Capital Region 500 - 2023

THE MOST POWERFUL AND INFLUENCIAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE CAPITAL REGION

THE MOST POWERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE CAPITAL REGION

DRESSING THE LEADERS OF THE CAPITAL REGION FOR OVER 40 YEARS

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MAKING CONNECTIONS

WE CONNECT PEOPLE.

That dictum is at the very heart of Baton Rouge Business Report’s mission.

We connect people in the stories we write in the pages of the magazine and in every edition of Daily Report. We connect people through our iconic community events like the Business Awards & Hall of Fame and Louisiana Business Symposium.

We connect people through our thriving educational programs like the Business Report Leadership Academy, the Selling Academy and our customized training. And we connect people—more specifically clients with their market—via our creative content studio, Studio E.

Now we are connecting readers to key influencers.

In this first-ever edition of Capital Region 500, we have compiled a guide to the powerful and influential — both well-known and under the radar — whose contributions help keep our community and economy thriving.

They represent every sector: banking and finance, real estate, energy, manufacturing, industrial services, professional services, media and technology, health care, arts, sports, hospitality and tourism, education, government, and philanthropy and nonprofits.

We also captured those ‘living legends’ who may no longer keep regular office hours but remain influential and continue to build on their legacy nonetheless.

It was an ambitious project, to say the least—10 months in the making. You’ll not only see who is influential and why, but you’ll also learn some fun, personal details about these veteran C-Suite and emerging young leaders.

Like Loadstar President Brian Haymon’s walk-up song (Hint: It’s a Lady Gaga staple). Or Nick Speyrer’s one do-over if the Emergent Method president could go back in time. Or Jones Walker partner Raedtha Vasquez’s proudest moment. And the career Shell Geismar General Manager Dai Nguyen’s parents really wanted him to pursue.

We’re proud to bring this unique compilation to the community. We hope it will educate, inspire, engage and, most importantly, connect.

It’s an incredible picture of a community full of talent, wisdom, culture and innovation, working every day to make the Capital Region a better place to live, work and play. You can read about our methodology for this project on page 10.

The best is yet to come!

Julio Melara, Publisher

ABOUT THE COVER

For the inaugural edition of the Capital Region 500, we wanted to represent the diversity of the local economy. Our cover subjects feature rising stars, dynamic leaders and at least one destined for the business hall of fame. They represent the four pillars of our economy: education, politics, nonprofits and the private sector. Tapping into the incredible talent of photographer Collin Richie (and a little post-production magic), we shot on location at the City Club, conveying both the tradition and strength of the region. A special thanks to busy leaders who made time to participate, including one who changed her return flight to Baton Rouge so she could take part. They are: (from left) Beverly Haydel, William F. Tate IV, Nial Patel, Lucas Spielfogel, Erin Monroe Wesley, Dianna Payton and Mike Wampold

BEHIND THE SCENES

HOW EXACTLY DO you identify 500 powerful and influential people in a community?

It starts with a definition: What exactly makes one powerful or influential? For the purposes of this inaugural compendium, we looked through the lens of those whose contributions keep our community and economy thriving, whether they be well-known or under the radar. Those to whom others in business and the community look for leadership.

We then began our 10 months of research. We reviewed business and other data. We requested recommendations from community leaders. We scoured our own pages and those of other media. We considered those who have been honored over the years by Business Report or other well-regarded entities. We asked for nominations from our readers.

In our final list, we have included key influencers representing every sector — banking and finance, real estate, energy, manufacturing, industrial services, professional services, media and technology, health care, arts, sports, hospitality and tourism, education, government, and philanthropy/nonprofits. We also captured those ‘living legends’ who may no longer keep regular office hours but remain influential and continue to build on their legacy nonetheless.

Rising to the top job at a major company or organization alone wasn’t enough to make it on the list. We excluded current elected officials unless they were eligible based on a nonpolitical position they hold, and we did not include more than six people from any single entity. All of those represented in these pages are based in the nine parishes that comprise the Capital Region.

Final selections were based on merit alone. We included those who insisted they didn’t want to be on the list, and we omitted who definitely wanted to be included. Advertising played no role in our selections.

We are grateful to those busy influencers who took the time to share personal insights about themselves. Here, readers will discover information not in the official website bios: lessons learned, best business advice, hobbies and passions, books and podcasts they recommend, who they’d really like to share a meal with and more.

Our goal was to create a publication that truly represents the executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders who wield the most influence in the Capital Region. We welcome your feedback on our methodology, selections or omissions. Please email us at editors@businessreport.com.

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

Chief Content Officer: Penny Font

Associate Publisher, Executive Editor: JR Ball

Managing Editor: Allan Schilling

Online News Editor: Deanna B. Narveson

Staff writers: Holly Duchmann, David Jacobs, Eric L. Taylor

Digital Content Editor: Dillon Lowe

Contributing writers: Sam Barnes, Emily Kern Hebert, Maggie Heyn Richardson

Contributing photographers: Don Kadair, Tim Mueller, Collin Richie

Research: Diana Pietrogallo

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Kelly Lewis

Account Executives: Emma Dubuc, Manny Fajardo, Meredith LaBorde, Angie LaPorte, Judith LaDousa, Ethan Shipp, Matt Wambles

Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald

Advertising Coordinator: Brittany Nieto

Customer Success Manager: Paul Huval

STUDIO E

Director: Taylor Gast

Multimedia Strategy Manager: Timothy Coles

Corporate Media Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

Account Executive: Judith LaDousa

MARKETING

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Taylor Falgout

Marketing & Events Assistant: Hillary Melara

Events: Abby Hamilton

ADMINISTRATION

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Sara Hodge

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Production Manager: Jo Glenny

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Emily Witt

Graphic Designer: Ashlee Digel

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume

Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre

Audience Development Associate: Catherine Albano

A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC

Chairman: Julio Melara

Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto

Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

Chief Content Officer: Penny Font

Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Chairman Emeritus: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr.

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CHAD BACAS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA ENGINEERING FORTE & TABLADA

Since 1996, Chad Bacas has been with Forte & Tablada, a local leader in the engineering and surveying market for more than 60 years, serving clients across the state and nation. His expertise includes water treatment and water distribution design, wastewater collection and treatment, roadway design, pavement evaluation and design, drainage design, global information system capabilities, civil site work and subdivision design. Bacas also participates in marketing and business development for the firm, which has grown significantly through acquisitions in recent years. He was elected to serve as the 2022-2023 Louisiana Engineering Society president, having been a society member since 1997, and serves on the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

SPREADING STEM: Bacas is the Baton Rouge chapter coordinator for MathCounts, which promotes middle school math education.

AUBREY “LEE” BARBER III PRESIDENT BARBER BROTHERS CONTRACTING

Aubrey Barber is the third-generation leader of the company started in 1928 by a family of construction industry workers who assembled to work on projects that were part of Huey Long’s road-building initiative. Barber Brothers Contracting provides construction services for heavy civil, highway and infrastructure, industrial and manufacturing facilities, as well as site work for retail, commercial and residential developments. It has offices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and plants in Port Allen, Darrow and New Orleans. Barber began his career with the company at age 15 and started working full time a few years later. He considers himself a hands-on president who splits his time monitoring active projects in the field while ensuring the company’s young professionals are observing the lessons previous generations of leaders have passed down.

EDUCATION: LSU

SCOTT BARRINGER

PRESIDENT AND CEO PALA GROUP

The industrial contractor Scott Barringer leads is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. PALA ranks No. 58 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $76 million in revenue for 2021. The company started out as a contractor in the sugar industry before moving into the pulp and paper, refining and petrochemicals sectors, and has continued to expand and diversify throughout its history. Recently, PALA acquired ARCCO Power Systems, a leading provider of industrial generators and service as well as emergency response. Each company under PALA’s umbrella is run independently and has its own president and COO. Barringer says the various businesses serve diverse markets and have few overlapping customers. In 2008, PALA became an employee-owned company via acquisition from the original founding family owners.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – industrial technology management)

JAMES “JIM” BEARD PRESIDENT BEARD CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Jim Beard and his partners started Beard Construction Group in 2004, originally working out of a garage that belonged to the father of one of the partners. Their first contract was for a landfill project in Alabama following Hurricane Ivan. A few months later, they added their structural concrete group and have been performing civil construction services ever since. The company ranks No. 72 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, reporting $54.33 million in annual revenue. Headquartered in Port Allen, the firm specializes in earthwork, mass excavation, site preparation, concrete foundations, landfill construction, impoundment closures and related services. It serves clients throughout the Gulf South and beyond, including Shintech, BASF, ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Entergy and Georgia-Pacific.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

BRADLEY BARBER CEO AND DIRECTOR

H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES

Brad Barber, who has come up through the ranks at H&E, oversees one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, with more than $1 billion in total annual revenue, annual capital spending of more than $400 million, a workforce of some 2,000 people and more than 120 locations nationwide. H&E expanded its geographic footprint last year, buying Illinois-based One Source Equipment Rental for $130 million in cash. Barber managed H&E’s transformation to “a pure-play rental business” with the sale of its Komatsu earthmoving distribution business to Houston-based Waukesha-Pearce Industries.

ADVOCACY: Barber volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children and When You Are Ready BR. H&E last year announced a partnership with the latter group and local officials to bring resources, education and support to neighborhoods and individuals impacted by opioid addiction in East Baton Rouge Parish.

RICHARD CARMOUCHE FOUNDER CARMOUCHE CONSTRUCTION

Richard Carmouche’s company has been building high-end houses and exclusive developments in Baton Rouge for more than 30 years. Arguably his most significant project is Willow Grove, the city’s first traditional neighborhood development. His residential developments include Woodgate Crossing, The Province at Moss, Jefferson Highlands and Oaks on the Bluff, while commercial work includes The Village at Willow Grove, The Grove, One Oak Square and Siegen Highlands. His projects reflect his philosophy that good living demands quality housing as well as a a sense of place and attention to ambience that goes beyond walls and roofs to include natural elements and a respect for the past. Carmouche got his start in real estate selling for builder-developer Walter Bankston. His company is a family affair that includes his wife, Cathy, and their two children.

EDUCATION: LSU

HOBBIES: Golf and fishing

JOEY COCO PRESIDENT AND CEO FORTE & TABLADA

Joey Coco is an active voice in pushing for change in Baton Rouge. He co-founded Engensus, an engineering firm with expertise in structural and bridge engineering—as well as laser scanning—in 2006, and later saw an opportunity for growth by pitching a merger idea to the larger and multidisciplinary Forte and Tablada. A deal was struck in 2020 with Ann Forte Trappey, the company’s president and owner, selling to Coco and longtime Forte & Tablada Vice President Chad Bacas.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering, MBA), Old Dominion University (coastal engineering certificate)

SHIPWRECK TOUR: Last year, Forte & Tablada worked with the Louisiana Division of Archaeology to create a virtual tour of the century-old Brookhill ferry shipwreck, which was discovered due to the Mississippi River’s record-low levels.

RONNIE DAIGLE PRESIDENT AND CO-CEO

R.J. DAIGLE AND SONS AND DAIGLE INDUSTRIES

Ronnie Daigle has spent his entire career working in the family business. In 2004, after 27 years at the helm of the company he started with a single steelwheel roller purchased at an auction, R.J. Daigle retired. Ronnie and his brother Vance retained ownership of the company, a highway construction and site development contractor offering base work, asphalt installation and everything in between. Although the core of the business has remained the same since the brothers took over, they have grown the company and the scope of the business. The company says its cold asphalt patch product is rapidly becoming a concrete industry standard.

LOCAL IMPACT: Projects the company has worked on include the Amazon facility in West Baton Rouge Parish, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Top Golf in Baton Rouge and roads in Ascension, Livingston and East Baton Rouge parishes.

TUPAC DE LA CRUZ FOUNDER AND CEO ROOFING SOLUTIONS

Glance up around Baton Rouge and some of the most recognizable rooflines you will see are the work of Roofing Solutions, the Prairieville-based company founded in 2004 by then-21-year-old Tupac de la Cruz. Growing up in Costa Rica, de la Cruz knew that he wanted to own his own company one day, and he has grown Roofing Solutions into one of the 50 largest roofing companies in the country. In 2022, he was named Young Businessperson of the Year by Business Report. Among his portfolio spread across 75 cities and nine states: Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (and numerous other LSU buildings), the IBM building, and multiple Amazon warehouses. So, it’s no surprise that Roofing Solutions also finds itself among Baton Rouge’s Top 100 Private Companies, reporting 2021 revenue of $76.55 million.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration)

ERIC DEXTER VICE PRESIDENT CIVIL SOLUTIONS CONSULTING GROUP

Eric Dexter is vice president at Civil Solutions Consulting Group, a Baton Rouge-based civil engineering and surveying firm that assists governmental agencies, developers and architecture firms with the planning, design and management of various projects and programs. As a volunteer, he has served on numerous boards and committees. He is a graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program (2015), as well as Forum 225’s John W. Barton Sr. Community Development Leadership Program (2013). In 2019, he completed the CABL Leadership Louisiana program.

EDUCATION: Northwestern State University (Bachelor’s – business administration)

MUST READ: Mandela’s Way: Lessons on Life, Love and Courage

BEST ADVICE: “Listen and be a sponge around those you look up to in your profession. Study and work on your craft even when you’re not getting paid to do it. And last, but not least, just show up. That’s the first step.”

DEREK FIFE PRESIDENT ARKEL CONSTRUCTORS

Derek Fife is responsible for Arkel Constructors’ daily operations, overseeing all major aspects of the company including preconstruction, construction, project development and accounting. He began his career at land surveying company LandSource Inc. before joining Arkel, run by his father and mentor, Johnny Fife. The Arkel Group ranked No. 36 on Business Report’s most recent Top 100 Private Companies list, reporting $182.78 million in annual revenue. He has been personally involved with some highprofile construction projects around Baton Rouge, including Woman’s Hospital, many of the All Star Automotive upgrades and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Fife is active in the community but considers himself a silent activist in organizations, saying he prefers to make a difference behind the scenes without recognition.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction management)

JOHN FIFE OWNER, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT ARKEL CONSTRUCTORS

Johnny Fife is founder and president— responsible for the management oversight and leadership— of Arkel Constructors. The Arkel Group ranks No. 36 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $182.78 million in annual revenue. The group comprises Arkel Constructors, as well as ACI Facilities Management and Derashnie Enterprises. Fife. in the industrial and commercial construction business for over 30 years, is involved in several different civic and charity organizations, primarily in support of medical and cancer research. He chairs the Airport Commission for Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and touts the airport’s real estate development potential.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction management)

FUN FACT: A co-worker drew up plans for a playhouse that was built as a birthday gift for Fife’s granddaughter.

DAVID HELVESTON

PRESIDENT

AND CEO

ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS

PELICAN CHAPTER

David Helveston leads an organization that educates more than 3,000 craft professionals each year and advocates for almost 400 companies in the construction sector. Construction is one of the Capital Region’s top industries and finding enough craft labor is always a challenge. His proudest professional moments involve meeting recent graduates or current students who have taken the initiative to learn new skills that will help them provide for their families. Helveston also has worked for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System as chief external affairs officer and vice president for workforce, career and technical education, and for the Louisiana Workforce Commission as director of the Workforce Investment Council and director of policy and strategic initiatives.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance, MBA), LSU Law (J.D.)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: The cedar plank redfish at French Market Bistro

LEONARD LEMOINE

PRESIDENT AND CEO

LEMOINE

Leonard “Lenny” Lemoine began his career with the Cottonport Lumber Company, which changed its name to The Lemoine Company when it moved to Lafayette in 1983. In 2019, Baton Rouge-based Bernhard Capital Partners acquired a significant financial interest in what is now LEMOINE, allowing the company to deliver large-scale disaster recovery projects. The Lemoine Company in 2021 announced it would consolidate its four core services, which had been operating as different businesses, under a singlular brand. LEMOINE has four offices in Louisiana and one each in Alabama, Texas, Virginia and Puerta Rico. LEMOINE is No. 11 on Business Report’s most recent annual Top 100 Private Companies list, reporting annual revenue of $522.22 million. Lemoine is active in many Lafayette-area professional and philanthropic organizations.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – agricultural economics)

JEFFERY BOND JAMES PRINCIPAL

JB JAMES CONSTRUCTION

Jeff James worked in a family business, TL James Construction, before becoming an owner of one of the premier roadway contractors in Louisiana. JB James Construction ranks 70th on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $55.42 million in revenue. Clients include the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the New Orleans Aviation Board and the cities of Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Sulphur. James has participated in many professional organizations as a board member including the Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association, which calls for better funding for the state’s roads and bridges. He is also active with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, St. Aloysius Church and St. Joseph’s Academy.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction technology)

ROBERT OLIVIER OWNER AND CEO SIGMA ENGINEERS AND CONSTRUCTORS

Robert Olivier was first hired by Sigma in March 2006 to go on-site at Marathon. After about a year, he came back to the office to run pipe stress and manage projects and eventually became the piping department manager. Other roles he has played include mechanical department manager, chief operating officer and president. Olivier played baseball for the University of New Orleans Privateers and claims (likely in jest) that if he were not working for Sigma, he would be a goat herder in Yemen. Sigma was founded in 1987 and focuses on small and mid-cap project execution. Prior to joining the company, Olivier was a pipe stress analyst for Bacon & Davis and an installation engineer and structural design specialist for Technip in Houston.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mechanical engineering), University of New Orleans

PASSIONS: Sports, music and fine spirits

BUCKET LIST ITEM: Taking a whisky tour of Scotland.

LAWSON KING PRESIDENT VOLKS CONSTRUCTORS

Lawson King is the son of Volks Constructors founder Laverne King. Volks is a diversified heavy industrial contractor that aims to be a “one-stop shop” providing manufacturing, field services and industrial specialties to the petrochemical and related industries. The Prairieville-based company comes in at No. 89 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting annual revenue of $33.71 million. Volks is German for “folks” and the name reflects the people-focused mindset of the company. King tends to keep a relatively low profile, but his organization is an important economic driver in Ascension Parish.

MILESTONES: Volks Constructors is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

JEFF PLAUCHE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION

Jeff Plauche has been with Boh Bros. Construction for 23 years and has been in his current position since 2016. Prior roles with the company include vice president, assistant division manager and project manager. Boh Bros. is currently under the leadership of the third generation of the Boh Family and the company says it completes an average of 150 projects each year. Some of the company’s major projects include work for Avondale Marine, the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood (Florida) International Airport, and the reconstruction on an 11.7-mile stretch of Interstate 310 in St. Charles Parish. The company is headquartered in New Orleans and has an office in Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s – construction engineering), LSU (MBA)

MIKE POLITO CEO MAPP

Mike Polito has grown MAPP into one of the largest general commercial contractors in the state, ranking 34th—with revenue of $186.4 million—on Business Report’s most recent Top 100 Private Companies list. High-profile projects include the University Medical Center in New Orleans, the east side expansion of Tiger Stadium and the St. Bernard Parish Cultural Arts & Community Center. Polito has been a longtime advocate for change in Baton Rouge, co-founding the group Austin 6 and more recently involving himself in efforts to improve public education and expand school choice. He is also active in politics, leaning toward Republican causes and candidates, and works behind the scenes to counsel local elected officials. He previously worked with Landis Construction, McDevitt & Street and Beers Construction as a project manager.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s — construction management)

JAY D. DUCOTE

CHEF AND TRAVELER

Baton Rouge-based travel and food content creator Jay Ducote came on the scene in 2011 with a popular food blog that led to a host of other accomplishments in the hospitality sector. He launched an award-winning radio show on Talk 107.3, competed on three different Food Network shows, created a barbecue sauce and rub line and opened Gov’t Taco. The author of the 2020 LSU Press publication, Jay Ducote’s Louisiana Outdoor Cooking, Ducote is now at work on a second book about his journey into the changing world of food media. He recently decided to exit his roles as radio host, food producer, blogger and restaurateur and focus exclusively on creating travel content.

WALK-UP SONG: “The Game” by Motorhead PROUDEST MOMENT: “The entire Food Network Star experience, except when they announced the winner.” (Ducote was runner-up).

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Dominican Republic

GERARD “JERRY” RISPONE CO-FOUNDER, OWNER AND CEO ISC CONSTRUCTORS

Jerry Rispone started ISC Constructors with his brother Eddie more than 30 years ago, and the company has since grown into a nationally recognized, award-winning industrial engineering and construction firm. ISC ranks 26th on Business Report’s most recent list of Top 100 Private Companies, reporting annual revenue of $262 million and close to 1,000 employees. The company provides electrical, instrumentation and controls construction, as well as maintenance and turnaround services to customers along Louisiana’s industrial corridor. It recently expanded its to include full-service engineering and technical services. Rispone credits the work ethic he learned working on his family’s small farm in Central for helping him get through the engineering curriculum at LSU.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – electrical engineering)

FUN FACT: Rispone’s family emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s, settling in Louisiana.

CRAIG STEVENS

PRESIDENT GENESIS 360

Craig Stevens started Genesis 360 Maintenance, Construction and IT in 2011 by doing parking lot striping and has grown it into a one-stop shop for construction, building maintenance, ground maintenance and information technology services for commercial as well as federal clients across the U.S. Clients include the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, NASA Space Center (Houston), the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Naval Academy to name a few. Stevens’ company was named SBA 2022 8(a) firm of the year, 2022 Business Report Company of the Year, and made the INC. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America. Additionally, Stevens also was named the SBA 2022 Businessperson of the Year for Louisiana.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s - information technology

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Matt Damon

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Becoming an officer in the Air Force, then retiring after 25 years of service.”

