Joseph "Si" Brown

Bruce's Foods

Laureate 2024

In his professional life, Si has served as president and CEO of Bruce Foods since 1973. Founded in 1928 in New Iberia, Louisiana, Bruce Foods has been manufacturing “Original” Louisiana Hot Sauce, Bruce’s Yams, Cajun Injector, Casa Fiesta and Cajun condiments and seasonings for more than 80 years.

In the past, Brown has served as a director of the People’s National Bank and City Bank and Trust, both of New Iberia, Louisiana, and the First National Bank of Lafayette. He served on the Board of Bank One, Lafayette. Brown also earned the title of Eagle Scout and has continued his service to the Boy Scouts in various capacities.

Brown has a long history of expertise in international business and has served on numerous national and statewide committees. He has served three terms as Chairman of the Louisiana Export Council. He was appointed in 1986 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Malcolm Baldridge, to serve as a member of the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on U.S. Trade Policy Matters, Washington, D.C., and reappointed to serve two additional terms under Commerce Secretaries Verity and Mosbacher. Brown was also appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Clayton Yeutter, to serve as a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Processed Foods, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Brown has received awards for the company’s outstanding achievements in international trade from both Presidents Reagan and Bush. He was also a member of the NAFTA negotiating team with past President Bill Clinton.

In 2018, Si was inducted into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame for his stewardship of the “Original” Louisiana Hot Sauce brand. Under his leadership, the company has become one of the largest privately-owned specialty food manufacturers in the country.

Si has been married to his wife, Eaton, for 60 years and together they have five children. Outside of his passion for scouting, Si enjoys hunting and fishing.