Michael Echols is a Bastrop native and Ouachita Parish businessman who has been asked to run for the District 14 Representative seat now held by Jay Morris. The district covers parts of both Morehouse and Ouachita parishes. Michael has been recognized for his dynamic leadership, innovative approach to problem-solving, and heart for public service. His list of accomplishments and involvement are impressive:
Director of Business Development for Affinity Health Group and Vantage Health Plan of Monroe
Monroe City Council District 1 member and Council Chairman
Graduated from ULM with degrees in Accounting and Masters of Business Administration. He is also a graduate of Leadership Louisiana 2004.
Chief Operating Officer for a regional financial services firm.
President of the Monroe Rotary
Board member of the LA Association of Health Plans
Board member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board
North Louisiana Economic Partnership Board
Past President of Downtown Monroe Renaissance
Past President of Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
Former Commissioner of Historic Preservation for Monroe
Past President for Monroe Kiwanis
Past Chairman of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
Past President for the Garden District Neighborhood Alliance
Past President for the Louisiana State Arts Council
Founding board members of the Center for Children and Families in NELA and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra Endowment
Recognized as one of the Top 20 under 40 by the Monroe Chamber
Recipient of the Monroe Chamber James Shipp Young Business Leader Award
Recognized by Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor with the Passion for Culture Award
A passion for development and area improvement: Echols and his wife Christie work to restore historic properties and create special places for businesses and community. Echols has personally redeveloped 12 commercial historic properties in Downtown Monroe. All of which have been restored using state and federal historic tax credits. Michael owns 14 historic commercial buildings in Downtown Monroe and in his spare time he restores historic homes. Michael is a licensed commercial contractor in Louisiana.
He is married to Christie Jones Echols, an architect. They have 2 daughters, Amelia and Everly
