Ava Cates

Ava Dejoie Cates joins the Small Business Administration team with over 25 years of public and private sector experience in workforce and business development.  Her passion for public sector work began as a college intern in the office of U.S. Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana.  Early in her career she worked in both the public and private sector, always with a focus on meeting the needs of businesses through talent development and retention.

A native of New Orleans, Dejoie Cates’ small business background is rooted in her family’s DNA and spans generations. Dejoie Cates’ father, a pharmacist, and his siblings continued operating the family’s two drugstores after the untimely death of their father. Other members of the family operate businesses ranging from a boutique catering company to one of the nation’s oldest African American owned newspapers

Cates’ work ethic and commitment to excellence are deeply rooted in lessons learned from her family, and knowing that success comes with hard work, commitment, and faith.  This belief was the guiding principle during Cates’ tenure as a member of Governor John Bel Edwards’ Cabinet from 2016-2023.

During Cates’ tenure at Louisiana Workforce Commission, access to technology and training resources were made universally available through Tech Ready Louisiana.  The Incumbent Worker Training Fund helped companies of all sizes to grow and expand. Facing numerous natural disasters, intense efforts with federal partners, state agencies and other states centered on disaster response and recovery; helping citizens, businesses and communities to rebound and rebuild.

Cates was responsible for Louisiana’s roll-out of nine new Unemployment Insurance Benefits programs in response to the pandemic. Cate conceived and led the “Back to Work Louisiana” effort, resulting in the state recording the highest number of employed individuals ever and the state’s lowest unemployment rate on record when released.  “Back to Work Louisiana” also received a Davey Award in recognition of its success.

Cates was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear for support provided to Kentucky in the aftermath of various natural disasters in their state.  Additionally, she was honored with Louisiana State University’s Espirit de Femme Award (2018) for exceptional efforts for advancement of women, and the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Network Leadership Award (2019), which pays tribute to those who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and involvement in support of Jobs for America’s Graduates. Cates has served on numerous boards and commissions.  She is married to Judge Sidney H. Cates, IV and is mom to one son, and their blended village encompasses a family of three adult children, three grandchildren, and two loveable dogs.