Cowser cited as one of CityBusiness Women of the Year
Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: November 20, 2012
HAMMOND – Erin Cowser, Southeastern Louisiana University executive director of public and governmental affairs, was named one of New Orleans CityBusiness' Women of the Year for 2012.
In its 14th year, Women of the Year recognized 50 women who have helped move the region forward with energy, innovative ideas, achievements and a commitment to excellence. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and a committee selects recipients based on their business and community achievements and involvement and how that work combined is making the region a better place overall. The award is sponsored annually by the business publication and was presented at a luncheon on Friday (Nov. 16).
In her position, Cowser works on public policy and public relations initiatives for the university. She serves as legislative liaison for the university andinterfaces with the university's various units, as well as with both private and public agencies. Her duties include the development and implementation of strategic communications and identity initiatives to create, promote and maintain the university's highly regarded reputation in the community.
A resident of Hammond, Cowser is a recipient of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Chairman's Award and the 2009 Community Service Award. She was named one of the "Northshore's Finest" by Inside Northside Magazine in 2010 as part of a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraising event. She is the 2010 recipient of the Edwin Crawford National Award for Leadership in State Relations and Institutional Advocacy, which recognized her efforts to rejuvenate Southeastern's governmental relations by recruiting alumni and community partners to serve as vocal advocates in support of the university.
She serves on the Hammond Chamber Board of Directors and United Way of Southeast Louisiana Leadership Board, and also as university liaison to the Louisiana Children's Discovery Center Board of Directors.
A graduate of LSU with a bachelor's degree in mass communications, she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in organizational communication at Southeastern.
