes.
- Developed reports and presentations to communicate economic insights and support stakeholder alignment.
- Ensured compliance of economic development projects with local, state, and federal regulations.
Program Director of Small Business Funding
Urban League of Louisiana
10.2020 - 09.2022
- Directed $1M Resilient Restart EBR Micro Grant Program, overseeing program execution, funding distribution, and compliance to support small business recovery.
- Managed program budget and approved expenditures, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and program objectives to facilitate effective resource allocation.
- Developed and executed outreach strategy, leading virtual information sessions to drive awareness, increase applicant volume, and improve participation outcomes.
- Produced monthly impact reports detailing program performance, funding deployment, and small business outcomes to inform stakeholders and guide future decisions.
State Applicant Liaison
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
04.2018 - 09.2020
- Coordinated efforts between FEMA, State of Louisiana, and local governments to implement Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs statewide, enhancing collaboration and program effectiveness.
- Advised public and private stakeholders on developing eligible HMA project applications, facilitating access to federal mitigation funding and ensuring project viability.
- Managed project amendments, including scope of work changes and budget adjustments, ensuring compliance with program requirements.
- Engaged stakeholders through kickoff meetings, briefings, and ongoing outreach, effectively communicating evolving HMA policies and guidance to support informed decision-making.
Disaster Recovery Specialist II
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
07.2010 - 04.2018
- Managed 40 plus federally funded Hazard Mitigation Assistance projects totaling more than $30M, advancing implementation across local and state entities.
- Authored and operationalized the statewide Monitoring Standard Operating Procedure for all Hazard Mitigation Assistance projects, establishing standardized oversight and strengthening program controls.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state requirements by overseeing performance reporting, reimbursement, and program adherence across applicants and stakeholders, enhancing program integrity.
- Managed financial tracking and reimbursement for HMA projects per program guidelines, facilitating audit readiness and successful project closeout.
Education
Juris Doctorate -
Southern University Law Center
Baton Rouge, LA12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Southern University
Baton Rouge, LA12-2009
Skills
- Project Management
- Business Development
- Strategic Partnerships
- Federal Grants Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Compliance Auditing
- Process Improvement
- Economic Development
- Consulting
Timeline
Senior Consultant
Emergent Method
09.2024 - Current
Manager of Business Development
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
10.2022 - 08.2024
Program Director of Small Business Funding
Urban League of Louisiana
10.2020 - 09.2022
State Applicant Liaison
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
04.2018 - 09.2020
Disaster Recovery Specialist II
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
07.2010 - 04.2018
Juris Doctorate -
Southern University Law Center
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Southern University