PAUL FERACHI OWNER CAPITOL CITY PRODUCE

Paul Ferachi is the third-generation leader of the family business started by his grandfather, Vince Ferachi, in 1947. He remembers his life at a young age revolving around produce. At the age of 10 he says he was driving forklifts. He eventually assumed the role of president and CEO of the company in 1995. In 2019, the company began planning a $6.3 million expansion and launched a new fleet of 66 refrigerated trucks the following year. The company employs close to 300 workers and covers a market that includes all of Louisiana and stretches through south and central Mississippi and into Alabama and Florida, with distribution centers in Baton Rouge and Robertsdale, Alabama. It ranks No. 44 on Business Report’s latest annual list of Top 100 Private Companies, reporting $126.4 million in annual revenue.

BEST ADVICE: “The best advice was displayed to me in the character traits of my grandfather and father. That trait is work ethic.”

OZZIE FERNANDEZ

FOUNDER AND CEO GO EAT CONCEPTS

“If you’re going to do something, always set out to do it right,” is a guiding principle of restaurateur Ozzie Fernandez, creator of some of Baton Rouge’s best-known culinary concepts. It all started in 2001 with the opening of the first Izzo’s Illegal Burrito, whose name is a backward version of Fernandez’s first name minus the “e.” Today, there are 13 regional locations of Izzo’s. LIT Pizza, Modesto and Rocca Pizzeria round out Go Eats current concepts, which have pushed the culinary envelope in the pizza and Mexican categories with both quick-service experiences and aspirational gourmet cuisine.

EDUCATION: Texas A&M (Bachelor’s – biology)

WALK-UP SONG: “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Beef N Bun’s sliced brisket basket

PASSION/HOBBY: Cooking and tennis

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Destin, Florida

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Andre Agassi

TODD GRAVES CEO RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

In Baton Rouge, the story is as familiar as the creamy tang of Cane’s sauce: Todd Graves opened the first Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers in 1996 financed partly by funds earned working as a California boilermaker and a salmon fisherman in Alaska. With its short and straightforward combo box menu, the concept has exploded to 600 locations in the U.S. and Middle East. The original location near LSU, known as the Mothership, still slows traffic with its packed drive-thru. The popularity of Cane’s chicken fingers is undeniable, as is the company’s philanthropy. The restaurants have given to more than 30,000 community causes addressing education, hunger and pet welfare.

EDUCATION: University of Georgia (Bachelor’s –telecommunications)

KING TODD: Graves reigned as king of the Washington Mardi Gras in 2018.

THE COLLECTOR: His 66-million-year-old triceratops skull is on loan to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

STEPHEN HIGHTOWER

GINO MARINO OWNER

GINO’S RESTAURANT

Established in 1966, family-owned and operated Gino’s Restaurant is one of Baton Rouge’s most iconic eateries. The spot has long attracted lawmakers and powerbrokers for its casual-elegant vibe and old-world Italian recipes. For decades, the kitchen was run by Gino’s mother, and restaurant founder, Grace “Mama” Marino, a Sicily native who emigrated to Baton Rouge in 1958. The ample menu includes a hit parade of Italian staples, from veal Sorrentino and seafood cannelloni to two versions of the beloved Sicilian dish arancini. Grace Marino was the first recipient of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society’s lifetime achievement award, an honor that now bears her name. The Marino family was inducted into the Louisiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

WINE LOVER: An avid wine buff, Marino curates a large and well-rounded wine list at the restaurant, featuring a wide variety of Italian producers.

EXECUTIVE

VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CITY GROUP HOSPITALITY

With concepts like all-day diner Spoke & Hub, seafood-centric Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine, and Louisiana-inspired Rouj Creole, City Group Hospitality has been a fast-moving trendsetter in the Baton Rouge dining scene. The company’s 12-unit portfolio includes three locations of flagship concept City Pork as well as two catering divisions. Stephen Hightower has been the public face of City Group and an advocate of the local restaurant industry, serving on the boards of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and others. During the pandemic, he led relief efforts benefitting local restaurants, health care workers and schoolchildren, earning the company Louisiana Hospitality Foundation’s Drago Cvitanovich Award for Outstanding Philanthropy.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Clark Griswald

BRANDON LANDRY FOUNDER | CHAIRMAN WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX / SMALLS SLIDERS / SUPPER CLUB

Brandon Landry’s well-established origin story ultimately saw him parlay his time on the bench as a walk-on member of the LSU men’s basketball team in the late ’90s into creating one of the country’s most successful sports-centric franchises. In 2020, the Walk-On’s concept was named the No.1 brand in Entrepreneur’s Top New Franchises ranking, and today there are some 200 Walk-On’s locations either open or in some type of development across the U.S. Landry’s personal project, the Supper Club, is an ultra-luxe fine-dining establishment in Baton Rouge featuring, among other menu items, A5 Wagyu beef sold at just 12 licensed restaurants in the U.S.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s - business administration)

WALK-UP SONG: “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Billionaire, Dubai / Miso black cod

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Ryan Reynolds

SCOTT MCCALLISTER

WEST REGION

VICE PRESIDENT

COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY UNITED

Scott McCallister had 27 years in the CocaCola system when the company appointed him vice president for the west region last year. He oversees sales, marketing and distribution for the company’s footprint in Louisiana and south Mississippi and leads about 2,600 associates in 12 sales centers spanning the region. McCallister started out with the company as a sales associate in Shreveport and was previously the Louisiana division director. He is a board member with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Junior Achievement of Greater Baton Rouge & Acadiana and a past board member with the Louisiana Restaurant Association. In 2021, the company announced a $42 million expansion of its Baton Rouge facility that would add 15 new jobs and include 120,000 square feet of additional warehouse space and a state-of-the-art Vertique warehouse case picking system.

EDUCATION: Ouachita Baptist University (Bachelor’s - business administration, management and operations)

“Ryan Reynolds.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE

Because we are investors ourselves, investors value our expertise in leasing, budgeting, and maintaining their properties. We have certified air conditioning and heat personnel on staff as well as carpenters, painters and general maintenance personnel.

A trusted name, we have built our reputation recognizing the needs of our clients first. Finding you a new home, whether renting or buying is what we do best. We say “Welcome Home” when you walk through our doors.

WILLIAM MCGEHEE OWNER TIN ROOF BREWING CO.

William McGehee was in his late 20s when he and childhood friend Charles Caldwell ditched their careers in law and banking to start a Baton Rouge beer brewing venture, the city’s first microbrewery. The company got its start at the Louisiana Business and Technology Center, a small-business incubator at LSU. After years of working to perfect their brewing techniques, McGehee and Caldwell brewed their first batch of beer for commercial consumption in November 2010. After the company started canning beer in 2011, Tin Roof expanded to gas stations, grocery stores and other retailers locally and nationally. McGehee says he was so stuck in the grind of everyday operations back then that the accomplishment didn’t fully register until he saw his beer on the shelves of a local Albertsons. The Natchez, Mississippi, native attended Millsaps College to play football before transferring to LSU.

MITCH ROTOLO SR.

FOUNDER AND CEO

ROTOLO’S PIZZERIA/ ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST/HIVE PIZZA

Mitch Rotolo opened the first Rotolo’s Pizzeria in 1996, not far from LSU’s main campus in Baton Rouge. The chain has since franchised and now has locations in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Colorado. Rotolo launched the Rotolo’s Craft & Crust concept in 2017 with another LSU-area location. His latest brand is Hive Pizza, featuring build-yourown pizzas and specialty pies. Rotolo credits shelling out for an expensive sponsorship with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 for helping raise his company’s profile and prime it for growth. He says he didn’t start out trying to launch a franchise; he built a restaurant he wanted to run, and other people wanted to be a part of it.

EDUCATION: LSU

NOT FAR FROM THE TREE: Pizza Today declared Mitch Rotolo Jr. “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2019.

BRAD MIRE PRESIDENT, ROTOLO’S PIZZA CO-OWNER, SOUTHFIN SOUTHERN POKÉ AND HIVE PIZZA

Brad Mire owns and operates four restaurants including Rotolo’s Pizza, where he works alongside his mentor, Mitch Rotolo, to expand the Rotolo’s brand. Southfin Southern Poké, Baton Rouge’s first poké restaurant and which Mire co-owns, opened in 2017. Community organizations he has partnered with include Bella Bowman, Heritage Ranch and Bike MS, and Mire says his restaurants were able to raise more than $12,000 for Honor Flight, which celebrates veterans. His first job was working in the milk vault at Borden’s in Lafayette, loading crates filled with gallons of milk while wearing three layers of clothes, a ski cap and winter gloves. He says the job was enjoyable because of the other people he worked with, which helped him to understand the importance of culture in any work environment.

CHILDHOOD DREAM: Professional baseball player, “but I couldn’t hit a curveball.“

CHRIS MOTTO EXECUTIVE CHEF JUBANS RESTAURANT

Self-taught chef and Loreauville native Chris Motto helms one of Baton Rouge’s most important restaurant ventures, the 2022 reboot of beloved fine-dining establishment Jubans Restaurant. Under Motto’s careful hand, the new Jubans experience delivers iconic menu standards alongside Motto’s new creations, which include fried oysters Rockefeller with pickled fennel and housemade chevre cheesecake. Motto was previously executive chef at another of Baton Rouge’s fine-dining icons, Mansurs on the Boulevard, and he’s well-known for competing on season 18 of Hell’s Kitchen, Fox TV’s culinary reality show, in 2018.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science)

PROUD MOMENT: Motto won over viewers—and acerbic Hell’s Kitchen host Gordon Ramsay—with his good-natured demeanor. No one saw it coming when, as one of four remaining contestants, Motto nominated himself for elimination. He said later that he enjoyed the ride, but wanted to come home and continue cooking in Baton Rouge.

GAYE

SANDOZ DIRECTOR LSU AGCENTER FOOD INNOVATION INSTITUTE (FOODII)

Converting Louisiana’s deep-seated culinary culture into successful, saleable products has been Gaye Sandoz’s focus for decades. In 2009, she kicked off Louisiana’s first food incubator, Edible Enterprises in Norco, staying until 2012 when she was recruited to help the LSU AgCenter open its own venture. The LSU AgCenter Food Innovation Institute, or Foodii, has grown exponentially under Sandoz’s leadership, launching dozens of culinary entrepreneurs with support that includes kitchen space, marketing advice and food science labeling. An infusion of $4 million in state and federal funds recently helped the incubator expand capacity and add a bottling facility.

FAMILIAR FACE: For years, Sandoz has promoted Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods on TV and radio.

INVENTOR: Sandoz invented a product called the Clever Kitchen Microwave BBQ Chicken Roaster, inspired by her years as a single mom living in apartments. Sold on QVC, more than 10,000 of the roasters had been sold as of spring 2022.

MATT SAURAGE CHAIRMAN COMMUNITY COFFEE

Few brands are as recognizable in Louisiana as Community Coffee, the largest familyowned coffee retailer in the continental U.S. Founded in 1919 by Henry Norman “Cap” Saurage, the company now sells to grocery stores, businesses and restaurants in nearly two dozen states. Chairman Matt Saurage, the fourth generation to lead the company, worked his way through the ranks, officially starting in 1995 as a manufacturing engineer in a roasting facility. He became president and CEO in 2005, and chairman in 2012. In 2023, the Saurage family was named the recipient of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society’s Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement award for contributions to the region’s gastronomic culture over the last century.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s–engineering), Vanderbilt, MBA

COMPANY SEAL: In 1980, Community Coffee was the first coffee producer in the U.S. to successfully market vacuum-packed ground roasted coffee.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance), LSU Law (J.D./BCL), Millsaps College

LEADING INDUSTRIES CONSTRUCTION, FOOD & BEVERAGE, INDUSTRY, LOGISTICS, RETAIL, UTILITIES

PETER SCLAFANI PARTNER AND CEO MAKING RAVING FANS HOSPITALITY GROUP

Peter Sclafani, a third-generation chef and restaurateur from New Orleans, is CEO of Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group, which operates Jubans, SoLou and Portobello’s, and has sales approaching $20 million annually. He is also owner of Down South Hospitality, a consulting firm helping restaurateurs install systems, improve accountability, implement training programs and fine-tune their menus. Sclafani was at Ruffino’s for 20 years, during which he was named Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef in 2015 by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. In 2014, he was named “Restaurateur of the Year” by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. He was also awarded “Restaurateur of the Year” by LRA’s Baton Rouge chapter for an unprecedented two consecutive years (2010, 2011).

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Napa Valley

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Gerard Butler

PATRICK VALLUZZO

WAYNE STABILER RESTAURATEUR WAYNE STABILER COMPANIES

Wayne Stabiler is among the region’s premier restaurateurs, owning both Little Village restaurants, Stab’s Steak & Seafood, Palermo Ristorante and Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood. He also owns Catering Cajun and bought Walk-On’s catering business in 2017. He started in the food business in the early 1980’s while still attending high school. He would drive to the coast to buy seafood straight from the fishers and sell it to local markets. His love for seafood led him to open a seafood wholesaling business by the time he was 21, and he would later get into the catering business before eventually owning a restaurant.

FAVORITE CAUSES: Causes the Stabiler Foundation supports include the Navy Seal Foundation, the McMains Center, Pat’s Coats for Kids, and Iris Domestic Violence Center, as well as other causes focused on alleviating hunger and food insecurity.

JIM URDIALES OWNER

MESTIZO LOUISIANA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Third-generation restaurateur Jim Urdiales launched his Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Restaurant in 1999, first on Sherwood Forest Boulevard before moving to its current Acadian Thruway location. The hospitality industry is in Urdiales’ genes, as he got his start working for his parents at their popular Carlos’ Mexican Restaurant on Airline Highway. His uncle, Severo “Joe” Urdiales, founded El Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, run today by cousin Raul Urdiales. The Mestizo brand is distinct, with a menu combining Tex-Mex traditions with Louisiana ingredients. The restaurant is also known for its healthy options, including keto-friendly and veggie-centric versions of classic dishes. A longtime leader in the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, he makes frequent trips to Mexico for inspiration from regional cuisines.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – marketing)

FAVORITE MUSIC: Soul and R&B

HOBBY: Gardening

ADAM BEARY

PRESIDENT

AND CEO CITY GROUP HOSPITALITY

Patrick Valluzzo has brought large-scale systems thinking to City Group Hospitality’s long-term mission of opening high-volume, creative restaurant concepts in the Baton Rouge area. After his family sold many of its McDonald’s franchises, Patrick Valluzzo joined forces with City Pork restaurant operator Stephen Hightower to form City Group Hospitality. The partners built on the success of the City Pork brand and quickly added a swath of new eateries including Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine, Rouj Creole, City Slice, Spoke & Hub, the Brakes Bar and Proverbial Wine Bistro as well as two catering divisions. The restaurant group also has two City Pork locations on the LSU campus.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

WALK-UP SONG: “Get Along” by Kenny Chesney

PASSION/HOBBY: Family activities

BEST ADVICE: “Read Dale Wimbrow’s famous motivational poem Guy in the Glass.”

JOHN VALLUZZO PRESIDENT VALLUZZO COMPANIES

John, Nicholas and Michael Valluzzo established Valluzzo Companies in 2010. The company has expanded to manage about 80 McDonald’s restaurants in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, continuing a family legacy that started when Doc Valluzzo met Ray Kroc in 1958 and began the family’s first partnership with McDonald’s in Alabama; Doc Valluzzo would later open south Louisiana’s first McDonald’s in Baton Rouge in 1964. The three owner-operators of Valluzzo Companies received the Ronald award from McDonald’s in 2017. John Valluzzo has served on the board for Catholic High School, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Junior Achievement of Greater Baton Rouge and Acadiana. Valluzzo Companies is No. 32 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $205.4 million in annual revenue.

EDUCATION: Western Michigan University

CEO and President

BEAR PROCESS SAFETY

Adam Beary’s company specializes in risk mitigation for partners in the chemical, petrochemical and renewable energy spaces. He was a 2022 Business Report Forty Under 40 honoree and is a member of the 2023 Leadership Baton Rouge class. He is also an advisory board member for Kids’ Orchestra in Baton Rouge. Through his leadership, BPS has experienced significant growth as a provider of process safety services in the region.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – chemical engineering)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT AND DISH: Drunken noodles at Soji

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Playa Mujeres, Mexico

BEST ADVICE: “You can either live to work or work to live. Decide the person you are early in your career.”

MUST READ: “Atomic Habits. It depicts the impact that can come from one small change.”

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Bet on yourself.”

INDUSTRY

GREG BOWSER PRESIDENT AND CEO

LOUISIANA CHEMICAL ASSOCIATION AND LOUISIANA CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ALLIANCE

Greg Bowser oversees an organization representing the interests of 66 chemical manufacturing companies as well as the LCIA, a partnership of Louisiana’s chemical plants, their suppliers, contractors and vendors. At LSU, Bowser was a four-year letter-winner on the Tiger football team as a defensive lineman and now does radio work on Tiger football broadcasts. He has served on the boards of the Baton Rouge General Health System, YMCA, Fidelity Bank, Capital Area United Way, the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation and as vice president of the National Letter Winners Board. He currently serves on the board of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and is a member of the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

HOBBY: Golf

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Denzel Washington ROLE MODEL: “My late mother, Ester Jones-Bowser”

CHRISTEN CAMPBELL

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY & VERBUND DIRECTOR BASF

Christen Campbell’s first job at BASF was process safety management/risk management specialist, becoming BASF’s North American regulatory expert, expanding her role to include all regulated sites, sharing her knowledge about process safety management regulations. She was honored by the Manufacturing Institute as a STEP Ahead Emerging Leader in the field of safety and environmental compliance. In her current role, she helps BASF’s largest site in North America establish and accomplish its strategic plan. Campbell, a graduate and mentor for Female Leaders Advancing Manufacturing Excellence, is active with BRAC and the Louisiana Chemical Association. Organizations she has volunteered with include the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, , Hospice, United Way and Big Buddy.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s., MBA)

STEPHANIE CARGILE

BATON ROUGE PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER EXXONMOBIL

Stephanie Cargile supports issue management, communications, media, government relations and community engagement for ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge refinery, chemical and lubricants facilities. In short, she is the public voice of the petrochemical giant. Previously, she worked with Catholic High School in public relations and as a consultant with Coca Cola Bottling Company, Baton Rouge Metro Airport and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. She is vice president of the Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System, treasurer for the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District and serves on the boards of Louisiana Nexxus Technology Park, New Schools for Baton Rouge and PAR.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, M.A. – mass communication)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Achieving the role as ExxonMobil Baton Rouge public and government affairs manager while raising three young children.”

DANNY DANIEL JR.

PRESIDENT AND CEO MOODY-PRICE

Danny Daniel’s company has been operating since 1955 and is one of the largest providers of instrumentation, filtration, steam/energy management and high-pressure products in the U.S. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, the company has 10 stocking locations and covers Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, western Tennessee and the Florida panhandle. Texas has been a particular expansion target recently, as Moody-Price opened three branch offices and a service center in the state from 2018 through 2021. Moody-Price came about as result of a merger between Ray Moody Company and Price Engineering and Sales. The company ranks No. 73 on the most recent Business Report list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $51 million in annual revenue.

EXPANSION: Moody-Price made two acquisitions between 2012 and 2015.

STEVEN DAVIS JR. CEO AND FOUNDER FACILITIES MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

Steven Davis has been in the construction field for more than 16 years, specializing in new construction, renovations and maintenance. He founded Facilities Maintenance Management in 2010. The firm strives to keep clients informed and build relationships through real-time emails and web-based communication tools that report on everything from the status of a maintenance request to confirmation of a change order. The Denham Springs-based firm has showed up on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America several times, clocking in at No. 4,638 last year.

EDUCATION: LSU (business administration and management)

MORNING ROUTINE: “Up at 6, help fix breakfast for the kids, hit the gym, make calls on the treadmill, shower and a Smoothie King breakfast.” WORK-LIFE BALANCE ADVICE: “Plan your work time and family time, put it on the calendar, and the likelihood of success will drastically increase.”

MARCUS DEAL CEO SPECIALTY WELDING AND TURNAROUNDS (SWAT)

Marcus Deal was named CEO of SWAT in 2021, taking a leadership role in a company that was growing rapidly even before a fund managed by New York-based ORIX Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the Gonzales turnaround and construction specialist in 2020. COVID-19 helped put SWAT on the map as its safety department coordinated pandemic preparedness policies to help provide a smooth transition. It has master service agreements with more than 50 U.S. facilities, including some of the world’s largest oil refiners and petrochemical suppliers. Previously, Deal served as president of Brown & Root’s turnarounds and specialty services business lines and as vice president of maintenance for Chicago Bridge & Iron.

DEEPER DIVE: SWAT performs services across the U.S., with a coverage area spanning more than 17 states and a nationwide craft labor database of more than 10,000 professionals.

LEADING INDUSTRIES

CONSTRUCTION, FOOD & BEVERAGE, INDUSTRY, LOGISTICS, RETAIL, UTILITIES

DAVID DISMUKES

CONSULTING ECONOMIST/ MANAGING PARTNER

ACADIAN CONSULTING GROUP

David Dismukes is a consulting economist and managing partner with the Acadian Consulting Group, a research and consulting firm that specializes in the analysis of issues affecting regulated, energy and natural resource industries. Dismukes is also a professor emeritus at the LSU Center for Energy Studies. He previously served as a professor, executive director and director of policy analysis at the center. In addition, he held a joint appointment as a tenured professor in the environmental sciences department, where he also served as director of the Coastal Marine Institute. He continues to serve as a senior research fellow at the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University.

