Lana Sonnier Venable has been tabbed as the new executive director of Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW).
Venable brings more than 25 years of experience in the area of public relations to LLAW, a local non-partisan, nonprofit, citizen watchdog group dedicated to preventing lawsuit abuse by slowing all that harms Louisiana’s families and businesses alike.
Venable will assume the role of coordinating campaigns aimed at raising awareness related to the costs and consequences of such abuse, as well as promoting legislation designed to improve the state’s overall legal climate.
Lana Sonnier Venable
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“I believe in LLAW’s mission and look forward to engaging with stakeholders at all levels to continue the progress made toward meaningful tort reform in Louisiana,” Venable said in a press release. “Our state’s future depends on our ability to retain and attract diverse employers that provide opportunities for all Louisianans and grow our economy. The trial bar should not be a cottage industry in Louisiana.”
An LSU graduate, Venable has previously served 11 years as ExxonMobil public and government affairs adviser, where she worked in the areas of media relations, community outreach, government relations and issues management.
Her resume also includes stints as Louisiana Economic Development press secretary following Hurricane Katrina, and roles in government relations with the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
Venable replaces Melissa Landry, who served in the role for the last nine years. Landry said she feels confident returning to the private sector knowing someone as capable as Venable is taking the reins.
“Lana is a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with a proven track record of cultivating effective relationships with community and business leaders, as well as policy makers,” she said. “I cannot think of a better person to take over and lead LLAW at this critical time.”
LLAW boasts nearly 20,000 supporters across all of Louisiana who are dedicated to bringing more “transparency, accountability and lawsuit reform."