LASERS Board Announces Executive Leadership Transition
July 30, 2026
At its July meeting, the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) Board of Trustees appointed Travis McIlwain as the next Executive Director of the $17 billion retirement system. McIlwain will assume the role on November 1 following the retirement of current Executive Director Trey Boudreaux. Boudreaux will conclude an 18-year career with LASERS, including the past three as Executive Director, and more than 35 years of service in Louisiana state government at the end of October.
McIlwain brings more than 20 years of experience in Louisiana state government to the position. He has served on the LASERS executive leadership team since 2021, first as Chief Administrative Officer and currently as Chief of Staff. During his tenure at LASERS, he has worked closely with nearly every department, providing executive oversight of the Fiscal and Information Technology divisions while leading agency-wide initiatives focused on Enterprise Risk Management, Project Management, and Data Analytics.
Before joining LASERS, McIlwain served as Louisiana State Budget Director in the Division of Administration’s Office of Planning and Budget. He began his state career in 2005 and holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Louisiana State University (LSU). He also holds the Project Management Professional certification and was named LSU MPA Alum of the Year in 2025.
“Travis has demonstrated exceptional leadership across nearly every area of the organization. His strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to our members make him the right person to lead LASERS into the future,” said LASERS Board Chair Ternisa Hutchinson. “We are confident in his ability to build upon the System’s strong foundation while continuing to uphold our mission of providing a sound retirement plan for Louisiana’s public servants.”
Hutchinson also expressed the Board’s appreciation for outgoing Executive Director Trey Boudreaux.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Trey for his leadership and unwavering commitment to LASERS. Throughout his 18 years with the System, he has helped strengthen the organization, enhance service to our members, and foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. His leadership has positioned LASERS for continued success. We wish Trey all the best in his well-earned retirement,” Hutchinson said.
McIlwain said he is committed to building on the System’s strong foundation while leading LASERS into its next chapter.
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director,” McIlwain said. “LASERS has earned the trust of Louisiana’s public servants over the past 80 years by remaining focused on its mission and its members. I am committed to building on that legacy by leading with integrity, strengthening the organization for future generations, and continuing to fulfill the promise our members have earned through their service.”
As part of the leadership transition, Matt LaBruyere will assume the role of Chief of Staff in November. LaBruyere joined LASERS in 2024 and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer, where he oversees the Fiscal Division, serves as Chief Risk Officer and Incident Response Manager, and leads the System’s strategic initiatives and Research and Data Analytics Program. Before joining LASERS, LaBruyere served as Deputy Commissioner and Associate Commissioner of Finance and Administration at the Louisiana Board of Regents. He previously served in the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, where he worked extensively with the Legislature and state agencies on fiscal policy and budget matters.
Completing the LASERS Executive Management team, Tina Grant will continue to serve as Executive Counsel and Robert “Bobby” Beale will continue as Chief Investment Officer.
LASERS administers a defined benefit pension plan serving approximately 100,000 active and retired members. With more than $17 billion in assets, the System pays more than $1 billion in annual retirement benefits to retirees and beneficiaries, providing a significant and reliable economic benefit throughout Louisiana.
For more information on the LASERS executive management team, contact Public Information Director Mallory Sharp at [email protected] or visit www.lasersonline.org.