EDUCATION: Florida State University

(M.S., Ph.D. – economics)

MENTOR: “My high school football coach who gave me lessons and taught me to deal with mental and physical adversity and how to persevere.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Santa Fe, New Mexico

SHANE DOSS PRESIDENT OPTIMAL FIELD SERVICES

Shane Doss has been with his current Geismar-based employer as either president or vice president since 2015. The company saw its revenue more than double in 2019, making it the biggest gainer on Business Report’s 2020 list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region. The company landed at No. 84 on the most recent list with $37.63 million in revenue. Outside of its headquarters, the company has an additional office in Pasadena, Texas. The company performs turnaround services, specialty welding, routine maintenance and capital projects. Doss has deep experience managing turnarounds and previous stops in his career include Turner Industries, Nooter Construction Company and The Dow Chemical Company.

BY THE NUMBERS: In 2022, Optimal Field Services grew 94% over the previous year,, received the Exxon Mobil Safety Achievement Award and went a fourth straight yeas without a Lost Time Incident.

ANDY DUPUY

PRESIDENT & CEO

BROWN & ROOT

Andy Dupuy, president and CEO of Brown & Root since its 2015 formation, has more than 40 years of experience in the construction, engineering, maintenance and EPC business. He previously served as president of Shaw Power, executive vice president of the Shaw Infrastructure/E&I division and other positions prior to the sale of The Shaw Group to Chicago Bridge & Iron. At CB&I, he was senior vice president of construction for the plant services division and president of Fossil Power for the power division. He is a past president of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Pelican Chapter and currently serves on the board of trustees of the National Center for Construction Education and Research. He joined the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in 2005.

NONPROFIT CAUSE: The National Down Syndrome Society

PASSION/HOBBY: Collecting sugar and syrup kettles

BRAD DUTRUCH PRESIDENT COMPLIANCE ENVIROSYSTEMS

Brad Dutruch is responsible for the day-today operations of Compliance EnviroSystems, which ranks 75th on Business Report’s most recent annual list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, with $47.46 million in annual revenue. He brings over 25 years of experience in all aspects of sewer and stormwater evaluation and has provided logistics and coordination of field efforts for many sanitary sewer evaluation surveys throughout the Southeast. His experience includes consent decree and asset management for the city of Baton Rouge and work for New Orleans during its recovery from Hurricane Katrina, along with work in Atlanta, Memphis and other cities. Dutruch has been involved in the evaluation of over 40 million linear feet of sanitary sewer.

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY: In 2010, Dutruch served as president of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies, which sets the industry standard for the rehabilitation of underground utilities.

CONNIE P. FABRÉ

PRESIDENT AND CEO

GREATER BATON ROUGE INDUSTRY ALLIANCE INC.

Connie Fabré works with stakeholders in education, government, trade unions and nonprofits to transform craft education in the Baton Rouge area. She has helped implement safety improvements, including a revision to the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s hydroblasting training curriculum, and guiding efforts of the Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions. She’s also a board member for the National Center for Construction Education and Research, an advisory board member of LSU’s Transportation Consortium of South-Central States, an industry representative on the Louisiana Board of Regents’ Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and serves on the board of the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – chemical engineering, MBA)

NONPROFIT CAUSE: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation

TOMMY FAUCHEUX

PRESIDENT

LOUISIANA MID-CONTINENT OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION

Tommy Faucheux has extensive experience managing state government affairs and policy matters. Faucheux previously worked as director of state government affairs for The Dow Chemical Co., where he was responsible for the company’s southeast region of the U.S. as well as providing strategic public affairs support to Dow’s Louisiana facilities. He is past chair of the board of directors of Greater New Orleans Inc. and has been involved in various capacities with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Public Affairs Research Council, American Chemistry Council and St. Charles Parish Economic Development Council.

EDUCATION: Loyola University

(Bachelor’s – communications/public relations)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Tom Cruise

PROUDEST MOMENT: Becoming a dad

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Have a personal board of directors—people you can trust that will be your champion, while being completely honest.”

BRENT FLAVIN CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CEO BOOMNATION

Brent Flavin co-leads BoomNation with Waitr founderChris Meaux. The startup, launched publicly last year, seeks to connect job seekers with hiring managers in trade industries such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation and warehousing and utilities—sectors not always served well by other platforms. Prior to BoomNation, Flavin’s professional background included risk management and selling commercial and residential real estate. Users can download the app and join a community with real-time content, networking, and communications features, while also promoting their skills and craftsmanship. Callais Capital led the $5 million seed round the company closed over the summer. BoomNation says nearly 10,000 job applications were processed through the app in 2022.

EDUCATION: LSU

BOB FUDICKAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

The National Center for Advanced Manufacturing, located at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is home to a partnership between NASA, the state of Louisiana, LSU, the University of New Orleans and the UNO Research and Technology Foundation. NCAM, first launched in 1999, is a research and production center focused on applying advanced manufacturing technologies to lightweight composite and metallic materials in support of the NASA space program and adjacent industries. NCAM also plays a key educational role, sponsoring a coalition of Louisiana research universities, workforce development programs and STEM outreach initiatives.

EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma (economic development certificate), University of Louisiana at Monroe and LSU (Bachelor’s – business, finance and real estate)”

PASSION: Duck hunting

WALK-UP SONG: “Lily Was Here” by David A. Stewart

TYLER GRAY

CORPORATE SECRETARY

PLACID REFINING CO.

Tyler Gray is something of a public face for the low-key but economically important Placid Refining Company, an independent oil and gas company based in Baton Rouge. Previously, Gray served as president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and worked as an attorney for the Department of Natural Resources and the city of New Orleans. He sits on multiple for-profit and nonprofit boards.

EDUCATION: James Madison University (Bachelor’s– economics), Loyola University (JD), LSU (MBA –economics)

BEST ADVICE: “The cemetery is filled with irreplaceable people.”

MUST READ: “Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, because it challenges common assumptions about success.”

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Success often comes from persistence, consistency and perseverance. Don’t be discouraged by failures and setbacks, but rather use them as learning opportunities.”

GLEN GULINO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ISC CONSTRUCTORS

For over 30 years, ISC has provided electrical, instrumentation and controls solutions to world-leading manufacturers. With offices in Baton Rouge, Beaumont and Houston, the company has grown to a team of more than 3,000 associates offering full-service engineering, construction, and maintenance solutions throughout the U.S. ISC ranked No. 26 on Business Report’s most recent annual list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region with $262 million in annual revenue. ISC has a close and longstanding relationship with the LSU College of Engineering and many of the company’s top leaders, including Glen Gulino and cofounders Jerry and Eddie Rispone, graduated from the school. Last year, ISC was part of the team designing and constructing the upgrade of state-of-the-art research facilities for the LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering Dow Unit Operations Laboratory.

EDUCATION: LSU (engineering)

TIM HARRIS

SITE MANAGER

EASTMAN TAMINCO

Tim Harris has served as site manager at Eastman Taminco in St. Gabriel for 11 years. Early in his career, he served in the Navy, eventually qualifying as a nuclear trained submarine officer. Later, he moved to St Louis to work in manufacturing, holding several roles of increasing responsibility in the manufacture of semiconductors, plastics, glass, custom machining, smelting and chemicals. He is currently chair of the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, vice chair of the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance and sits on the board of the Louisiana Chemical Association, LSU Department of Chemical Engineering Industry Advisory Board and a corporate board.

EDUCATION: Tulane (Bachelor’s – mechanical engineering), Washington University (MBA)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Fajita steak tampiquena with a margarita at Superior Grill

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Surround yourself with people that make you want to be better.”

BRIAN HAYMON CEO

LOADSTAR

In an age when logistics powers the global economy, Bryan Haymon is creating what he calls the “next generation of product handling.” He founded Loadstar in 2017, not long before a private equity firm bought the Haymon family-owned Petroleum Service Corporation. The company has its own Tankerman Academy, an earn-while-youlearn, tuition-refundable program that results in Coast Guard certification. An advocate for education, he supports the LSU Honors College and New Schools for Baton Rouge. In 2020, amid a search for a new superintendent for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, he and two other prominent businesspeople sent a letter demanding the board hire a “nationally recognized leader.” He is also involved with the Build Baton Rouge, BRAC and the Arts Council.

WALK-UP SONG: “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga PROUDEST MOMENT: “My wedding day and the births of my two children.”

JERRY JONES MEMBER BRADLEY MURCHISON

Jerry Jones chairs the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry, which meets bimonthly and reviews applications for tax incentive programs, including the Enterprise Zone, Industrial Tax Exemption, Quality Jobs, and Restoration Tax Abatement programs. The Industrial Tax Exemption Program has been a particular source of controversy since Gov. John Bel Edwards began requiring that ITEP projects create jobs and seek local approval for the exemption. Former Gov. Bobby Jindal first appointed Jones to the board. Jones’ legal practice includes negotiating contracts and helping private and public entities deal with various regulatory issues, including representing large petrochemical and agricultural companies in site acquisitions and incentive negotiations.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech (Bachelor’s), LSU Law (JD)

ALMOST A NATIVE: “My parents moved to Louisiana when I was six months old; so, while I wasn’t born here, I got here as quickly as I could.”

CRYSTAL KING

SENIOR LEAD SITE

MANUFACTURING DIRECTOR THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY

Being the first Black woman to hold a senior leadership position at Dow, Crystal King is certainly a pioneer. Her rise up the corporate ladder is a testament to her strong people skills and high-level technical ability. She oversees the company’s Louisiana Operations facility, which, after $1 billion in new projects, is Dow’s second-largest manufacturing site globally. Prior to returning to her home state, King was site leader for Dow’s Seadrift, Texas, operation while it was undergoing a significant transformation—with officials documenting more than $15 million in value creation because of King’s vision and leadership. She is active in programs that advocate for diversity within the next generation of leaders and was key in launching Dow’s African American Network, which aims to improve Black communities near Dow locations.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech (Bachelor’s – chemical engineering)

SHANE KIRKPATRICK PRESIDENT GROUP CONTRACTORS

Shane Kirkpatrick has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, serving as the company’s president for the past 13 years. After serving in the Army, Kirkpatrick joined the Group team in 1998 as a laborer while still in college. Since then, he’s been project superintendent, project manager and operations manager before officially being promoted to president, overseeing all facets of company operations. Kirkpatrick has served as a board member for the Associated Builders and Contractors Bayou Chapter, ABC Pelican Chapter and ABC National Chapter.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction management)

NONPROFIT CAUSE: Selected as Real Man of Baton Rouge in 2019 for being the top fundraiser for Real Men Wear Pink; member of the Baton Rouge General Foundation board.

PASSION/HOBBY: Playing tennis

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Work hard and opportunities will come.”

MIKE JUNEAU PRESIDENT PREMIER GEOTECH AND TESTING

Mike Juneau founded Premier Geotech and Testing in June 2018. Since then, the company has increased year-over-year revenue starting from $3 million in 2019, to $3.5 million in 2020, $4 million in 2021, and a projected $5 million in 2022. His impact in the community is widespread, from helping to develop the EngineerIT program—which educates students about different engineering disciplines by utilizing real world, hands-on activities—to organizing a donation drive to gather and distribute cleaning supplies to residents in the local area affected by the 2016 floods to also helping with relief efforts following Hurricanes Ida.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering, MBA)

PASSION: “Providing disaster relief. When a hurricane hits or a flood destroys a community, I like to organize relief efforts and provide manual labor to help those people.”

GEORGE KNOST III

OWNER AND PRESIDENT ARKEL INTERNATIONAL

George Knost has built Arkel into an international player in the oil and gas sector. The company provides infrastructure— building plants, power generation and logistical support—and technical services to organizations, governments and militaries in some of the world’s most austere and remote locations. Arkel’s history began in 1955 when Homer Knost moved to Louisiana to participate in the post-war construction boom along the Gulf Coast. He retired in 2001, turning company operations over to his son, George. The Arkel Group, which also includes owners John Fife and Derek Fife, ranked No. 36 on the most recent list of Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $182.78 million in annual revenue.

EDUCATION: Northwestern State University (Bachelor’s – finance)

“Poker Face, by Lady Gaga.”

WALK-UP SONG

CHIP LAVIGNE PRESIDENT LAVIGNE OIL COMPANY

Lavigne Oil is a regional leader in the petroleum marketing, fuel supply and convenience store industries. Established in 2009, the company purchased Sullivan Oil, which had been in the industry for more than 43 years. Lavigne Oil is a wholesale fuel distributor of Shell and Chevron gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and delivers more than 100 million gallons of fuel every year to clients throughout the Southeast. A native of the Northshore, Lavigne is an experienced property developer and recently became a member of the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. Lavigne Oil Company ranks No. 43 on Business Report’s most recent ranking of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, earning $141.6 million in annual revenue.

SIDE HUSTLE: Lavigne also owns Chip’s to Go markets, known for their BBQ lunch plates and Southern-Style Chicken Sandwiches. There are three locations in Baton Rouge.

JOHNNY MILAZZO OWNER

LARD OIL CO.

If you want to know how products get from refineries to the pump, then look no further than what Johnny Milazzo and his team do on a daily basis. Lard Oil’s mission for over a century has been distributing bulk oil and fuel to its customers. The company is the largest ExxonMobil distributor in Louisiana, offering 24/7 delivery service to stations, quick lubes, and other commercial and industrial businesses. Its central office, located in Denham Springs, allows for a large distribution area spanning south Louisiana and Mississippi. The company has grown significantly on Milazzo’s watch, employing more than 300 people throughout the region.

NOTABLE AWARDS: The company is a recipient of the Leaders in Excellence and the Gold Circle of Excellence awards, given by ExxonMobil to suppliers that achieve the highest performance standards and practices in the fuel and lubricant industry.

CHIP LEE PRESIDENT DELVAL FLOW CONTROLS

DelVal Flow Controls provides a wide range of valves, actuators and control accessories, serving industries including oil and gas, power generation, mining, chemical process, marine, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage among others. The company is based in Geismar and has a global footprint, with manufacturing and local sales and support teams available in more than 50 countries. DelVal’s growth has been steady as Lee and his team have overcome a multitude of challenges that come with being a global company, including inventory control and various geopolitical issues. Established in 2005, the company last year cracked the Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies list, posting $23.01 million in annual revenue.

WEEKENDS: On Sundays, the go-to move for Lee is an afternoon barbeque by the pool with his family.

ORIGIN STORY: DelVal started when Lee and his sister, Lisette Prieto, were approached by their stepfather, Len Bordelon, about starting a valve manufacturing business.

SCOTT MORRISON PRESIDENT

JM TEST SYSTEMS

JM Test Systems operates with the goal of helping various operations run accurately and safely by calibrating, renting, and distributing test and measurement equipment and providing related services and products. The company that Ed Morrison, Scott Morrison’s father, started in 1982 out of a borrowed trailer has grown from a two-person lab to 10 labs and more than 500 employees, with headquarters in Baton Rouge and other locations in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Illinois. The company ranks No. 67 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies with $65.85 million in annual revenue, up more than 16% from the previous year.

THE NEXT PHASE: Chicago private equity investor Kanbrick acquired JM Test Systems this year and plans to partner with the Morrison family through its next phase of growth.

FRED A. MCMANUS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BROWN & ROOT

Fred McManus, as head of a comprehensive industrial services business, leads more than 9,500 employees in 27 states and five countries. He has more than 40 years of industry experience and has been actively involved in Associated Builders and Contractors since 1982. He is also a former ABC Pelican Chapter chair. McManus is an active member of Chapel at the Oaks and is involved in many social causes, including Faith Builds, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge and the Big Buddy Program.

PASSION: “I have been a runner since I was 15.”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Seeing my daughters, Erika and Makayla, work in this industry.”

BEST ADVICE: “Continually seek the counsel of godly people in your life.”

MUST READ: “Read the Bible. It’s my first and most important decision each day.”

DAI NGUYEN

GENERAL MANAGER SHELL GEISMAR

This Louisiana native’s career at Shell, as someone who transforms business, has taken him around the world and home again. Now, the chemical engineer is leading Shell Geismar at a time when the company’s southeast Louisiana plans are becoming increasingly key to the energy giant’s future. He’s committed to transforming the community as well, serving on the board of directors for the Capital Area United Way, BRAC, the Louisiana Chemical Association and The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: Tulane (Bachelor’s – chemical engineering)

PASSION: “Investing in childhood education. Drawing on my own experience, being an immigrant to the U.S., I’ve seen education as a proven way to improve yourself, your community and your family.”

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: “My parents wanted me to be a doctor. I was pre-med, but after my first year or so, I thought it would take way too long to be a doctor.”

DAVE OLDREIVE REFINERY MANAGER EXXONMOBIL

As ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery manager, David Oldreive oversees the operations of the nation’s fifth-largest refinery with a workforce of nearly 3,000 employees and contractors. The economic impact of the refinery on the local economy—as well as the ripple effect of money spent by those working at or with ExxonMobil—is enormous. Over the course of his career, he has served in a number of roles with Imperial Oil Downstream, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, and ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants Company. Oldreive also serves on the boards of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Strathcona Industrial Association and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.

EDUCATION: Saint Mary’s University (MBA), Dalhousie University (Bachelor’s – mechanical engineering)

FUN FACT: Oldreive is a native of Canada.

DAVID ROBERTS CEO EXCEL GROUP

For over 33 years, David Roberts has served as CEO of Excel Group, a company offering a wide range of services from pipe manufacturing and engineering to industrial construction and maintenance. His career began when he had an idea for a company but lacked funding, leading him to seek out an investor and three partners to launch Excel. It was a smart investment, as the company posted $18 million in first-year sales. Roberts, who eventually bought out those partners, has grown the company to several thousand employees and offices across the country. His vision and leadership in building Excel into a national power prompted Business Report, in 2017, to name him Businessperson of the Year. That same year, he was appointed to the executive committee of the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Work hard, stay focused and always put your family first.”

CHARLES E. “CHAS” ROEMER IV CEO

CHAS ROEMER INNOVATIONS

With a diversity of investment and development in projects ranging from artificial intelligence to education to traditional banking to net-zero liquefied natural gas, Chas Roemer approaches each enterprise with an eye toward innovation. Roemer helped found the largest startup bank in Louisiana’s history, b1Bank, which trades on the Nasdaq. Prior to establishing Chas Roemer Innovations in 2008, he was a leader in the national senior housing industry, serving as senior vice president and board member of CRSA, one of the leading developers and managers of senior housing in the U.S. with $2 billion in projects. He currently serves as chair of G2 Net-Zero, a Louisiana-based company. Roemer’s public service includes two terms as a stateelected member on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2007-2015.

EDUCATION: Harvard University (Bachelor’s )

JAMES “PEPPER” RUTLAND

PRESIDENT, FOUNDER AND CEO

MMR GROUP

James “Pepper” Rutland founded MMR Group in 1991, and it has become the largest privately owned merit shop electrical and instrumentation contractor in the U.S. Under Rutland’s leadership, MMR continues to grow both regionally and nationally with 30 branch offices throughout North and South America. Rutland’s passion for his business, sports and giving back to his community have all been instrumental in his career.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction technology and engineering}

WALK-UP SONG: “Homegrown” by Zach Brown Band (LSU’s game day theme song)

BEST ADVICE: “In business, you have to learn to let it go.”

ROLE MODEL: “Elon Musk, because he’s independent, isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and exercises common sense.”

JOHN SCHEMPF PRESIDENT THE NEWTRON GROUP

John Schempf presides over a company, founded in 1973 by Newton B. Thomas, that has grown from an industrial instrumentation contractor into one of the nation’s leading industrial electrical and instrumentation providers. It also offers a suite of innovative and customized analytical, automation, heat trace, integration and design solutions for a wide range of industries. The company is notable for its strong commitment to its employees, sharing profits with its workers and making charitable donations on a regular basis.

NOTABLE AWARDS: In 2022, The Newtron Group was named one of Electrical Construction & Maintenance’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors. That same year, the company was also named one of ENR’s Texas & Louisiana Top Specialty Contractors.

LOREN SCOTT

PRESIDENT

LOREN C. SCOTT & ASSOCIATES INC.

Loren Scott is the leading economic voice of the Baton Rouge business community, especially its powerful petrochemical sector. His 43-year-old economic consulting firm includes clients such as BP, BellSouth, Capital One Financial, Entergy, ExxonMobil, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nucor and Sasol. He is on the 50-member National Business Economic Issues Council, which meets quarterly to discuss issues of state, national and international interest. The group comprises experts who cover international trade, Washington economic policy, retail trade, trucking, steel, chemicals, etc. He has been interviewed on CNBC, MSNBC and Bloomberg TV and his work has been cited in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, USA Today and The Financial Times.

EDUCATION: Oklahoma State University (Ph.D.), Texas Tech University (Bachelor’s, M.A.)

PLAY YOU N A MOVIE: Clint Eastwood

JONATHAN SHI PROFESSOR, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

LSU

Professor Jonathan Shi holds the Art E. Favre Industrial Construction chair at LSU. He also leads the Louisiana Chemical Manufacturing Initiative. In that role, he helped LCMI win a national competition as one of 24 Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnerships. That led to the Industrial Assessment Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Industrial Innovation Center, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

EDUCATION: Wuhan University (Bachelor’s, M.S.), University of Alberta (Ph.D.)

MUST READ: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things by Robert Fulghum. “This book reminded me of the basic principles of how to behave and interact with others.”

BEST ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “As long as you continually build on it, you’ll get what you deserve and get where you want to be.”

JAY THOMPSON CEO

SITECH LOUISIANA

Over the course of his tenure as CEO of SITECH Louisiana, Jay Thompson has been working to develop leaders, inspire his employees and build a winning culture. Under his leadership, the construction equipment supplier has placed an emphasis on employee empowerment through education and self-development, evidenced by the fact that its workers have earned over 600 course certifications and degrees. In 2021 and 2022, the company earned a Best Places to Work designation. Thompson volunteers with numerous organizations throughout the region, including I AM: Empowering the Next Generation, ITI Technical College, and Associated Builders and Contractors.

