James Hiatt

With more than a decade of firsthand experience in the petrochemical industry, James Hiatt understands the tough choices many workers face—trying to make a living while dealing with the impacts these industries have on health and the environment. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, his deep connection to the community inspired him to seek a better way forward. In 2023, he founded For a Better Bayou, a nonprofit focused on helping Southwest Louisiana shift away from extraction-based industries toward a more sustainable, community-focused economy.