Jim Poché, P.E.

B.S. Mechanical Engineering – 1970
CEO, Founder, and Chairman – Southwest Group of Companies

Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Jim is a licensed engineer in mechanical, control, and environmental engineering who has lived and worked in Lafayette throughout his career. He is the CEO, founder, and chairman of Southwest Group of Companies, including Poché Prouet Associates, LLC – Engineers & Architects; Southwest Contractors, LLC; Southwest Mechanical, LLC; Southwest Development, LLC; and Southwest Real Estate, LLC. He is a member and past president of the American Consulting Engineers Council of Louisiana and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board.

Jim achieved Eagle Scout rank in the Evangeline Area Council and graduated from Leadership Lafayette. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and golf and is active in religious and civic organizations, especially those focused on the revitalization of Downtown Lafayette.

Jim is a member of the board of directors for Lafayette General Medical Center and the UL Lafayette Foundation. He also is a past treasurer of the UL Lafayette Alumni Board of Directors and past board member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, Jim was recognized with the Energy Management Project of the Year Award by the United States Department of Energy for the Lafayette General Hospital Multiple Fuel Source Central Plant.