EDUCATION: LSU, Southern University

RUNS IN THE FAMILY: Thompson’s fascination with leadership stems from learning the story of his grandparents, who married during World War II and went on to operate the only doctor’s office in Eunice.

BILLY SMITH PRESIDENT AND CEO SMITH TANK & STEEL

When Billy Smith was just 19 he was leading a tank division at the company where he worked. In 1997, Smith, along with his brother Sam Smith Jr., teamed to launch their own business, Smith Tank & Steel. Billy has since bought out his brother and is now sole owner. What began as a startup specializing in water tower repairs has since grown to become a multimillion-dollar industrial services firm specializing in the construction and repair of API storage tanks. The nationwide contractor, with offices in Gonzales, Livingston and Houston, is a member of several associations both locally and nationally, including the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, the International Liquid Terminals Association, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, and the National Institute for Storage Tank Management.

KYLIE SPARKS PRESIDENT PIPE AND STEEL INDUSTRIAL

The story of Kylie Sparks is what can happen when an entrepreneur has a vision and the faith of a family member to set the dream in motion. Doing specialty welding work at Exxon Chemical for Turner Industries, Sparks saw the need for such work at facilities across the South. His grandmother loaned him the money for his first rig truck, facilitating the birth of a 100% Native American-owned, full-service industrial pipe fabrication organization. Sparks has built a successful company by focusing on targeting its business on small- and medium-sized jobs in the power, chemical process, refining and oil field industries. In recent years, Pipe and Steel has become a family business with his three sons joining the operation.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (general studies)

PASSION: An avid fisher, Sparks won the 2016 American Bass Anglers Ram Truck Open Series Louisiana tournament, earning $5,000.

STEPHEN TOUPS CHIEF

EXECUTIVE OFFICER TURNER INDUSTRIES GROUP

Stephen Toups, who has been with Turner Industries for 25 years in various roles, now runs one of the nation’s leading industrial contractor firms. He plays a significant role in the industry, serving as national chair of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, a member of the executive committee for the American Fuels and Petrochemical Manufacturers, and on the board of the Engineering and Construction Contracting Association. Previously, he was on the board of the Rice University Global Engineering & Construction Forum, chair of CEOs Against Cancer for the Gulf Coast, and past chair for the LCTCS Foundation board of directors. Toups has been recognized by Associated Builders and Contractors as Construction Leader of the Year and named one of the top 10 Breakout Technology Leaders in the nation by the Global CIO Summit.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, MBA)

FAMILY BUSINESS: Smith comes from a family of industrial tank builders.

“Rescuing and rehabilitating off-track thoroughbreds and BLM mustangs for sale as a sporting horse or rehoming if not suited for competition.”

KATHY TRAHAN

KATHY TRAHAN PRESIDENT AND CEO ALLIANCE SAFETY COUNCIL

Kathy Trahan is a significant voice and advocate for the industrial section in her role heading a growth-oriented nonprofit dedicated to education, training and public safety. She has worked to streamline processes and implemented digital transformation strategies that assist members with saving time and resources through the development of proprietary software solutions. Their focus continues to be on the development and global delivery of immersive computer-based training solutions coupled with AI-driven identity verification and participation monitoring.

EDUCATION: McNeese State University (Bachelor’s –engineering technology)

PASSION: “Rescuing and rehabilitating off-track thoroughbreds and BLM mustangs for sale as a sporting horse or rehoming if not suited for competition.”

MUST READ: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. “I like reading books that strengthen your mindset, as your mindset creates your reality.”

LELA MAE WILKES

OWNER AND CEO

BROWN EAGLE GROUP

Lela Mae Wilkes is a pioneer for women in the local industrial sector. Brown Eagle provides logistics solutions and warehouse storage for companies nationwide, including Fortune 500 clients. She joined the company in 1977 as controller, was promoted to president in 1989 and became CEO when founder R. T. Brown Jr. retired the next year. Wilkes became 50% owner of Brown Eagle in 2012 and full owner two years later. She is a founding member of the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance and the first woman to serve on its board of directors.

EDUCATION: Northwestern State University (Bachelor’s – business), LSU (Bachelor’s –accounting)

PROUD FARM GIRL: The Pride native jokes that she attended Northwestern State because it was too far away to be called home to milk the cows.

LIFE LESSON: “My daddy never told me I could not do something because I was a girl and not a boy.”

GREG UPTON INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR LSU CENTER FOR ENERGY STUDIES

Greg Upton is fast becoming a leading voice of analysis in the energy studies and petrochemical sectors. Upton’s research is at the intersection of energy and environmental economics. He has more than 30 publications, has presented his work to more than 150 industry, governmental and academic audiences, and has been quoted or cited more than 150 times in local and national media, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and NPR’s Marketplace. He currently serves as vice president of conferences for the U.S. Association for Energy Economics.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, M.S., Ph.D. –economics)

NONPROFIT CAUSE: St. Elizabeth Foundation

PASSION/HOBBY: Hiking

BEST ADVICE: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

FAVORITE DISH: Smoked pulled pork

LOUIS VIELEE

PRESIDENT

L&B HOLDINGS

In 1984, Louis Vielee founded L&B Transport with a $5,000 investment for one truck to service local gas stations with bulk fuel in Baton Rouge. His fleet grew to include hundreds of trucks and more than 1,000 tanker trailers. He got into the truck stop business and strategically organized other businesses to support his video poker truck stop operations. Types of businesses under the L&B Holdings umbrella include liquid bulk transportation, chemical bulk trailer leasing, fuel sales, real estate leasing and video poker. Names you might recognize include TMI Fuel Stop, Grand Paradise and Lucky Louie’s Truck Stop. The Port Allen-based company ranks No. 40 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region with estimated annual revenue of about $150 million.

ON THE BOARD: Vielee is a member of the board of directors for the Louisiana Video Gaming Association.

LAURIE LIPSEY ARONSON

CHAIR AND CEO

LIPSEY’S AND HASPEL

From fashion—she made seersucker cool again—to firearms, Laurie Lipsey Aronson has mastered managing two disparate family businesses, leading both to growth and recognition as leaders in their respective sectors. Lipsey’s is the Capital Region’s fifthlargest private company, based on revenue, according to Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies list, and she is one of eight female CEOs among Top 100 company leaders. She has worked in retail her whole life, spending her teenage summers at her family’s sporting goods store, Steinberg’s Sports Center. Aronson serves on several national boards and was the first female chair of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers. She’s also a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors and has a long tenure on the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center board.

EDUCATION: Emory University (Bachelor’s - art history and sociology)

LOGISTICS >>

“My daddy never told me I could not do something because I was a girl and not a boy.”

LELA MAE WILKES

LIFE LESSON

JOHN AUSTIN PRESIDENT BENGAL

Bengal, founded in 1995, provides crane, logistics and transportation services. Although most of Bengal’s business was built on local industrial needs, the company now covers all 48 contiguous states along with Canada. John Austin says his friend Shane Tubre brought him into the company Tubre owned as operations manager in 2010. His previous employer had moved him several times and he didn’t want to move again; he was quickly promoted to president and began leading Bengal’s companies to new heights. Bengal ranks 80th on Business Report’s most recent annual Top 100 Private Companies list with an estimated $41 million in annual revenue.

GOAL SETTING: “With humble beginnings as a small business run out of the owner’s parents’ home, it has been a very rewarding journey to see the company grow to the size we are now,” Austin said in 2016.

JAY HARDMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PORT OF GREATER BATON ROUGE

Jay Hardman oversees one of the Capital Region’s most important economic drivers— the port. Hardman, who has been with the port since 1999 and executive director since 2006, oversees all aspects of the port’s dayto-day management and operations, ensuring that it remains an integral part of the national maritime industry. He is also a member of the American Association of Port Authorities, and, in 2016, Gov. John Bel Edwards reappointed him to the Louisiana Board of International Commerce, which serves as the state’s authority to advance international commerce initiatives and enhance its tradebased economy. Additionally, he is a member of the technical advisory committee of the Capital Regional Planning Committee, Baton Rouge Loop Project Stakeholders Committee and West Baton Rouge Parish Transportation Authority board.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

TIMOTHY MOCKLER OWNER MOCKLER BEVERAGE COMPANY

Tim Mockler is chair of Mockler Beverage Company in Baton Rouge and Houma. Mockler Beverage distributes Budweiser along with a wide range of wine, spirits, nonalcoholic beverages and other beer brands. Last year, Mockler Beverage bought Buquet Distributing, the Budweiser distributor in Houma. With the acquisition, the Mockler footprint extends from St. Bernard Parish to St. Mary Parish and from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Pontchartrain and Point Coupee Parish. He was born in St. Louis, raised primarily in Texas and moved to Baton Rouge in 1987 with his father, Gary, to start their business that would become Mockler Beverage Company.

FAVORITE BEER: Budweiser, naturally, though his go-to these days is Michelob Ultra.

WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN: This year, Tim was the third Mockler to be grand marshal of Baton Rouge’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, following his brother Patrick and late father.

HUGH RAETZSCH JR.

OWNER AND CEO LYONS

Lyons is a convenience store distributor offering a four-phase process that aims to maximize customers’ revenue through a data-driven approach and ongoing reviews. Hugh Raetzsch, the third-generation family member to serve as president and CEO, is the grandson of founder William E. Davis Sr. and the son of Jane D. Dunlap, who currently chairs the board. He began his career with Lyons at a young age, learning many different roles throughout the company. Raetzsch is active with the American Wholesale Marketers Association, the Louisiana Association of Wholesalers, the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Lyons, based in Port Allen, ranks 37th on the most recent Business Report list of the Top 100 Private Companies, with $182.5 million in annual revenue.

EDUCATION: LSU (business management)

PATRICK MOCKLER OWNER MOCKLER BEVERAGE COMPANY

Patrick Mockler is president of Southern Eagle Sales and Service, wholesale distributor of Budweiser and other beverages in New Orleans, and an owner of Baton Rouge’s Mockler Beverage Company, which does the same in the Baton Rouge and Houma areas. He began working in the distribution business out of high school. He was born in St. Louis and spent his grade school years in Houston and Dallas, moving with his family to Baton Rouge after high school graduation to attend LSU. Mockler Beverage ranks No. 46 on Business Report’s 2023 list of the Top 100 Private Companies, reporting $97.31 million in revenue.

EDUCATION: LSU

BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: In no particular order, he enjoys Budweiser, Stella Artois, Ultra, Tin Roof Blonde, La Folie, Canebrake and an occasional 360 martini straight up with no olive juice.

JILL SAVARD CEO AND OWNER SAVARD LABOR & MARINE PERSONNEL

Jill Savard is one of only eight female top executives among the Capital Region’s Top 100 Private Companies, compiled by Business Report, with Savard Labor & Marine Personnel ranking 81st with $40 million in annual revenue, up nearly 67% from the previous year. She’s an important player in an industry that has historically been dominated by men. The company is a marine personnel and contract labor agency, providing clients with skilled and unskilled blue-collar labor. With a database of more than 100,000 workers who can be found everywhere from small shops to Fortune 500 companies, it provides an important service in a tight labor market. The company has locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

WORKPLACE CULTURE: “It is often said very few people go the extra mile because the extra mile is a very destitute and lonely place. Most visit once and upon this realization leave, never to return again. I like to think of my team members as exceptional individuals who live and thrive in the extra mile.”

DREW TESSIER SENIOR DIRECTOR –PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNION PACIFIC

Drew Tessier has established a strategic community presence over the course of his 17-plus years at Union Pacific by building relationships with key stakeholders and elected officials to advance major projects. He represents the rail company in Louisiana, Arkansas and East Texas—a critical industry in the transportation of materials produced by the region’s petrochemical plants. He manages lobbyists and reviews key legislation in both Louisiana and Arkansas while also serving as a spokesperson for Union Pacific during crisis situations. Tessier is also a liaison with the Gulf ports in Beaumont, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration and management, M.S. – public administration)

BOARD SERVICE: The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

JIM BOITNOTT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT PRESONUS

LSU graduates Jim Odom and Brian Smith founded PreSonus Audio Electronics in 1995. Over the years, they created tools for musicians in both school and professional settings, and the two became leading designers and manufacturers of both recording and livesound hardware and software solutions meant to solve real-world problems for working creatives. The company did things so well that it attracted the attention of Los Angelesbased Fender Musical Instruments, which entered into an agreement to buy PreSonus in November 2021. Jim Boitnott currently is the top local executive and has been with the company since 2013, serving as vice president of marketing, chief operating officer and CEO before the sale.

EDUCATION: Elon University (Bachelor’s – music), Radford University (music)

RENAISSANCE MAN: Boitnott reportedly plays flamenco guitar and has taught a master class in paella.

JUSTIN ALFORD CO-OWNER BENNY’S CAR WASH

Justin Alford is a pioneer in the car wash industry. The Benny’s Car Wash on Perkins Road reportedly was the first in the world to employ the “express wash” concept, a technologically advanced drive-thru system that introduced an alternative to full-service washing. Car wash owners from six continents have visited Benny’s Perkins Road location, and it’s hard to find a car wash today that isn’t styled similarly. It’s one of several moves the company has made over its 72-year tenure in predicting consumer behavior. Today, the company, co-owned by his father, Benny, has nine locations and almost 400 full- and parttime employees. Locations are also underway in Baker and Zachary. Charitable work includes donations to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and donations of empty soap barrels to Keep Tiger Town Beautiful.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s - business)

FAMILY TIES: Alford is board president of the International Carwash Association.

MIKE HOLLINGSWORTH DEALER PARTNER/PARTNER

HOLLINGSWORTH

RICHARDS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP/HONDA OF COVINGTON POWER SPORTS

The Hollingsworth Richards Automotive Group was formed with the purchase of River City Ford in 1996. The store was renamed Hollingsworth Richards Ford and is now under the care of partners Mike and Gaye Hollingsworth, Kent Richards and Polly Lemoine. Hollingsworth Richards Ford was the first dealership in Louisiana to achieve Blue Oval certification through the Ford Motor Company, which is meant to represent exceptional attention to customer satisfaction at every level of service. Hollingsworth Richards Automotive Group is ranked No. 24 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, reporting $272.2 million in revenue, up more than 18% from the previous year.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – marketing)

SCOTT BERG

PRESIDENT

LEE MICHAELS

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry President Scott Berg has years of experience in the jewelry industry including holding positions on various industry-specific boards. He is a past board chair of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, past president of the American Gem Society, and former board member of Jewelers for Children. Berg is focused on continuing to grow the family business and providing more opportunities to team members, while also giving back to the community.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Bachelor’s), LSU (MBA)

BEST ADVICE: “You see the same people on the way up as you do on the way down; be kind.”

PASSION/HOBBY: Water-skiing

MENTOR: “My father, as he has been a tremendous role model in business, in family and as a person. He has always been there for me no matter what the circumstance. He taught me the value of hard work, family and education.”

DANIEL KENNEDY OWNER AND CEO

PROSOURCE

WHOLESALE FLOORING

Established in 1999, ProSource Wholesale Flooring now has 15 locations and almost 200 employees. The company comes in at No. 58 on Business Report’s most recent annual list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region with an estimated $76.5 million in annual revenue. Daniel Kennedy’s first job related to the homebuilding industry was as a warehouse manager for a carpet distributor. He previously worked as a district manager for Shaw Industries.

BEST ADVICE: “If money can fix your problem, then it’s not a real problem, you can always earn more money. It’s the problems money can’t fix that you need to be concerned about.”

MUST READ: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

SUE ANNE KLEINPETER COX PRESIDENT AND CEO KLEINPETER DAIRY

Few Capital Region brands, if any, are more well known locally than Kleinpeter milk, which so many residents grew up drinking. When Jeff Kleinpeter stepped down as president and CEO in 2015, his sister, Sue Anne Kleinpeter Cox, stepped up to the top job. She had been chief financial officer for the previous 28 years. The company had been dealing with quality control issues, which company leaders say they dealt with by restructuring management, implementing rigorous training and quality control measures, and making new investments including new milk trucks. Kleinpeter Dairy ranks 87th on the Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region, reporting $33.94 million in annual revenue.

ORIGIN STORY: She grew up on the family farm with six siblings, living within easy bike- or horse-riding distance of the homes of all of their dad’s brothers and sisters and their families.

ERIC LANE PRESIDENT GERRY LANE ENTERPRISES

Eric Lane is the son of the late Gerry Lane, who in 1987 bought Polk Chevrolet in Baton Rouge and began focusing his considerable energy on the Baton Rouge market, and the company has continued to be a family affair under Eric Lane’s leadership. Lane first joined the business in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 1987. By 1994, he and Cedric Patton were running the Gerry Lane Buick-GMC Saturn, Hummer and Chevrolet dealerships. Challenges the company has overcome on his watch include the 2009 Great Recession when General Motors went bankrupt—and Gerry Lane Enterprises continued to honor warranties and rebates when other dealers wouldn’t—and the local downturn that followed the historic 2016 flood. Gerry Lane Enterprises ranks No. 23 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, with $275 million in annual revenue.

EDUCATION: Tulane (Bachelor’s – business management)

BRENT LEBLANC OWNER PRICE LEBLANC TOYOTA

Price Leblanc LLC is ranked No. 15 on the Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, with $466.67 million in annual revenue, an increase of almost 18% from the year before. In addition to his responsibilities at Price LeBlanc, Brent LeBlanc is active in real estate investment. Recent deals he has been involved with along with members of his family include the $24.7 million purchase of the downtown Commerce Building and the $52.5 million purchase of the Mansions in the Park on Perkins Road. The company’s founder, a cattle farmer turned charismatic car salesman, died in 2010 at age 88. And yes, every purchase at his namesake dealership still comes with a side of country sausage.

EDUCATION: Northwood University – Cedar Hill

NICK PENTAS GENERAL MANAGER AND CO-OWNER MERCEDES-BENZ OF BATON ROUGE

Nick Pentas has more than 20 years of experience at Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge, starting at the car wash and working his way through the organization. Understanding customer needs is a key reason the dealership has achieved a dominant position in the Baton Rouge market. The company has won the Best of the Best award from Mercedes-Benz eight times, the Mercedes-Benz Financial Valued Partner award five times, the Dealer Rater Louisiana Dealer of the Year three times, and the CarFax Top-Rated Dealer award. Dream LT LLC, with six locations and doing business as Mercedes Benz of Baton Rouge, ranks No. 9 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, posting $659.33 million in annual revenue. Pentas is involved with the Capital Area United Way and is a member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration and management)

JENNI PETERS

OWNER

VARSITY SPORTS

Jenni Peters was a professional runner, but it didn’t provide a full-time income. So, in 2000, while teaching part time at LSU, Peters opened a small running shop in a quaint house right near the Perkins Road overpass. It became a must destination for runners, and the business has since expanded to four stores, with two in New Orleans and one in Mandeville. Peters and the business have played as much a part in building the local running culture as anyone. T-shirts with Varsity’s “Run Hard, Live Easy” tagline can be found wherever groups of runners gather.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s), LSU (MBA and marketing)

PROUDEST MOMENT: Getting a standing ovation from 54,000 fans while finishing last in a 10K while competing for the U.S. in Japan. “I guess they aren’t used to seeing an American dead last. And honestly, I was still beaming inside.”

PRESTON Q-PETERSEN

OWNER OPERATOR

TEAM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Preston Q-Petersen became general manager at Team Automotive Group in 2008, just in time to take on multiple crises. The burgeoning national recession was raising serious concerns about the future of their lenders and their lending practices. A Toyota recall controversy left the team dealing with a parts shortage and misinformation. But the group weathered the storm and continues to thrive. P&P Automotive Group, doing business as Team Automotive Group, ranks No. 20 on Business Report’s most recent list of the 100 Private Companies, reporting $325.85 million in annual revenue, an increase of more than 17% from the prior year.

EDUCATION: Texas Christian University (Bachelor’s- business administration)

WHAT’S WITH THE Q? His full last name is Qvistgaard-Petersen, handed down from his greatgrandfather Aage of Denmark. Over time, his family migrated to Q-Petersen to shorten and simplify whenever possible.

LAURA ROLAND OWNER AND LICENSED INTERIOR DESIGNER FIRESIDE ANTIQUES AND LAURA ROLAND INTERIORS

Fireside Antiques last year celebrated 40 years of experience in the antique trade. Mother/ daughter duo Cheri McDaniel and Susan Roland started the business, and for the past 12 years, Laura Roland, Susan’s daughter, has managed the shop. Technology has allowed Fireside Antiques’ initial 1,500-square-foot showroom to evolve into 18,000 square feet and has broadened their market to a worldwide customer base, shipping 70% of its business out of state. With Laura Roland Interiors, her design approach is built on a foundation of European antiques.

EDUCATION: Savannah College of Art and Design (interior design)

INSPIRATION: Traveling in Europe, where she sources her companies’ antiques.

ORIGIN STORY: As a child trick-or-treating on Halloween, she peered past the front door of a house and asked the owner for a tour, which the owner was disturbed by, and her sisters will never let her forget.

EDUARDO JIMENEZ

VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENTERGY

LOUISIANA

Eduardo “Ed” Jimenez is responsible for developing revenue growth initiatives and goals and establishing commercial programs and policies that support the annual sales plan, including economic development, major industrial accounts, and competitive large residential and commercial developments.

Prior to joining Entergy in 2011, Jimenez served as director of business development for Louisiana Economic Development, managing lead development strategies. Jimenez has served on the boards of the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, the Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo, the Council for A Better Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, One Acadiana and the Louisiana Business and Technology Center at LSU.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration), Emory University (MBA)

MAN OF THE WORLD: Jimenez is fluent in English and Spanish. He was born in Costa Rica and has lived in six countries.

