MAYOR FRIDAY ELLIS
MAYOR OF MONROE
Mayor Friday Ellis brings extensive leadership experience and a steadfast dedication to economic development to his role on the Southern Rail Commission. A native of Rayville, Louisiana, and a proud leader in Monroe, Mayor Ellis, has devoted his career to advancing growth, enhancing connectivity, and creating opportunities that benefit the entire region.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Mayor Ellis exemplifies service and resilience. Following his military service, he pursued his entrepreneurial passion by founding Governors Cigar and Pipe, a retail establishment that grew into a global brand through partnerships in Nicaragua. His success in business and leadership earned him recognition as Louisiana's Free Enterprise Champion by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry in 2019.
Mayor Ellis’s expertise in economic policy has been a cornerstone of his public service. In 2020, he was appointed to the Louisiana Legislative Task Force on Economic Recovery, where he helped develop strategic recommendations to revitalize the state’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As President of the Louisiana Conference of Mayors and a member of multiple boards, including the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Mayor Ellis advocates for initiatives that promote infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and regional connectivity.
In 2022, Mayor Ellis was nominated by the Delta Regional Authority to participate in the Authentic Leadership Program at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government, a testament to his exceptional leadership skills. A graduate of both the Louisiana Leadership program and the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute, Mayor Ellis has continually demonstrated a commitment to strategic growth and development. Locally, he has been celebrated as one of Monroe’s Top 20 Under 40 and honored with numerous accolades, including the Vanguard Award, recognizing his efforts to promote and empower women in northeast Louisiana.
As a member of the Southern Rail Commission, Mayor Ellis is passionate about expanding passenger rail services and modernizing transportation infrastructure to connect communities across Louisiana and the Southern region. His vision aligns with the Commission’s goals of improving accessibility, economic development, and regional mobility.