David LaCerte was appointed Deputy Secretary and Executive Counsel of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs in June of 2010. As Deputy Secretary, LaCerte served as the department’s Chief of Staff, Executive Counsel, and Legislative Liaison. 

Prior to joining LDVA, LaCerte served in the Marine Corps infantry in the First Marine Division. Under the command of General James Mattis, he led the first Marines into Afghanistan and Pakistan only weeks after 9/11, helping to drive the Taliban from Kandahar and establish several forward operating bases in hostile territory. He has led over 100 combat patrols and missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also served as a member of interrogation teams for high value Al Qaeda targets.

He graduated with honors from Nicholls State University, earning a B.S. in business. He also holds a J.D. and B.C.L. from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center and studied international law and European Union law at Université Jean Moulin Lyon III in Lyon, France. LaCerte is licensed to practice law in all Louisiana state and federal courts, as well as the United States Court of Veteran’s Appeals in Washington, D.C. 

He currently resides in Saint Gabriel with his wife, Mandy, an English teacher at Scotlandville Magnet High School, and his daughter, Ava.