JERELL THOMAS PRESIDENT WINDOW WORLD OF BATON ROUGE

Jerell Thomas, the handpicked choice of CEO James Roland, was named president of the nation’s top Window World franchise in 2020. The Baton Rouge operation serves south Louisiana, east Texas and the Tampa, Florida, markets, tallying more than $150 million in sales, making it the fifthlargest exterior remodeling contractor in the U.S. Under Thomas, Window World posted record year-over-year growth and consisrtently ranks among Inc.’s 5,000 fastestgrowing private companies. The Baton Rouge native started with the company in 2004 in outside sales and continually proved himself as he worked up the ranks, becoming vice president of sales and marketing in 2016. Window World is No. 41 on Business Report’s recent Top 100 Private Companies list.

SECRET TO SUCCESS: “An unwavering commitment to excellence by combining exceptional craftsmanship with an unyielding work ethic..”

BRANDON TROSCLAIR

PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER

RALPH’S MARKET

Ronnie Trosclair and his father, Elmore, acquired Ralph’s Supermarket in 2000. Ronnie ran the stores successfully for many years before handing the reins to his son Brandon. The original Ralph’s in Gonzales has been renovated and expanded several times, and the company has added three stores: one at Pelican Point, and two Butcher Boy markets in Plaquemine and Donaldsonville. In 2021, Brandon Trosclair purchased 10 Save A Lot stores in the New Orleans area and Hammond while announcing plans to buy an 11th in Houma. Trosclair is a conservative political activist who fought a federal vaccine mandate. He ran unsuccessfully for the Louisiana House of Representatives and is currently seeking the office of secretary of state; he would replace Kyle Ardoin, who is not running for reelection.

ORIGIN STORY: He started working in his father’s grocery store at the age of 15.

PATRICK J. KERR PRESIDENT AND CEO BATON ROUGE WATER COMPANY

Patrick J. Kerr first joined the Baton Rouge Water Company some 30 years ago as a trainee. Since then, Kerr has served in various roles including operations manager, vice president, chief operating officer, president and CEO. Kerr was honorably discharged as a captain from the Army in 1994 and was promoted to major before separating from the U.S. Army Reserves. Today, the Baton Rouge Water Company is an investor-owned utility and a leader in the water utility industry. The company provides water service to the people of the Capital Region through roughly 65 groundwater wells in the sands of the Southern Hills aquifer system and more than 186,000 metered connections.

EDUCATION: Boston University (Bachelor’s –business administration), LSU (MBA)

MILITARY: Kerr served 10 years active duty in the Army as an attack helicopter pilot and Special Operations aviator.

RANDY PIERCE CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER

DEMCO

DEMCO is a nonprofit electric cooperative owned by its members (who are also its customers) and headquartered in East Baton Rouge Parish. DEMCO is the largest electric co-op in Louisiana and powers more than 114,760 meters serving about a half-million residents in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes. Randy Pierce joined DEMCO in 2018 following 22 years as CEO of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives. One of his first moves was to bring in national consultants to review DEMCO’s processes and policies, which led to structural and workflow changes. A goal: Add residential, commercial and industrial members.

EDUCATION: Northwestern State University (Bachelor’s – business communication and journalism)

HOBBIES: His golf game can be compared (unfavorably) to Tiger Woods’ and he plays a mean electric guitar.

BANKING & FINANCE

THOMAS ADAMEK PRESIDENT STONEHENGE CAPITAL

Thomas Adamek is funding force in the Capital Region with more than 35 years of experience in the areas of structured tax credit offerings, venture capital investing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance activities, and he has served on the boards of several privately held businesses. Adamek co-founded Stonehenge Capital in 1999 and is responsible for all operational aspects of Stonehenge and its fund management activities. Prior to Stonehenge, Adamek was with Bank One Corporation—now JPMorgan Chase & Co.— and its affiliates. He was a managing director at Banc One Capital Markets, a subsidiary focused on venture capital, investment banking and capital markets. Outside of work, Amadek is heavily involved in the community and has served on the boards of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Teach For America.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance)

JOHN PAUL CASWELL PRESIDENT IRONHORSE FINANCIAL

John Paul Caswell began his career in the insurance industry at the age of 24 in Springfield, Missouri, with Torchmark Corporation. He made the switch to the financial services industry in 2013 when he joined Ironhorse Financial in Baton Rouge. Since then, he’s led the organization to be listed among Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies for the past four years. In 2020, Iron Horse Financial contributed $3 million in beneficiary designations to two dozen local nonprofits. Aside from work, in 2016, he and his wife, Tiffani, launched the 100 Well Project, which aims to build wells in southern India.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Cub Scouts and Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. He is a member of Leadership for Advanced Underwriting, American Cancer Society and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

SHANNON BERNARD REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT PRIMERICA

Shannon Bernard has had a major influence on Livingston Parish through her work in the community. Originally a school teacher, Bernard switched gears in 1992 and joined Primerica, one of the largest financial services marketing firms in North America. She has been awarded numerous state and national awards for her work and serves on the company’s women’s advisory committee. In the community, Bernard has been a member of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce for over a decade, serving on the board as well as on several committees. She was a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Livingston Class of 2013 and was named a 2022 Leading Lady by Local Leaders: The Podcast!

EDUCATION: Stetson University (Bachelor’s –music), Southern Methodist University (Master’s – piano pedagogy)

PASSION: Choir

PETE BUSH CEO AND PARTNER HORIZON FINANCIAL GROUP

Pete Bush came along at a time when several former LSU athletes cut their financial services teeth at McMakin Financial. The outgoing Bush partnered with two others in 1999 to launch wealth management firm Horizon Financial Group, which has been named an LSU 100 company 12 times, one of just two companies to make the list every year. Bush is a strong advocate for financial planning, regularly hosting seminars to educate young professionals on the importance of financial management and retirement planning. Involved with numerous charities, Bush helped create the Baton Rouge Uncorked event, today run by Forum 225, and is a previous board member of the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

PASSION: LSU baseball

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Santa Monica, California

BEST ADVICE: From his days with Skip Bertman, “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.”

BEN CAVIN

PRESIDENT AND CEO LANDMARK BANK

Ben Cavin not only leads a bank in a fastgrowing area of the Capital Region but is also a former member of the Zachary City Council. He began his banking career as a branch manager for five years before joining Landmark Bank in 2012, serving in various leadership positions before becoming president and CEO in 2019. Cavin also does volunteer work with the Zachary Rotary Club, Zachary Chamber of Commerce, Regional Arts Council of Zachary and the Leadership North Alumni Association.

EDUCATION: Northwestern State University (Bachelor’s – business administration), Southeastern Louisiana University (MBA – finance), Graduate School of Banking at LSU

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “Musician. I started off majoring in music education in college with the intent of becoming a music teacher.”

MENTOR: “My predecessor at Landmark Bank—he took a chance on me and put me in a position to follow in his footsteps.”

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.”

PETE BUSH

BEST ADVICE

BLAKE CHATELAIN

PRESIDENT AND CEO

RED RIVER BANK

For more than 20 years, Blake Chatelain has helped grow Red River Bank into one of the largest banks in the state, with more than $3 billion in assets. One of the bank’s founders, Chatelain currently serves as president and CEO of the publicly traded bank. Prior to joining the bank, Chatelain served as executive vice president of Rapides Bank & Trust Company in Alexandria, where he managed the commercial lending group from 1991 until its sale to Bank One Corporation in 1998. Chatelain served on the LSU Board of Supervisors for 12 years and currently serves as vice chair of Louisiana Central, a regional economic development enterprise. He also serves on the board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance)

WALK-UP SONG: “Jump” by Van Halen

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Watching my four boys grow into fine young men (and all LSU grads).”

JOHN D’ANGELO PRESIDENT AND CEO INVESTAR BANK

John D’Angelo started Investar Bank out of a trailer in Baton Rouge in 2006 with less than $14 million in assets. Since then, D’Angelo has grown the operation into a full-service community bank with 28 locations and $2.8 billion in total assets as of March 2023. As president and CEO, D’Angelo remains responsible for all phases of operations and led Investar through its initial public offering in July 2014. In the community, D’Angelo has served on the boards for the Louisiana Commerce and Trade Association, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area and Baton Rouge Symphony. D’Angelo was also Business Report’s 2020 Businessperson of the Year.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

HOBBY: “I am a foodie. My hobby is experiencing restaurants and food throughout the U.S.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: The Breakers in Palm Beach

PROUDEST MOMENTS: “Getting married and the birth of each of our four children.”

DOUGLAS DUPONT MARKET PRESIDENT BANK OF ST. FRANCISVILLE

Douglas Dupont is a recognized face in in the local commercial lending world. He returned to his native Baton Rouge after college to work at First National Bankers Bank, specializing in loan review and credit analysis. After a stint as Monroe market president, he returned in 2018 when he was hired as vice president of commercial lending for Bank of St. Francisville and was later tapped to help open a stand-alone branch in the Baton Rouge market. He is aggressively working to raise the bank’s profile and lending portfolio. Dupont is a member of the local Rotary Club chapter.

EDUCATION: University of Mississippi (Bachelor’s –business administration)

CHILDHOOD DREAM: Professional golfer

FIRST JOB: “Construction at 16 years old, learning I had better keep my (butt) in school because it was hard.”

PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT: “Learning that I can deliver on promises made.”

KEVIN COUHIG FOUNDER AND CEO SOURCE CAPITAL

Kevin Couhig has played a large and varied role in the Baton Rouge business community, injecting capital into startup ventures, launching a wetlands mitigation bank and serving as chair of PreSonus Audio Electronics. A proud moment: Helping PreSonus find a new level of success and transitioning the company to ownership by Fender Guitar Company in 2022. He’s also been a key backer to several Baton Rouge minor league sports teams. Couhig was a driving force for growth in West Feliciana Parish during his time as parish president. Today, he’s focused on writing fiction and recently published his first novel, A Man for Others.

EDUCATION: Georgetown University (Bachelor’s)

MENTOR: “I was fortunate enough to have John Barton Sr. serve as the chairman of my company and my mentor for 20-plus years. He helped me navigate many difficult career moments and kept me on track working toward success both personally and professionally.”

REX ELLISON EXECUTIVE CHAIR REPUBLIC FINANCE

Rex Ellison has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the consumer finance industry. A native of Iowa, Ellison has vast experience in operations, management and marketing, and previously served as senior vice president and division manager at Wells Fargo Financial. He joined the Republic Finance team in 2001 and led the organization as CEO until January 2023, when he transitioned into being the organization’s executive chair. Under his leadership, Republic Finance significantly grew its operations and expanded with a new headquarters in Texas. Ellison has previously served on the advisory board for the American Financial Services Association and has also been a part of the National Installment Lenders Association, Mississippi Consumer Finance Association and Louisiana Finance Association.

EDUCATION: University of Northern Iowa (Bachelor’s – business administration)

“I was fortunate enough to have John Barton Sr. serve as the chairman of my company and my mentor for 20plus years. He helped me navigate many difficult career moments and kept me on track working toward success both personally and professionally.”

MENTOR

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry thanks the Capital Region’s 500 most influential leaders for your dedication to our Community.

We are proud and grateful to call Baton Rouge home for 45 years. We look forward to seeing our great city continue to thrive under your leadership.

JERRY GOSS PARTNER GOSS WEALTH MANAGEMENT

After graduating college in the early ’70s, Jerry Goss started his career as an employee benefits consultant for a major life insurance company, designing and funding retirement plans. In 1980, he joined A.G. Edwards & Sons and founded Goss Wealth Management, a financial planning and investment management firm where he is CEO and managing director of investments. While affiliated with A.G. Edwards and later Wells Fargo, Goss Wealth Management’s focus has been helping individuals and families achieve their financial and investment goals. In 2014, Goss chose to affiliate with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer. Community service includes Capital Area United Way, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

EDUCATION: Texas A&M (Bachelor’s – business administration and finance)

PASSION: Playing golf and reading

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: The beach

CHRIS HASKEW LOUISIANA MARKET PRESIDENT CAPITAL ONE BANK

As market president for the region’s largest financial institution, Chris Haskew plays a significant role in the flow of capital across the region. The Tennessee native, with 30-plus years of banking experience, is responsible for the development and execution of Capital One’s community strategy for the state. Prior to his 2015 return to Baton Rouge to oversee state operations, Haskew led the bank’s north Louisiana market. Active in the community, Askew serves on the boards of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation. He’s also been involved with the University Laboratory School Foundation and the Louisiana Bankers Association.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance and accounting)

PASSIONS: Golf and watching Louisiana football

JEFF JENKINS CO-FOUNDER

RHOMAN HARDY OPERATING PARTNER BERNHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Rhoman Hardy carries nearly 35 years of technical and operational energy services experience. He recently retired as senior vice president, chemicals and products, for the U.S. Gulf Coast for Shell USA, and joined Bernhard Capital earlier this year as an operating partner. In his last role with Shell, Hardy was responsible for optimizing Shell’s refining exposure and leading the development of its planned future growth in low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Hardy has served on several community and company boards, including for Brown and Root Industrial Services, Baton Rouge General, the LSU Foundation and on the Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s.– electrical engineering), Rice University (MBA)

BEST ADVICE: “Work hard, don’t make excuses, learn and make adjustments, take care of people and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

KEVIN KNOBLOCH

AND

PARTNER BERNHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Jeff Jenkins co-founded Bernhard Capital Partners in 2013 with Jim Bernhard as a services and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm. Over the past decade, Bernhard Capital has deployed capital in three funds across five strategies and now has approximately $2.6 billion of gross assets under management. Prior to founding Bernhard Capital, Jenkins spent 10 years working for The Shaw Group, where he served in various executive positions. In late 2015, he was tapped for Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards’ transition committee for economic development, which was tasked with generating ideas on ways to strengthen the state’s economy. In the community, Jenkins has served on the boards of Epic Piping, SE&C, RailWorks and Atlas Technical Consultants. He has also volunteered with the Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, J.D.)

MANAGING DIRECTOR

WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

Kevin Knobloch has made a name in the community over his long career in the financial advising sector as well as with his involvement in several community organizations. With more than 25 years of experience, Knobloch has previously been named among the “Top 100 Financial Advisors” in the nation and the “No. 1 Financial Advisor in Louisiana” by Barron’s. Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Knobloch was a managing director at JPMorgan Chase. Knobloch is heavily involved in the community and has served on several boards including the LSU Alumni Association, Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, the St. Joseph Academy Foundation, the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Planned Giving Committee, the Community Foundation of South Louisiana, BRAF and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center Planned Giving Council.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting, M.S. –accounting)

“Work hard, don’t make excuses, learn and make adjustments, take care of people and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

RHOMAN HARDY

JEFF KOONCE PARTNER BERNHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Jeff Koonce serves as a member of Bernhard Capital’s investment and portfolio committees and is involved in all areas of the firm’s investment activities. Prior to his current role as partner, Koonce served as general counsel at Bernhard Capital and oversaw the firm’s legal and regulatory affairs and corporate governance activities. Before joining Bernhard Capital in 2015, Koonce was a partner at Phelps Dunbar, where he focused on federal and state taxation, business formations and business transactions. Koonce is also heavily involved in the community and currently serves on the board of directors of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and as BRAF chair.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting, J.D.), Boston University (LLM)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Gino’s Veal

Sorrentina

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Watching my three kids blossom into awesome young adults (in spite of their quasi-shoddy parenting).”

GARY LITTLEFIELD

BATON ROUGE

MARKET PRESIDENT

GULF COAST BANK & TRUST

Gary Littlefield has worked in the banking industry for more than 40 years and has led Gulf Coast’s Baton Rouge team of commercial lenders since 2006. He specializes in owneroccupied commercial real estate, investment real estate, and tenant buildouts, as well as equipment, mortgage and construction loans. Heavily involved in the community, he’s been a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge since 1994 and previously served on the boards of the Louisiana Bankers Association, A.C. Lewis YMCA, Red Cross, Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation and the Louisiana Real Estate Commission Appraisers Board.

EDUCATION: Southwest Mississippi Community College (A.A. – general studies), Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s – finance and economics)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “My year as chairman of the Louisiana Bankers Association.”

WALK-UP SONG: “More Than a Feeling” by Boston

DO-OVER WISH: “Staying in school to receive my MBA.”

WHITNEY LANASA SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR STONEHENGE CAPITAL

Whitney LaNasa oversees a team that has invested more than $4 billion in projects that generate federal and state tax incentives designed to attract private capital investments in targeted industries. In other words, LaNasa plays a major behind-the-scenes role in economic growth across the markets in which Stonehenge operates. Prior to joining Stonehenge Capital in 2009, LaNasa was an attorney assisting clients on corporate, banking and regulatory matters. She currently serves on the board of the Historic Tax Credit Coalition.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political communication, J.D.), University of Alabama (LLM – tax law)

ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, it isn’t worth your time, talent or energy.”

FIRST JOB: “My first job was in high school as a runner at a law office. I learned that it was important to be consistent by showing up on time and doing your job no matter how big or small.”

GINGER LAURENT CEO

LOUISIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION

Ginger Laurent joined the Louisiana Bankers Association staff in 2000 after spending more than 16 years as a banker in the Acadiana market. She began her banking career at the age of 15 as a part-time student worker. Today, she’s certified as a senior professional in human resources and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and the LBA School of Banking. In addition to her role as CEO, she also manages the Louisiana Bankers Service Corporation, Bankers Benefits of Louisiana and Louisiana Bankers Education Foundation. She’s also a Business Report 2022 Influential Women in Business honoree.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – communications), UL-Lafayette (MBA)

HOBBY: Exploring the back roads of Louisiana

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “I love being home in New Roads.”

BEST ADVICE: “Live well, laugh often, love much.”

WALLY MCMAKIN

SENIOR PARTNER

ALTUS FINANCIAL

Along with being a prominent wealth manager, Wally McMakin’s influence extends past his corporate offices. A former LSU baseball player, McMakin played an important behind-the-scenes role in helping the LSU program become a national power. The 1976 kinesiology major and former third basemanturned-financial adviser has helped select two of the university’s most successful baseball coaches—Skip Bertman and Paul Mainieri. He has also served as a mentor and employer to former LSU athletes who got into financial management after graduation, including Jesse Daigle, Mickey Guidry and Patrick Coogan. McMakin and his wife are prolific supporters of LSU.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

LOVE STORY: McMakin is married to legendary former WBRZ-TV anchor Andrea Clessi.

WALK-UP SONG: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

DO-OVER WISH: “Would have waited longer to recover from knee surgery in college.”

“Would have waited longer to recover from knee surgery in college.”

WALLY MCMAKIN

DO-OVER WISH

JUDE MELVILLE PRESIDENT AND CEO B1BANK

Prior to becoming a community banker, David R. “Jude” Melville III served as a captain in the Air Force. Today, Melville leads b1Bank as its president and CEO, with the institution experiencing significant growth—financially and geographically—under his watch. He guided the bank as it became publicly listed and helped expand its footprint across Louisiana and Texas with five acquisitions. He led the launch of the b1 Foundation in 2021, which has since counseled nearly 300 small business owners. In the community, he serves as chair of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and chair of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools. He also serves among Louisiana’s Committee of 100.

EDUCATION: Harvard University (Bachelor’s), London School of Economics (M.S. – management)

WALK-UP SONG: “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Patty melt at Waffle House

CHAD OLIVIER PRESIDENT

OLIVIER GROUP

Chad Olivier entered the financial services industry more than 25 years ago. Originally a stockbroker, he studied to become a financial adviser after seeing that relationships were at the heart of financial planning. Today, Olivier owns Baton Rouge-based wealth management firm Olivier Group. For the past two decades, he has worked to create a top firm. In the community, he is a member of the Baton Rouge Financial Planning Association and the Baton Rouge Estate and Planning Council. Olivier is also a contributing writer for the Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association, for which he writes a wealth management column.

WALK-UP SONG: “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty HOBBY: “I have four boys and I love playing tennis with them or coaching any of their sports.”

BEST ADVICE: “ABL—Always Be Learning. If you want to be successful at anything, research and study how the most successful did it. Then put in the work improving.”

DAVID MULLENS BATON ROUGE MARKET PRESIDENT CAPITAL ONE BANK

David Mullens’ primary job—overseeing bank operations in Baton Rouge as well as responsibilities across the state and in Arkansas—is important enough, but his side gig of chairing the BRAC board will give him a major voice across the nine-parish region. With BRAC focusing on attracrting and retaining young talent while also broadening and diversifying the economy, Mullens’ leadership will be critical. His Capital One career began as a commercial credit analyst and spent nearly a decade as a relationship manager in Capital One’s Corporate Banking Group before serving as Baton Rouge market president and section manager for southwest and north Louisiana.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance), Southeastern Louisiana University (MBA)

PASSION/HOBBY: Hunting and riding dirt bikes

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Clint Eastwood

FOCUSED ON: “Doing my part in making Baton Rouge the place we all want it to be.”

ROBERT (ROB) POWELL PARTNER/CMO

CARDINAL CAPITAL

Rob Powell was in Hong Kong several years ago when he received a call that his father’s health was declining. “I dropped everything and came back to Baton Rouge to spend time with Dad.” While in Baton Rouge, he, along with two partners, founded Cardinal Capital, a commercial finance consulting firm that recently placed more than $100 million in capital to clients across the region. Powell also holds a university lecturer/instructor position, teaching hospitality management, finance and marketing to undergrad and graduate students.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business, M.S. –marketing)

ACTOR IN A MOVIE: Bradley Cooper

MENTOR AND IMPACT: “My father, who helped build Piccadilly Cafeteria, was the most significant and influential person in my life. He taught me to follow my passion and be humble. Outside of him, Steve Wynn—who taught me about people and the principles of hospitality management.”

BREAUX NADER Manager WELLS

FARGO ADVISORS

Breaux Nader has been working in the financial planning industry for more than two decades. Following graduation from Louisiana Tech University, where he played varsity football, he led the northeast Louisiana chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for more than seven years, assisting athletes and coaches in middle schools, high schools and colleges in their efforts to spread the Christian message in their schools. Nader joined the Baton Rouge Wells Fargo team— then A.G. Edwards—in 2002, providing planning and portfolio management for individuals, trusts and nonprofits. He’s senior vice president of investments and branch manager for the Baton Rouge office. Earlier this year, Nader was named among Forbes’ best in-state financial advisers.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s–history and English)

WALK-UP SONG: “Brass Monkey” by the Beastie Boys

RICHARD PREIS

DEVELOPER

HOWELL PLACE

Richard Preis is a financial adviser and managing director in Baton Rouge, who began his business in 1974 at Merrill Lynch and wields nearly 50 years of experience. Aside from advising, Preis also leads a real estate development firm, focusing on investments into economically depressed areas. His most prominent redevelopment project, Howell Place, sits on 197 acres off Harding Boulevard near Interstate 110, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and Southern University. Work began on the nearly 200-acre development in the early 2000s and today only about 30 acres remain undeveloped. Some of the features recruited into Howell Place include a charter school, apartment complexes, medical facilities, several hotels and a YMCA.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business)

WALK-UP SONG: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

BEST ADVICE: “Head down, mouth shut.”

JIM PURGERSON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CITIZENS BANK & TRUST

Jim Purgerson has worked for Citizens Bank & Trust since 1999, beginning his career as a loan officer and working his way up to become executive vice president in 2008. He is focused on mentoring his team members at the bank while also volunteering for impactful organizations that affect the Greater Baton Rouge community including Baton Rouge General Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Association, as well as his church and his daughter’s swim club.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – marketing), LSU (MBA)

LOCAL FARE: The Little Village Steak Palermo

BEST ADVICE: “If you love your job and employer, be careful not to make a hasty decision to move to another organization, especially if it is a lateral move. The grass is not always greener on the other side.”

TODD SCHEXNAYDER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FIDELITY BANK

Todd Schexnayder retired as senior vice president and human resources director at Fidelity Bank, where he was responsible for all corporate human resources, marketing and facilities functions. Since then, he has served on Fidelity Bank’s board of directors. Prior to joining Fidelity Bank, he retired as senior vice president-human resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. He currently serves on the boards of the Franciscan University of Our Lady, Volunteers of America and Rotary Club of Baton Rouge. He previously worked with Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo, Tiger Athletic Foundation, Manship School of Mass Communication Alumni Board, LSU National Diversity Advisory Board and Opera Louisiana.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s), University of Southern Mississippi (M.A.), Harvard Business School (Strategic Human Resource Management Certification)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Seeing the joy on my parents faces when I was the first member of my family to graduate from college.”

JANE VERRET PRESIDENT AND CEO CAMPUS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Since 2019, Jane Verret has served as president and CEO of Campus Federal Credit Union. In collaboration with the board of directors, she oversees all credit union activities including organizational performance and ensuring financial stability with the best interest of the membership, employees and Campus Federal Credit Union in mind. Today, she is focused on growth—for herself as a leader as well as contributing to the growth of future leaders. Maximizing the potential of her team members and growing the next generation of leaders is vital to the future success of the organization and the community, she says.

EDUCATION: University of Southern Mississippi (Bachelor’s – accounting)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Seeing my daughters soar as independent young adults, and more specifically when one of my daughters thanked me for setting an example as a working mom.”

HEATHER ROEMER PRESIDENT/CHIEF OF STAFF B1 FOUNDATION/B1BANK

Heather Roemer joined the b1Bank team in 2009 as assistant vice president for human resources after working in the HR sector for a decade. Over the course of her b1Bank career, Roemer has held various positions. In 2020, Roemer left human resources to become director of corporate governance for the bank and president of the new b1 Foundation, which aims to provide education and economic development support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Roemer has helped the bank complete multiple merger-and-acquisition transactions and assisted the company in going public.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration), Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University

PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT: “While I was pregnant, my boss floated the idea of our bank starting a foundation and me leading it. … I realized this could be exactly the new challenge I was looking for.”

STEVEN E. WEBB CEO

NEIGHBORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Steve E. Webb Jr. has been a leader in driving growth at the credit union. Webb previously served as the organization’s chief operations officer for roughly seven years, overseeing business, lending and mortgage services and managing all operational processes. He succeeds Kathi Gill as CEO, who announced her retirement in early September. Webb was the first Neighbors employee to complete the Certified Credit Union Executive designation and his Neighbors’ experience includes developing and launching the indirect lending program, member business lending and the lending call center. Neighbors currently sits atop Business Report’s ranking of credit unions by total assets, with roughly $1.7 billion. It has nearly 80,500 members. Earlier this year, Louisiana Credit Union League named Webb as chair of its board. In the community, Webb has supported the Baton Rouge Children Advocacy Center.

EDUCATION: LSU

“While I was pregnant, my boss floated the idea of our bank starting a foundation and me leading it. … I realized this could be exactly the new challenge I was looking for.”

PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

REAL ESTATE

CARLOS ALVAREZ CO-FOUNDER AND CEO ALVAREZ CONSTRUCTION

Carlos Alvarez has developed a winning business model that gives him more control over every aspect of the residential real estate projects he develops. Not only is he CEO of Alvarez Construction, the firm he co-founded with his father in 1991, but he is also a real estate broker and owner of RE/MAX Total. That pairing of perspectives gives him a fuller and more rounded perspective on the totality of any project, rather just on the land acquisition and development side of it or the construction and sale on the back end. His developments span a four-parish region and include Oak Colony and Dawson Bluff Townhomes in East Baton Rouge as well as South Have and South Creek in Livingston. The family-owned construction company also helps raise millions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by building the St. Jude Dream Home.

EDUCATION: LSU (business administration and political science)

BARRET BLONDEAU

FOUNDER AND CEO

FALAYA

Barret Blondeau is a real estate investor who has flipped numerous properties and also owns several rental properties across Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Blondeau saw a need in the market and created the web and mobile app Falaya to help homeowners take more control over the sales process. Since the Falaya launch two years ago, the online platform for selling homes has sold more than 200-plus homes, saving homeowners $1.2 million in the process. Falaya is located at the Nexus Louisiana Technology Park, and the business has participated in both the Idea Village’s (New Orleans) and Opportunity Machine’s (Lafayette) startup incubator programs, where it has won pitch competitions for its business concept. Falaya also participated last year in BREW’s $100,000 pitch competition.

EDUCATION: LSU (MBA)

WALK-UP SONG: “Imagine Dragons” by Thunder PASSION/HOBBY: “Running with my Varsity Sports crew.”

LISA BAKER DIRECTOR BURK BAKER SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE & APPRAISING

If you’re in the business of selling or appraising residential homes in Louisiana or Mississippi, there’s a strong likelihood you spent time at Burk Baker’s real estate school. Since 1981, the educational, training and test-prep school has been the place where aspiring agents go to learn the skills necessary to pass the real estate exam. Founded by Burk Baker, who died in 2020, the school is run by his widow, Lisa, a licensed real estate broker. Based in Baton Rouge, the school has six locations around the state and also offers online training here and in Mississippi.

HOMETOWN: Natchez, Mississippi

LOVE STORY: Lisa and Burk, who married in 1977, met in grade school, riding on the same bus.

PASSION: Horses at Lansdowne, her family home in Natchez.

BEAU BOX

OWNER, PRESIDENT AND CEO

BEAU BOX COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

A real estate agent since 1993, Beau Box is a locally renowned expert in brokerage, development and leasing, primarily in the retail and office sectors. He launched Beau Box Commercial Real Estate in 2005, and it has thrived ever since. Under Box’s leadership, the company expanded in 2010 by opening an office in New Orleans, followed by a location in Lafayette the next year. In 2021, Box opened a location in Pensacola, the firm’s first office outside of Louisiana. In addition to Louisiana and Florida, the firm’s market area also extends to Mississippi and Alabama. The firm has grown into one of the highestgrossing commercial firms in Louisiana. With its staff of 25 local commercial agents, Business Report ranked Beau Box Commercial Real Estate No. 2 on its 2023 list of the top commercial real estate agencies in Greater Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – economics)

SCOTT BARDWELL OWNER AND PRESIDENT BARDWELL HOMES

When Scott Bardwell moved back to Baton Rouge to join his father in the business his grandfather founded, his vision for the company was to build communities by thinking beyond the four walls, square footage and home design. He instilled that vision as president of Bardwell Homes, which specializes in community development, residential building and remodeling, and community and home design. Some examples of his work include Rouzan, Highland District at Magnolia Square and Clark’s Ferry. Outside of work, Bardwell serves in leadership roles for community organizations like First Presbyterian Church, the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition and at his alma mater, The Dunham School. Business Report recognized Bardwell as a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2006.

EDUCATION: Texas A&M University (Bachelor’s –finance)

TERRELL “TEE” BROWN

PRESIDENT GMFS

In 1999, Tee Brown created GMFS alongside his father, former United Companies CEO Terrell Brown Sr., and three other former United Companies employees. Today, GMFS has over 250 employees, more than 140,000 customers and $30 billion in residential mortgage funding in 23 states. The company has won numerous awards for its culture and performance, and Brown is widely respected for his quiet, hands-on, front-lines community philanthropy, raising funding for such causes as the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and St. Vincent de Paul, and he is the creative force behind campaigns like Geaux Local and Believe it to Achieve It at the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

SECRET TO BEING A REPEAT BEST PLACES TO WORK WINNER: “We try to maintain a culture here that is very family oriented. I would say we are a company that cares for the well-being of our employees.”

GLORIA CARTER

BROKER AND OWNER

AMELIA FINE HOMES

Gloria Carter commands a room, whether selling a high-end home, negotiating a land deal or working a Jumble at Coffee Call. When it comes to business, she blankets the real estate market, selling and developing both residential and commercial properties. Along with her brothers and sisters, she’s a member of Six G Real Estate, an investment and development company, and Carter controls numerous limited-liability companies, including the fabulously named Troll Development. Carter was the founder and developer of the Semolina’s Restaurant chain, the largest female owned business in the state. Business Report, in 2019, named her to its list of Influential Women in Business. Her father, T.G. Solomon, was an icon in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans movie theater business. She was married to Steve Carter, the former state representative and Baton Rouge mayoral candidate, who died in 2021 from COVID-19.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

STEVEN CARVILLE PRESIDENT

MILTON J. WOMACK INC.

Steven Carville has 40 years of experience in the construction industry and has spent most of that time at Milton J. Womack Inc. His responsibilities include the oversight of construction on a variety of projects including hospitality, retail, residential, health care, and commercial and residential land development. He has held many positions at Womack prior to his current role and is also involved in real estate development and management. Some of the firm’s notable projects underway are Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s St. Francis Hall, and the OLOL Children’s Hospital Family Support Home. Carville’s investment in the community extends beyond construction. He participates on the boards of Red Cross Louisiana Capital Area, Alzheimer’s Association, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Joseph’s Academy and CYO of Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

TOM COOK FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT COOK, MOORE, DAVENPORT & ASSOCIATES

Tom Cook has been an independent real estate appraiser for more than 40 years. He founded the firm now known as Cook, Moore, Davenport & Associates in 1990. He has been active in appraising all types of commercial real estate and is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi. Cook has served as president of the commercial investment division of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, receiving the association’s Member of the Year award in 2001. He also served as president of the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition, which conferred an individual excellence award to him. Cook has served as a board member for the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, TRENDS in Real Estate and the Heritage Ranch Christian Children’s home. He has also been a real estate columnist for Business Report.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

QUITA CUTRER

REAL ESTATE AGENT

BURNS & CO.

In the market to buy or sell an upscale home in Baton Rouge? If so, chances are strong Quita Cutrer is on your smartphone’s “Favorites” list. The Burns & Co. agent is on the short-list of the most in-demand agents, whether it’s a former LSU football coach, a community philanthropic icon or anyone else in the high-end market. Still passionate and intense after nearly 40 years in the business, she remains at the top of her game. A quick check of home listings above $1 million finds Cutrer’s name attached to nearly half, including a $14 million compound on tony Highland Road. No doubt, competition among agents can get cutthroat, and Cutrer can certainly hold her own, but her fellow agents in the well-heeled market say she’s respectful, trustworthy and easy to deal with.

SECRET FOR SUCCESS: “To be in this business, you have to be somewhat competitive—but I do what I do, and I don’t really worry about what everybody else is doing.”

TOMMIE COCKFIELD PRINCIPAL COCKFIELD JACKSON ARCHITECTS

Tommie Cockfield has been a practicing architect since 1979, working in a diverse range of both commercial and residential project types. His specialty has been designing high-end custom homes, which has given him the opportunity to work on projects spread across the South. Cockfield Jackson Architects’ work has been recognized for design excellence as a New Landmark Library winner in addition to receiving awards from the American Institute of Architects Baton Rouge, the American Institute of Architects Louisiana, the Engineering News-Record and the International Interior Design Association. Cockfield is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge building review board, St. Joseph’s Academy High School’s facilities and planning committee and First Bank & Trust’s advisory board.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – architecture)

HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, golf and traveling

JERRY DEL RIO

BROKER AND OWNER

DEL RIO REAL ESTATE

A fifth-generation Baton Rouge resident, Jerry Del Rio is familiar with every area of the city. In 1989, she put that knowledge to use when she founded her agency, Jerry Del Rio Real Estate. She was introduced to the profession by a neighbor who would become her mentor. Del Rio was a nurse working in a psychiatric nursing home at the time, but real estate came naturally to her, and her interest in leaving the bedside for open houses steadily increased until she was able to make the leap by launching her agency with the support of family. While she started out small, she has steadily grown her firm over time and today her roster includes 14 real estate agents. Del Rio is a former president of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, and Business Report named her to its 2010 list of Influential Women in Business.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University

TONYA TOUPS GAUTREAU

CEO

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY, FIRST CHOICE

Tonya Toups Gautreau took over as team leader of the brokerage in 2015 and currently leads more than 260 real estate agents and employees, providing them with business training, coaching and consulting. Since becoming CEO of the franchise, Gautreau has grown the firm by more than 250 percent, substantially increasing both the market share and profit of the company. In 2016, she received the coveted Keller Williams Realty Team Leader Black Belt Award for her role in the company’s growth. Gautreau is the founder of the Red COATS Academy, a training organization for local real estate agents.

EDUCATION: LSU

MUST READ: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett. It’s a quick read but there are so many mindset hacks that can help you to achieve great things, and overall happiness.”

WALK-UP SONG: “Circus” by Britney Spears

CHARLES WALLACE “WINDY” GLADNEY JR. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER

Charles Wallace “Windy” Gladney Jr. started his career as a real estate developer in the 1970s. Since then, he has been involved in some major projects in the Baton Rouge area. Gladney had been spearheading the development of the Greens at Millerville, a 53-acre mixed-use development off Interstate 12. The project was delayed for nearly a decade before breaking ground in 2015. Bucee’s announced it would anchor the Millerville site with a 60,000-square-foot retail space and more than 90 fuel pumps. Although Gladney said the permits were secured and everything was ready to go, the Texas rest stop chain decided to terminate the agreement, and the rest of the development followed a similar fate. Gladney sold off the final 13.1 acres of the Millerville development to a Hammond firm in 2021.

BIG DEVELOPMENT: Gladney also purchased 52 acres of land along Nicholson Drive in 2019 and developed the property into the 200-home Woodstock Park subdivision.

MARK HEBERT

TODD GRIGSBY CEO

CAJUN INDUSTRIES

Todd Grigsby leads one of the largest industrial construction firms in Louisiana. He became CEO of Cajun Industries in 2015 after his father decided to retire and sold his majority interest. At the time, Grigsby was president of subsidiary company Cajun Constructors LLC. Under his leadership, Cajun Industries is ranked No. 5 among industrial contractor in the Capital Region by local revenue. The firm offers general, civil and mechanical construction, as well as deep foundations, marine work, fabrication and building construction. It also provides engineering, design, and project services, and self-performs site preparation. Some of the markets served by Cajun include chemical processing, refining, power, oil and gas and government infrastructure.

FUN FACT: Cajun Industries has maintained a zerofatality rate since its founding and a lower total recordable incident rate than the industry average.

KEVIN HARRIS ARCHITECT

KEVIN HARRIS ARCHITECT

Kevin Harris wrote the book on residential design. His The Forever Home: How to Work with an Architect to Design the Home of Your Dreams was published in 2015 and became a new release bestseller. One of the most decorated architects in the region, Harris has received more than a dozen design honors, including awards from the National Endowment of the Arts and The Commission for the European Communities. He’s a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, awarded to members who have made outstanding contributions to the field. His work has been published in more than 50 books and print publications. Regarded as an expert in home renovation design, Harris has overseen scores of Baton Rouge remodels.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – architecture), Harvard University (Master’s in architecture and urban design)

TEACHER: Taught at the LSU School of Architecture for 10 years and continues to mentor students.

PRINCIPAL KURZ & HEBERT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INC.

Mark Hebert is one of the most knowledgeable and connected commercial real estate brokers in Baton Rouge. He co-founded Kurz & Hebert Commercial Real Estate Inc. in 1986, which is a full-service real estate company that provides sales, leasing and management for clients in south Louisiana. The firm specializes in marketing unique properties and finding key locations for new or expanding businesses. Kurz maintains constant connectivity to the market in order to immediately identify new users for closed buildings. He also provides development consultation and is experienced at facilitating tax-deferred property exchanges in accordance with IRS Code 1031. In 2023, Business Report ranked Kurz & Hebert Commercial Real Estate as the No. 12 (tie) commercial real estate firm in Greater Baton Rouge.

SUPERPOWERS: Location intelligence, contract negotiation, real estate economics and strategic planning.

KENNY HODGES PRESIDENT AND CEO ASSURANCE FINANCIAL GROUP

Kenny Hodges always wanted to be an entrepreneur. After moving five times in five years to seek better opportunities, he launched Assurance Financial in 2001. As the president and CEO, his primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis is serving in a sales management capacity. Originally headquartered in Hammond, the company was so successful, so quickly that Hodges and his partner were able to open additional offices in Baton Rouge, Mandeville and Lafayette within six months of starting the business. Today, Assurance Financial is licensed in 44 states, housed in 23 locations, has more than 100 mortgage loan officers and closes 9,100 loans annually. Hodges is a member of the Louisiana Mortgage Lenders Association and was a founding member of the Louisiana Mortgage Lenders Foundation, which provides financial literacy about purchasing a home.

HOBBIES: Running and playing tennis

DONNIE JARREAU PARTNER JRE PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP

Donnie Jarreau has been a driving force behind some of Baton Rouge’s most successful developments, with a portfolio of investments stretching from Lake Charles to Pensacola, Florida. In his nearly 25-year career, he has developed and acquired over 2 million square feet of commercial, retail, office and multifamily property. Many of Jarreau’s projects, like Southdowns Shopping Center, the Perkins Road Hardware redevelopment, Drusilla Shopping Center and Eastbank Shopping Center, have helped transform their surrounding neighborhoods. He is also passionate about volunteering with local organizations like the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition, the Options Foundation and the Kids Hope Program. Jarreau also dedicates his time to the nonprofit he founded, the Everyone Plays Sports Foundation, which donates sports equipment to local schools.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – business)

NORISHA KIRTS GLOVER OWNER

NRK CONSTRUCTION

After a 13-year career in fundraising, Norisha Kirts Glover realized she was ready for a career change. It was an unconventional choice: construction. She has since grown NRK Construction into a respected designbuild commercial firm taking on projects throughout the Southeast. Her local portfolio includes Cypress at Pinchback, Gov’t Taco and Counterspace Bakery. She has an impressive community service resume: Louisiana Workforce Investment Commission, Louisiana Economic Development, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Accountability Commission and Junior League of Baton Rouge president. She also participated in Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses. Business Report honored her as both an Influential Woman in Business and a Forty Under 40.

LESSON LEARNED: Those who start with you are not necessarily the ones who will continue to grow with you, even if you want them to. They have to be as invested in themselves and their growth as you are.

JASON KELLER FOUNDING OWNER AND MANAGING MEMBER

BLOCK COMPANIES

Jason Keller, managing partner for Block Companies, has built a reputation of outstanding client service with an unwavering commitment to exceed client expectations. As an award-winning construction industry veteran, he has experience in every facet of multifamily, affordable housing, senior living, multiuse and commercial construction. Block clients benefit from Keller’s attentiveness, tenacity and desire to get the job right every time. Keller builds success by treating people the way he wants to be treated. After graduating from college, he began his career in estimating, overseeing apartments, retail, office buildings, schools, rehabilitation, public works plants, hospitals, airport terminals, historical projects, demolition, warehouses and athletic field projects.

EDUCATION: University of Louisiana at Monroe (Bachelor’s – construction management)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Tom Cruise MUST READ: “Radical Candor. In today’s world, you can still speak respectfully and get your point across crystal clear.”

GEORGE KURZ CO-OWNER

KURZ & HEBERT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

George Kurz is known as the behind-thescenes muscle of prominent real estate brokerage group Kurz & Hebert Commercial Real Estate. Kurz partnered with Mark Hebert in 1986 to launch the firm and over the past 25 years, the pair have managed and closed deals for some of the most prominent pieces of real estate in the city. Some of Kurz’s clients over the years have included Mockler Beverage, The Advocate, Baton Rouge General and the Farm Bureau. He also was involved with the beginning development of the Towne Center. In the community, Kurz serves on the board of the Growth Coalition and has previously served on the boards of St. James Place, St. Francisville Area Foundation, several local banks and BRAC.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – landscape architecture)

HOBBY: Duck hunting and family time

BEST ADVICE: “You learn more from a sinking ship than you do a sailing ship.”

ANTHONY KIMBLE

FOUNDER AND CEO

KIMBLE PROPERTIES

Serial entrepreneur and developer Anthony Kimble is on a mission to not only bring sections of long-neglected north Baton Rouge back to life with his projects, but he’s also emerging as an important minority voice in the business community. Kimble’s firm invests in and redevelops neglected and distressed historic properties in underserved neighborhoods, like the Legacy on 14th coworking and event space in south Baton Rouge and Electric Depot in Mid City. He’s a board member for Mid City Merchants and Thrive Baton Rouge. Previously, he was managing partner for Blue House Construction & Consulting in New Orleans.

EDUCATION: Stanford University (Bachelor’s –technology and society), Tulane University (Master’s – sustainable real estate development)

FUN FACT: Kimble was a four-year football letterman at Stanford and signed with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2009.

MATHEW LABORDE

PRESIDENT AND CEO

ELIFIN REALTY

Mathew Laborde started Elifin Realty in 2016, recently expanding into New Orleans and Columbus, Ohio. He embarked on his career as a commercial real estate broker at the age of 19, then earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation a few years later, at the age of 23. Laborde has been involved in professional organizations including the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, Louisiana Commercial Database and the Baton Rouge TRENDS in Real Estate Conference. He has served on the boards of BRAF, Alzheimer’s Services/Charlie’s Place, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and Forum 35, among others. Elifin was named Business Report’s 2023 Company of the Year (fewer than 100 employees) and Laborde was a 2017 Forty Under 40 honoree.

WALK-UP SONG: “1985” by J. Cole

FAVORITE DISH: Boudin

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Colombia

KARL LANDRENEAU DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SALES & LEASING

NAI LATTER & BLUM

Karl Landreneau has been active in the commercial real estate market in Louisiana for more than 20 years. He is the director of commercial sales and leasing for NAI Latter & Blum, part of the largest independently owned real estate firm in the Gulf South. He is a previous chair of the Louisiana Realtors Association’s commercial business and industry team, where he was recognized for his role in helping to create the first database of Louisiana commercial properties for agents. Landreneau is a past president of East Baton Rouge Parish’s commercial investment division, a graduate of CCIM’s Jay Levin Leadership Academy, and a member of CCIM’s National Board of Directors. He has also held the positions of first vice president and president and was interim CEO of CCIM in 2021.

EDUCATION: University of Southwestern Louisiana (Bachelor’s – education)

CHARLES LANDRY PARTNER

FISHMAN HAYGOOD

The bio says Charles Landry is a real estate attorney, but, in truth, he’s the influential, politically connected go-to guy in the development game, especially when needing to skillfully navigate the land mines of politically sensitive projects. Though other prominent real estate attorneys tend to work behind the scenes, Landry is OK with a more outspoken approach to tout the merits of a zoning change, a waiver or a project’s approval. He’s an expert on both tax increment financing and publicprivate partnerships on complex projects. Landry has gotten into the development game himself, involved with the Americana TND in Zachary and Rouzan in Southdowns. Beyond real estate, he was involved in the growth of Baton Rouge’s high-tech economic sector and was instrumental in the creation of Louisiana Technology Park. Landry is on the TAF board and is involved with more than 20 community groups and organizations.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s in business, J.D.)

A.C. “BUBBA” LEWIS III

OWNER

A.C. LEWIS MANAGEMENT

For those who’ve been around for more than a minute, the Lewis name is iconic in Baton Rouge real estate. Dating back to the late 1930s, A.C. Lewis Jr. built and managed scores of hotels and apartment communities across the Baton Rouge area. The Mid City A.C. Lewis YMCA is named in his philanthropic honor. The company is now run by his son, Bubba Lewis III, who has 30 years of experience managing multifamily, office and retail properties as well as developing several apartment and office complexes. The firm manages 2,000 units in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Houma.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business)

FUN FACT: Prior to it being available here, Lewis’ love for Blue Bell ice cream was such that he would grab some friends, hop on a private plane and fly to Texas to score some of the creamy goodness.

GARRY LEWIS

SATSUMA DEVELOPER

This Missouri native and small-time Baton Rouge property management firm founder has made a name for himself in Livingston Parish over the past decade as an early adopter of accelerating its growth. Much of it centers around Satsuma, largely a rural unincorporated area noted for little more than a ballpark and an I-12 exit until his arrival. The community is now the site of a planned executive airport on 242 acres that Lewis donated; he also secured the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II (he flew them in the Navy) to mark the entrance. He also launched Southshire, intended to be Livingston’s first mixed-use community, following development of Suma Lake Townhomes across the interstate. A strip mall at the exit is home to his classic car collection and the Suma Crossing Theatre.

FUN FACT: He grew up on a farm in Lilburn, Missouri, a town of 1,100. “My father never owned a piece of land.”

STEPHEN P. MAHER PRINCIPAL RITTER MAHER ARCHITECTS

Drive around Baton Rouge and it’s readily apparent that some of the most interesting building designs are coming from Steve Maher and the design team at Ritter Maher Architects. There’s the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, the student center at Catholic High, the City Farm office project and the PreSonus Audio Electronics headquarters to name a few. Maher, one of the first LEED-accredited architects in Baton Rouge and a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, has worked on projects across the South and the Eastern Seaboard. He did his architect training in New York City and then returned to launch the firm with Scott Ritter.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

FUN FACT: He is an Eagle Scout CALLING BATON ROUGE: Maher is the public address announcer for Catholic High lacrosse games, where his son is a member of the team.

DUANE MIZELL

OWNER AND CEO

STUART & COMPANY

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Duane Mizell was drawn to the construction industry because he enjoys completing tasks that show visible progress. In college, he accepted an offer to work at Stuart & Company General Contractors during the startup stage, which led him on the trajectory to becoming CEO of the firm today. He has been there for 16 years, and his favorite things about the top job are solving problems and interacting with a variety of people each day. Prior to Stuart & Company, he spent a year working for Cajun Constructors Inc. as an assistant estimator. Mizell is an active member of St. George Catholic Church and treasurer for the Louisiana Association of General Contractors, the Sigma Nu Fraternity Alumni Association and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber Leadership Alumni Association.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

D. WESLEY MOORE PARTNER COOK, MOORE, DAVENPORT & ASSOCIATES

D. Wesley Moore is a commercial real estate appraiser, market analyst, broker, consultant and instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. As a partner at Cook, Moore, Davenport & Associates, one of the region’s largest commercial real estate appraisal firms, he has advised lenders, developers, investors and others on many south Louisiana real estate transactions. Moore also taught for 13 years as an adjunct instructor in LSU’s finance department and has been a contributor to the TRENDS in Real Estate conference since 1989. He is a member of the Appraisal Institute and a past president of the commercial investment division of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction, finance, M.S. – finance)

WALK-UP SONG: “Back in Black” by AC/DC

PASSIONS: Martial arts, LSU sports, scuba diving, skiing and poker

RUSSELL MOSELY FOUNDER AND DEVELOPER LONG FARM VILLAGE

Taking land in the Baton Rouge outskirts that his grandfather, former U.S. Sen. Russell Long, described as “paradise,” developer and attorney Russell Mosely is turning it into Long Farm, a TND that when finished will include more than 1,000 various housing units and some 600,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office development. Mosely also owns Mosely Law Firm and is a board member of the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition, the Capital Area Finance Authority, the YMCA and the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame. Previous stints include the Baton Rouge Food Bank, the University of Louisiana System and LASM. Mosely is also a senior leader of an NIL collective created to provide financial opportunities for LSU student-athletes.

EDUCATION: LSU (J.D.)

LEGAL EAGLE: He was a clerk for U.S. District Judge Frank J. Polozola.

J. DYKE NELSON FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER DNA WORKSHOP

J.Dyke Nelson and his wife, who was pregnant at the time, decided to leave San Francisco for a return to their Southern roots. With 13 job options from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana, the couple chose to make Baton Rouge their home, believing it was a place where one “can make an impact.” Make no mistake, Nelson and his team at DNA Workshop have made quite the impact on the Capital City. From 440 on Third to Red Stick Social to Jubans Restaurant—and a host of other projects—the renovations have brought a fresh change to the landscape. Prior to DNA, Nelson was a partner and lead designer for Chenevert Architects. He sits is on the boards of the Baton Rouge Community College Foundation and The Baton Rouge Assembly.

EDUCATION: Auburn University (Bachelor’s)

EXPANSION: DNA Workshop announced plans in early 2023 to open an office in Dallas.

SCOTT NESBIT SENIOR WETLAND ECOLOGIST

NATURAL RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS

Pretty much any developer doing a project in the wetland-filled Capital Region is tight with Scott Nesbit. Need to know whether land not within sight of water meets wetland conditions? Call Nesbit. Looking for someone to negotiate the best wetland mitigation deal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? Nesbit is your guy. Bottom line: Nesbit is widely viewed as the technical and wetland expert in south Louisiana. And it has been that way since 1987 when the corps declared wetlands as regulated “waters of the U.S.” Nesbit has decades of wetland experience and has managed large-scale coastal monitoring projects. He’s also been involved with the establishment of wetland mitigation banks, which is where developers purchase credits in order to build on property that includes wetlands.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – horticulture science, M.S. – soil science)

KENDRA NOVAK PRESIDENT GREATER BATON ROUGE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Kendra Novak took on the top leadership role at the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors just as the housing market was cooling due to rising mortgage rates. She founded her realty company, Novak Realty, in 2007 and has nearly three decades of experience in real estate sales and consulting and human resources management. She is also a published author, having written the book Transform Your Life in One Short Year.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s in management)

Penn State (master’s in human resources and employment relations)

BEST ADVICE: “Whatever you want to attain in life, you must work on it and work at it to see a transformation.”

BRANON PESNELL DIRECTOR, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATE REALTY

Branon Pesnell not only oversees the company’s commercial real estate efforts in Baton Rouge but is also widely recognized as a leading voice in the market. He is responsible for assisting Corporate Realty in continuing to serve and grow its existing client base in the Capital City. He is also responsible for leasing efforts at One American Place, a 333,364-rentable-square-foot, 24-story Class A office tower in downtown Baton Rouge. Pesnell specializes in providing longterm strategic consulting for commercial real estate. He has brokered more than 8 million square feet of space since 2001 and has consistently been a top producer, averaging more than $23 million in transactional volume annually.

EDUCATION: University of Alabama

(Bachelor’s – business management)

PASSION/HOBBY: Fishing

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Robert De Niro

WALK-UP SONG: “Best of You” by the Foo Fighters

TRULA REMSON PRINCIPAL RHH ARCHITECTS

Trula Remson has always chosen to view things differently. Which, in part, explains why she has been determined to bring a fresh perspective to the design of homes and offices. Rather than go with the Baton Rouge design norm, Remson works with clients to visualize something a bit more unique. That was especially clear a few years ago when her focus was residential projects. That same vision and passion of working with clients to create a fresh look has carried over into her commercial work. Remson is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and previously served as president of AIA Baton Rouge and AIA Louisiana. Active in the community, she works with Mid City Redevelopment, the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition and the LSU School of Architecture advisory board.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – architecture)

HEAR HER ROAR: Remson is a passionate fan of Mike the Tiger, LSU’s live mascot.

RANDY ROUSSEL PARTNER PHELPS DUNBAR

Though he goes about his business quietly, Randy Roussel is one of the top real estate attorneys in the region, regularly helping clients get project approvals. He began his career as a certified public accountant at Arthur Anderson but left the profession to study law. Roussel clerked for the federal Fifth Circuit before entering private practice. He is a member of the American Bar Association and Louisiana Bar Association. Following his father’s encouragement, he has been active in a number of civic and social causes and volunteers his time to nonprofit organizations like the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Center for Planning Excellence and Friends of Burden. He is also an amateur landscape photographer.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, J.D.)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT AND DISH: Veal Andreas at DiGiulio Bros. Italian Café BEST ADVICE: “Solve problems one at a time. You can’t solve everything at once.”

CALVERT STONE OWNER AND PRINCIPAL COMMERCE TITLE & ABSTRACT

Calvert Stone is an attorney and licensed title insurance agent in the Perkins Road office of Commerce Title & Abstract Company. He was the former general counsel for a regional real estate developer, has extensive experience with oil and gas title work, and is an experienced house mover and renovator. One of Calvert’s newest ventures is hosting the Commerce Title Rousing Housing podcast. Stone is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Louisiana Land Title Association and the Baton Rouge Independent Title Attorney’s Association. He was a seminar instructor for the Louisiana Bankers Association in 2001, and an instructor for the Mid-City Alliance’s first-time homebuyer’s class. In his spare time, you can find him researching old houses or buildings.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history, J.D.)

KENNETH TIPTON JR. ARCHITECT AND MANAGING PRINCIPAL TIPTON ASSOCIATES

Kenneth Tipton Jr. is widely regarded as one of this region’s leading architects and planners. He and his firm are responsible for numerous high-visibility projects across the region and country, including the Stephenson Pet Clinic at LSU, BREC’s cybercafé and teaching garden and multiple student housing projects at Louisiana Tech. Since becoming managing principal in 1995, the firm has completed work at more than 165 campuses across 30 states. Tipton, a registered architect in 13 states, is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He is a supporter of various family causes in Baton Rouge as well as community causes in the Mid City area.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – architecture)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Robert Redford

DO-OVER WISH: “Take a summer to walk the Appalachian Trail.”

TODD WAGUESPACK MANAGING PARTNER LEVEL HOMES

Todd Waguespack comes from a long line of real estate developers in Baton Rouge. He is responsible for overseeing investment strategy, financial management and land acquisitions for residential developer Level Homes. He is passionate about developing communities that speak to the needs of homebuyers. Waguespack developed his first community in Nicholson Lakes, with his subsidiary company, Crown Construction, as the lead builder for the 135-homesite single-family development near LSU. Waguespack is an ASI Preferred Builder, was named Business Report’s No. 1 builder for 2005-2006 and a top 10 homebuilder in Louisiana by National Home Builder. He is a member of the Baton Rouge Good Growth Coalition and the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association.

EDUCATION: LSU

BEST ADVICE: “As my grandfather always said, ‘a good decision made today is better than a great decision made never.’”

KAREN ZITO PRESIDENT AND CEO HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER BATON ROUGE

Karen Zito is the face of residential construction in the Capital Region. Speaking for 1,200-plus members representing 950-plus industry-related businesses, Zito heads up what is the largest homebuilder’s association in Louisiana, and the 12thlargest chapter nationwide. A 20-plus-year veteran of association management, she has been at the helm of this nine-parish advocacy organization since August 2017. It’s worth noting that she received the Army Achievement Medal while serving honorably for eight years in the Louisiana Army National Guard 415th Military Intelligence Battalion.

PASSION: Helping meet the needs of others by listening, connecting and sharing resources.

DO-OVER WISH: “I would have chosen the officer route while serving in the Army National Guard.”

BEST ADVICE: “Life is short. Live with purpose and be thankful for all things.”

GOVERNMENT NONPROFITS

JOHN FLAKE PROFESSOR, CAIN DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LSU

John Flake is known for his expertise and commentary on Louisiana’s petrochemical sector. Formerly chair of LSU’s Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Flake remains on staff as a professor and researcher, with his research interests focused on materials chemistry, catalysis and energy. At LSU, he oversees a team that is researching ways to utilize carbon dioxide as an alternative fuel in the conversion of ethane to ethylene. He’s also a researcher with the H2theFuture “green” hydrogen initiative spearheaded by GNO Inc. He started his career at IBM, working with technical staff at a research center. He worked as a senior research and development scientist at Motorola before moving to Baton Rouge to teach at LSU. Other research projects led by Flake include alternative materials for lithium batteries, energy storage technology, and electrochemical processes.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s), Georgia Institute for Technology (Ph.D.)

MATT LEE VICE PRRESIDENT AND DEAN LSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Matt Lee is a social scientist and community development scholar with extensive expertise in both rural and urban community dynamics. He is widely published in both academic and popular media outlets and has been elected to several scholarly honor societies. Under his administrative leadership, multiple units have achieved national accolades; various university enrollment, research and retention records have been set; and transformational innovations have been implemented in both curriculum and academic policy. In April, Lee was named to his current role. Lee had been serving as the interim vice president and dean since August 2022. Agriculture, the state’s second-largest industry, is a key part of LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda, the school’s strategic plan under President William Tate.

EDUCATION: LSU (M.A. – sociology, Ph.D. –sociology)

SPECIALTY: Lee is a criminologist, specializing in interpersonal violence.

TINA HOLLAND PRESIDENT

& CEO

FRANU

Tina Holland has been president of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) since 2014. Under her leadership, FranU has grown from the former Our Lady of the Lake College to a university with three schools: the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions and the School of Arts and Sciences. Courses of study now range from professional certificates to doctoral level degree programs.

EDUCATION: U.S. Naval Academy (Bachelor’s –general engineering, political science), University of San Diego (M.A. – international relations), Indiana State University (Ph.D. – higher education administration and leadership)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Maya Rudolf

BEST ADVICE: “Find meaning and purpose in your work. Assess the non-monetary aspects of your career opportunities at least as carefully as you consider salary and benefits. Your career should be more than a means of making a living. Be sure to make a rich and fulfilling life.”

ANDREW MAAS

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT-RESEARCH INNOVATION AND ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

LSU

Andrew Maas helps LSU researchers turn their ideas into products and businesses, while also overseeing LSU Innovation Park and the Small Business Development Centers. He led the charge that resulted in the National Science Foundation making LSU an Innovation Corps site in 2016. With 15-plus years of experience in technology licensing and commercialization, he is chair-elect of AUTM, a global nonprofit whose members support the commercialization of academic research.

EDUCATION: Brigham Young University (Bachelor’s – engineering), University of Texas at Austin (M.S. –engineering), University of Akron (J.D., LLM)

PASSION/HOBBY: Soccer

DO-OVER WISH: Making more adult friends

MUST READ: The Startup Owner’s Manual: The Step-by-Step Guide for Building a Great Company, by Steve Blank. “This book applies to more than just startups and everyone should read it regardless of your role in your organization.”

EM LEBLANC COOPER

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Em LeBlanc Cooper leads the state’s recruitment and retention strategy for its educator workforce as well as the state school system planning process. As deputy assistant superintendent, LeBlanc Cooper was responsible for leading the state’s initiatives in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In the summer of 2021, Cooper launched her own podcast, Teacher Leader Lagniappe, where she “offers a little something extra for Louisiana educators.” Before assuming her current role, she worked with educator development within the department. Aside from work, Cooper has served on the boards of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Action Youth and Community Resources, and Junior League of Baton Rouge.

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “Always, always a teacher.”

PASSION: Foodie

YVETTE MARSH ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF TALENT MANAGEMENT LSU FOUNDATION

As vice president at the LSU Foundation, Marsh oversees all aspects of human resources for the organization including recruitment, leadership and professional development, and performance management. Her nearly 30-year career in management development includes serving as director of training and development for LSU and as a management consultant with SSA Consultants. Over the years, Marsh has served in executive roles on numerous boards including those for the Louisiana American Institute of Banking, the Greater Baton Rouge YWCA, Campus Federal Credit Union, LSU’s Swine Palace and the LSU Museum of Art. In 2021, Business Report named her one of its Influential Women in Business.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration, M.S. – information systems and decision sciences, Ph.D. – human resource education)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Boston or New Orleans

SITO NARCISSE SUPERINTENDENT EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

As superintendent, Sito Narcisse is fundamentally focused on helping to shape the Baton Rouge community into the space it deserves and capitalize on the incredible assets and talent present but that often are not recognized in the moment. He says Baton Rouge has all the compounds of a diamond in the rough. His goal is to be a part of the resurgence of our city and to lead an educational evolution that lends itself to not only more successful outcomes, but also to unlimited potential as a “turnaround” model for cities across the country.

EDUCATION: Kennesaw State University (Bachelor’s – French), Vanderbilt University (M.A. – education), University of Pittsburgh, (Ph.D. –education)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Forest Whitaker

PROUDEST MOMENT: “The day EBRPSS implemented our bold Pathways to Bright Futures program, which represents my career mission of endless educational and career opportunities for all students.”

ALBERT SAMUELS

Chair of the Department of Political Science and History SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Albert Samuels is a frequent commentator on national, state and local politics and has been an election analyst for local radio and television stations. His quotes have appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, The Huffington Post, U.S. News and World Report, The Advocate, Business Report and other publications. On the academic side, Samuels has taught courses about American government, state and local government, constitutional law, civil liberties, race relations, Louisiana politics, Black politics, politics and religion, international relations and comparative government. He is the author of Is Separate Unequal: Black Colleges and the Challenge to Desegregation, which received the Best Book Award from the Race and Ethnicity Section of the American Political Science Association.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –political science, M.A. – social sciences), LSU (Ph.D. –political science)

KIM HUNTER REED COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION STATE OF LOUISIANA

After serving as chief of staff to thenCommissioner of Higher Education Joe Savoie, Kim Hunter Reed was inspired to pursue a career in education. As the state’s commissioner of higher education, she heads up a team of more than 250 employees with a more than $450 million operating budget. Last year, Reed was honored as one of Business Report’s 2022 Influential Women in Business. She successfully led efforts to secure additional state funding of more than $150 million, the most significant strategic investment in Louisiana higher education to date. Earlier this year, Reed was named on Forbes’ list of 10 Top Black Higher Ed CEOs to Watch in 2023.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – broadcast journalism, M.A. – public administration), Southern University (Ph.D. – public policy and higher education policy)

DENNIS SHIELDS

PRESIDENT-CHANCELLOR

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Dennis Shields has spent much of his career advocating for better access to higher education—especially for those who have been historically underrepresented—which speaks to his fit at the nation’s only historically Black university system, where about 70% of the students are the first in their family to attend college. He previously was chancellor for the University of Wisconsin Platteville, where he oversaw significant enrollment growth and state investment. He also worked in admissions for three law schools, was dean at another and served as vice president for student affairs at The City College of New York.

EDUCATION: Graceland College (Bachelor’s –business administration), University of Iowa College of Law (J.D.)

ORIGIN STORY: The rural Iowa native spent his first five years in a Catholic orphanage, followed by a foster home, a boys’ home and another foster home. MISSION STATEMENT: “How does this help our students succeed and have great outcomes?”

MICHAEL STUBBLEFIELD

WILLIE SMITH CHANCELLOR BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Willie Smith has been working in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System for the past 21 years. He currently serves as chancellor for Baton Rouge Community College. Prior to coming to BRCC, Smith served as vice president for Training and Business Partnerships for LCTCS; chief executive officer for South Central Louisiana Technical College; and vice president of academics and workforce solutions at South Louisiana Community College.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Bachelor’s – social science), Troy University (MPA), Argosy University (Ed.D.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS: “I am focused on making sure that my institution is at the forefront of changing the lives of those we serve. This includes making sure we provide equitable solutions for all and meaningful opportunities for all to succeed.”

VICE CHANCELLOR FOR RESEARCH AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Michael Stubblefield is driven to promote “an aggressive ‘Quality of Life’ strategy” for Louisiana that not only responds to opportunities but anticipates future ones while supporting a “research-driven and resource-sustained” Louisiana economy. That ambitious goal requires bringing together government and the private sector to promote community development and economic growth, he says. Stubblefield serves as the university’s representative to enter into grants and contracts and oversees their execution and closure. In addition to providing technical and administrative oversight of researchrelated functions, he supervises the offices of Sponsored Programs and Governmental Contracting Services and is an advisory board member for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –mechanical engineering), LSU (Ph.D. – engineering science)

MONTY SULLIVAN

SYSTEM

PRESIDENT LOUISIANA COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SYSTEM

At the risk of overgeneralization, it is probably fair to say that the perennial top concern of Capital Region business leaders, across all industries, is the need for a quality workforce. Helping to fill that pipeline throughout the state has been Monty Sullivan’s main job since he began leading LCTCS in 2014. That means figuring out how to make higher education work not just for traditional students but for older adults trying to manage a full life while getting their education and training under their belt. It also requires working extensively with the private sector and other branches of government. For example, LCTCS has partnered with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to develop training programs for the projected 12,000 jobs the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will bring to southeast Louisiana.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s – political science, Master of Education, Doctorate of Education)

COLLIS TEMPLE JR. CO-FOUNDER / BOARD MEMBER THE HARMONY CENTER / LSU BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

For a man who thrust himself into the spotlight—becoming in 1971 the first Black major sport athlete to accept an athletic scholarship to LSU—Collis Temple Jr. does his best work behind the scenes—often at a table at Louie’s Café, just off the LSU campus. Temple is one of the most connected individuals in town and he uses that clout to get things done—whether it’s securing contracts or materials for The Harmony Center nonprofit he co-founded, quietly lobbying BREC leadership, assembling a nationally competitive AAU basketball team, or working to bring development to north Baton Rouge. In whatever manner he operates, it usually works out. As a basketball player he was all-conference in both academics and performance. He’s developed more than 500 housing units and is active in a multitude of civic causes at LSU, BREC and BRAC.

EDUCATION: LSU (MBA)

WILLIAM F. TATE IV PRESIDENT

LSU

William Tate leads the LSU System, including the flagship Baton Rouge campus, and is the first Black president in the university’s history. The system has more than 55,000 students and 3,000 full-timeequivalent faculty members, an endowment with a market value over $900 million, and about $350 million in annual research expenditures. He sets the strategy for all LSU campuses and has identified cancer care, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy and coastal science as LSU’s “pentagon” of research priorities. He previously was executive vice president for academic affairs and provost for the University of South Carolina.

EDUCATION: Northern Illinois University (Bachelor’s – economics), University of Texas at Dallas (M.A. – mathematical sciences education), University of Maryland (Ph.D. – mathematics education), University of Wisconsin (post-doctoral fellowship – social and public policy), Washington University School of Medicine (postdoctoral fellowship, Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology)

AMANDA VINCENT CEO STUDYVILLE

Amanda Vincent says her teenage sons were struggling to study effectively and turn work in on time. She didn’t want to drag them to a tutor, but what if there were a fun, cool tutoring center where kids would actually want to go? That kernel of an idea led to opening Studyville at Perkins Rowe in 2020, offering test prep, tutoring, homework support, college applications and admissions, home schooling help and professional exam prep for adults under one roof. Studyville has earned praise from officials like Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member Preston Castille, who says the flexible model may offer lessons for the traditional education system.

EDUCATION: Vanderbilt University (Bachelor’s), University of Texas (Master of Music)

DO-OVER WISH: “I would go back and have dinner with my family in Alaska the last time we were all together before my father passed away.”

QUINTIN TAYLOR CHANCELLOR RIVER PARISHES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Workforce development is a perennial challenge in the Capital Region, and in the current tight labor market the Louisiana Community and Technical College System has never been more critical. Late last year, Quintin Taylor was named chancellor of River Parishes Community College in Gonzales after six months filling the role on an interim basis. In 2021, work began on a new Process Equipment Trainer, a full-sized working production unit at RPCC where students can safely learn on a fully functioning plant. RPCC is investing $3.5 million in the construction of the plant and industry partners such as BASF and ISC contributed another $1.5 million in equipment and services to drive careers in process technology, instrumentation and electrical technology, among other fields.

EDUCATION: Bethune-Cookman University (Bachelor’s – public relations and advertising), LSU (Master of Public Administration), Northwestern State University (doctor of adult learning and development)

LAURA VINSANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEACH FOR AMERICA

Laura Vinsant is focused on the future of the educator workforce and the innovations that must be pursued to ensure every child has access to high-quality educators. Vinsant says traditional approaches are not yielding the necessary levels of interest in the field, and she is passionate about exploring how we can adjust our approaches to compel more young people to consider education as a career path. A positive TFA byproduct is that many of the highly-educated people who come to the region to teach choose to remain here and get involved in other ventures once done teaching.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mass communication, Harvard Graduate School of Education (M.Ed.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Key West, Florida

MUST READ: “Atomic Habits by James Clear. The author’s approach to how habits are formed and shaped over time shifted my perspective.“

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The Leadership Academy allowed me to grow- both personally and professionally- while connecting with a wide array of peers in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Cultivating relationships with these folks from such diverse backgrounds and industries proved to have immense value throughout the program. Highly recommend!”

MYLES

MARY MOWAD GUITEAU, IIDA, IFMA, Holly & Smith Architects, APAC

LAROUX, Highland Wealth - Northwestern Mutual

BRYAN WESLEY, Wesley Construction

ALTON ASHY PRESIDENT ADVANCED STRATEGIES INC.

Lobbyist Alton Ashy has represented scores of companies over the years but is best known for his work lobbying for the video poker industry and river pilots—and for his suits. He established his lobbying firm, Advanced Strategies, roughly two decades ago. He began his professional career as a legislative staffer working for both the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives and quickly transitioned into governmental relations representing big-name clients like LSU. Ashy previously served as secretary of the Gulf South Hemp Association and also currently runs FAIR PAC. Some of his current clients include Salesforce, Aetna, Coastal Conservation Association, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, LA Wallet and Waste Management.

EDUCATION: LSU

PASSION: Fashion, specifically his suits

HOBBY: Golf

CAMILLE CONAWAY SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND LOBBYIST DELOITTE US

Camille Conaway is a prominent Baton Rouge-based lobbyist whose career has led her to the nation’s capital to work on U.S. foreign policy and eventually back home to Louisiana to impact policy at the state level. She’s previously worked for the United Nations, former Gov. Bobby Jindal, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Blueprint Louisiana, among others. Conaway currently serves as senior manager and a lobbyist for Deloitte US, which bills itself as the largest professional services organization in the nation. Aside from work, Conaway is heavily involved in the community and currently serves on the board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Before joining Deloitte, Conaway served as vice president for policy and industry partnerships at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science), American University (M.A. – international peace and conflict resolution)

MICHAEL BEYCHOK CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND PARTNER OURSO BEYCHOK

Baton Rouge native Michael Beychok is known for his work in politics, mostly supporting Democratic candidates. Beychok has been a direct mail consultant for more than two decades and has worked on hundreds of campaigns in dozens of states, ranging from U.S. president to local city council contests. In 2001, Beychok partnered with Trey Ourso to launch their own firm, Ourso Beychok. The pair also served on Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s reelection campaign committee. Away from campaigns and politics, Beychok is a prolific horse better, and in 2013 his pick won the National Handicapping Championship, which came with a million-dollar prize. He also writes a daily column for The Advocate about his horse picks for Fair Grounds races and is a member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters.

EDUCATION: LSU

BUD COURSON

CO-OWNER

COURSON NICKEL

Bud Courson has been singled out as “one of the hardest working” and “most effective people in state government” by Louisiana’s foremost political columnist, the late John Maginnis. Courson served former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards. He also served the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for 18 years, rising to the position of first assistant to the commissioner and then to deputy commissioner. A member of the Louisiana trade delegation to Taiwan under Gov. Edwin Edwards’ administration, Courson participated in negotiations that led to the Sister State Trade Agreement with Taiwan. He was also instrumental in negotiations that helped persuade France’s largest exotic hide tannery to establish the nation’s first major alligator tannery in Louisiana.

WALK-UP SONG: “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Church

LOCAL FARE: Ruth Chris’ filet and potatoes

CJ BLANCHE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ROEDEL PARSONS

Cecil “CJ” Blanche has seen his influence grow in the Capital Region through his more than 30 years of work in governmental relations and regulatory law at the state and local levels. He has been active in every session of the Louisiana Legislature since 1980. His clients include a multitude of public and quasi-public entities and some of the largest corporations in the petrochemical, transportation, maritime and business sectors. Some of his clients over the years have included Transdev, The Port of New Orleans, the New Orleans Aviation Board, Chevron and the New Orleans Business Council. Outside of work, Blanche is active in multiple civic, business and nonprofit organizations and has served on the boards of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Liberty Bank and Trust, The Jazz and Heritage Foundation, River City Jazz Coalition and WWOZ radio.

EDUCATION: LeMoyne College (Bachelor’s), Loyola University (J.D.)

JAY DARDENNE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION

LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION

Jay Dardenne serves as the state’s chief administrative officer, preparing and overseeing Louisiana’s budget. Dardenne was twice elected lieutenant governor and secretary of state, after serving 15 years as a state senator and three years on the Baton Rouge Metro Council. In 2022, Dardenne created, wrote and hosted the Louisiana Public Broadcasting documentary Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi … or Any Place Else, a made-for-television version of the live presentation about the state’s history, culture, music and politics.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism), LSU Law Center (J.D.)

ROLE MODEL: “Henson Moore. His campaign for a congressional seat was one of the first in which I volunteered. He was an attorney and fellow Sigma Chi fraternity member whose philosophy and integrity inspired me to handle my duties as an elected official in the same manner.”

JASON DECUIR FOUNDING PARTNER ADVANTOUS CONSULTING

Jason DeCuir is a national expert in state and local tax policy and has been practicing in the tax arena for over 20 years representing businesses across all industry sectors. A trusted ally of the state’s business lobby, DeCuir frequently lectures on state and local tax policy at tax conferences around the country and he co-founded Advantous Consulting, a multistate tax services firm, in 2020 and Advantous Law in the fall of 2022. At Advantous, DeCuir oversees the sales and use tax, appeals and disputes, governmental relations, and business development teams. Prior to Advantous, he was a partner at a tax services firm headquartered in Dallas, and he also served as chief of staff, assistant secretary and executive counsel at the Louisiana Department of Revenue from 2011 to 2014.

EDUCATION: Howard University (Bachelor’s – business administration), Louisiana Tech University (MBA), LSU (Bachelor’s – civil law, J.D.), Georgetown University (LLM – taxation)

JASON DRODDY

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC POLICY

LSU

Jason Droddy, a leading voice at the flagship campus, conducts research and analysis on policy issues affecting LSU and its competitiveness; represents LSU in economic and community development efforts; facilitates and advocates new research and community projects; and leads the external affairs team in the strategic planning process. He previously was executive director of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history, MPA and Ph.D.)

MENTOR & IMPACT: “Bob Baumann. Baumann’s honesty can be a little brutal, but it’s always honest and professional. He cared deeply about LSU and the valuable work of its people, and he supported those who cared about it equally. He taught me how to work on legislation, take feedback, seek help, evaluate counterproposals to find common ground, and be creative in a legislative sense.”

YOLANDA J. DIXON SECRETARY OF THE SENATE LOUISIANA STATE SENATE

The secretary of the Senate is elected by the members of the state Senate in the same manner as the president—every four years. In her role, Yolanda Dixon advises the president, officers and members of the Senate on parliamentary procedures and the Senate rules. She is the chief administrative officer and attorney for the Senate. She also is the custodian of all records, proceedings and actions of the Senate. Dixon is the first woman and first African American to serve as secretary of the Louisiana Senate, after being elected to the position in January 2020. In addition to her work in the state Senate, Dixon is heavily involved in civic activities in the region. Her first experience volunteering was through her college sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has also served with the Junior League of Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: University of Colorado Boulder (Bachelor’s), Southern University (J.D.)

MIKE EDWARDS

DIRECTOR OF AVIATION BATON ROUGE METRO AIRPORT

Mike Edwards wields more than 15 years of airport management experience in his position at Baton Rouge Metro Airport. As director of aviation, Edwards works to develop the airport as an engine for economic development in the community. Before being appointed director of aviation in 2018 by the city-parish Metro Council, he served as airport operations manager at BTR. Before moving to Baton Rouge, Edwards worked at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The Baton Rouge Metro Airport is the second-largest airport in the state and Upper Gulf Region by passenger volume. Upon taking the helm, Edwards pointed to air service, the Aviation Business Park and general aviation as the sectors he wanted to grow at the airport.

EDUCATION: University of North Dakota (Bachelor’s – criminal justice studies and aviation management), Tulane University (M.A. – homeland security)

LICENSED: Edwards started flying at age 19, earning his private pilot’s license at 20.

MARK DRENNEN CEO CAPITAL AREA FINANCE AUTHORITY

Mark Drennen is known throughout the Capital Region for his dynamic leadership experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Drennen wields more than 30 years of experience in the government and public policy sector, and previously served eight years as commissioner of administration under Gov. Mike Foster. As commissioner, he led conversations about public and private partnerships that had significant impact on the community, including the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge and the development of the Shaw Center for the Arts. Most recently, Drennen led operations for Cornerstone Government Affairs.

ON THE BOARD: President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, a regional economic development group; Saint Francisville Area Foundation; West Feliciana Tourist Commission; The Manship Theatre; Shaw Center for the Arts and Visit Baton Rouge.

BARRY ERWIN

PRESIDENT AND CEO

COUNCIL FOR A BETTER LOUISIANA

Barry Erwin began doing consulting work for CABL in 1995 before taking the helm in 2001 of the statewide nonprofit that addresses issues impacting quality of life in Louisiana. Over the years, CABL has been involved in numerous public policy issues including education, workforce development, state fiscal policies and governmental ethics. The organization also operates the nationally recognized Leadership Louisiana program, boasting an alumni base of more than 1,400 community leaders. Prior to CABL, Erwin worked on public affairs projects and spent 15 years as a broadcast journalist covering state politics at KSLA-TV in Shreveport and WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge.

WALK-UP SONG: ”So What” by Miles Davis. “It’s not the usual, but really cool!”

PASSION: Cooking interesting food that no one prepares at home.

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Rick Moranis

STAN HARRIS LOUISIANA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT AND CEO

Stan Harris has spent his career advocating and lobbying for the food services industry. The Louisiana Restaurant Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, and Harris is the chief spokesperson for the state’s restaurant industry. He also serves as president & CEO of the LRA’s Self Insurer’s Fund, which provides hospitality, retail, grocery and related supply chain clients with an industry-focused solution for workers’ compensation. Before joining the association, Harris established himself as an industry leader as the largest franchisee of Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses. While formerly president and CEO of TJM Restaurant Management, Harris led the development of successful brands like Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant, TJ Ribs and Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

FIRST JOB: Dishwasher at Ralph & Kacoo’s

RANDY HAYNIE FOUNDER HAYNIE & ASSOCIATES

It may be impossible to overstate the influence Randy Haynie has had over the past four decades in lobbying state legislators during the administrations of seven Louisiana governors. Some of Haynie’s clients have included the Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson Control, General Motors, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Caesars Entertainment Inc., Enterprise Rental Cars Inc., the New Orleans Saints and the National Football League. Outside of work, Haynie involves himself in the community. He’s a previous president of the National Association of State Lobbyists and has served on boards throughout Louisiana, including the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

PASSION: Collecting historic Louisiana objects and art.

HISTORIC TIES: He calls his office Long-View, as it is the former home of Earl K. Long.

ROSE HUDSON PRESIDENT AND CEO LOUISIANA LOTTERY

Under Rose Hudson’s stewardship, the Louisiana Lottery’s has seen its reputation improve to where it’s regarded as the best lottery organization in the country, and revenues have grown through the introduction of new forms of games. Hudson’s pursuit of quality, integrity and public trust led Louisiana to become the first lottery in the country to receive industry verification of its quality assurance processes. Outside of work, Hudson serves on several boards, including those for Investar Bank and Woman’s Hospital. Previously, she served on the boards of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Hudson also has a reputation as a trailblazer—she was Karnival Krewe de Louisiane’s first African American queen and the first woman to lead the Louisiana Lottery.

EDUCATION: Dillard University (Bachelor’s – urban studies and public policy), LSU (MPA – human resources)

TED JAMES REGION IV ADMINISTRATOR

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

A licensed attorney, Ted James has a long history in politics. Upon admission to the Louisiana Bar in 2006, James served in the governor’s office, where he focused on rebuilding communities following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2011, James was elected to the state House of Representatives, where he served for more than a decade and authored more than 160 pieces of legislation. In 2021, President Joe Biden tapped James to become a regional director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, overseeing Region 6, which comprises Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –accounting, J.D.)

MUST READ: The Alchemist

MENTOR: “My father was selfless and taught me how to be a leader.”

DO-OVER WISH: “I would go back to the first year Bodi White attempted the breakaway school bill and work harder with both sides to seek compromise.”

RANDAL JOHNSON PARTNER SOUTHERN STRATEGY GROUP

Randal Johnson is widely recognized for his expertise in health care policy impacting individuals, providers and businesses of various sizes. Knowledgeable on matters at both the state and federal levels, Johnson’s management of health care issues through legislative and regulatory action has led to the creation and retention of thousands of jobs. Randal Johnson joined the Southern Strategy Group as a partner in 2006 and represents some of the most prominent businesses in the state, including ExxonMobil, Westlake Chemical, State Farm Insurance Companies and Eatel. Previously, he served as deputy commissioner at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

FUN FACT: Before his time with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, he supervised multijurisdictional drug enforcement units and served as chief of the special investigative divisions being commissioned by local, state and federal officials.

CAMP KAUFMAN

PRESIDENT CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Camp Kaufman has been with the Cornerstone team since its 2002 founding. Starting with just a handful of clients and a few colleagues in one office, he has helped grow the firm to its current market position with more than 150 employees and hundreds of clients across 14 offices nationwide. Kaufman brings 30 years of public affairs experience to Cornerstone and directly manages the firm’s activities across its offices as well as its public affairs business. Prior to Cornerstone, Kaufman worked at two other Washington, D.C., companies as well as on Capitol Hill, serving as communications director and as a senior policy adviser for two Louisiana members of Congress.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s), Sewanee (MFA) –expected July 2023

PASSION/HOBBY: Writing fiction

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Seaside, Florida, or Napa, California

CURRENT FOCUS: “Finishing up my thesis at Sewanee to secure an MFA in fiction writing.”

JOHNNY KOCH PARTNER PELICAN STATE PARTNERS

Johnny Koch has built his solid reputation over his longtime career as an attorney and lobbyist, having represented myriad clients in different industries including media, retail, health care, energy and engineering. He started his governmental relations career serving as general counsel and lobbying for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. With more than 40 years under his belt as an attorney, Koch launched his own lobbying and political consulting firm—Pelican State Partners—with partners. Wal-Mart, Aflac and the Louisiana Press Association are among Koch’s lobbying clients. Previously, Koch served as an assistant district attorney and, after a brief stint in private practice, served as an assistant attorney general.

LIZ MANGHAM PARTNER SOUTHERN STRATEGY GROUP

Many of those in governmental affairs look to Liz Mangham and her lobbying firm, Southern Strategy Group, for advice and guidance on the pivotal issues of the day, including education and criminal justice reform. Mangham began her career in politics working on campaigns, but after two years on the road she returned to Louisiana in 1996 and got her first lobbying gig with the then-Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, now called the Louisiana Association of Justice. Today, she primarily represents clients before the legislative, executive and regulatory branches of state government, focusing on issues related to criminal justice reform, education reform, the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, substance use and prevention, economic development, and agricultural commodities.

PASSION: “I’m a collector of art and French antiques.”

JODY MONTELARO

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS ENTERGY LOUISIANA

Jody R. Montelaro has oversight of all Louisiana governmental affairs on behalf of Entergy’s Louisiana companies. As vice president of public affairs, he also oversees the coordination of the organization’s volunteer efforts and charitable contributions. Based in Baton Rouge, Montelaro joined Entergy in 2011 as a senior governmental affairs executive responsible for addressing the company’s legislative-related issues with the Louisiana Legislature and various state agencies. Prior to joining Entergy, he served as senior policy adviser to Gov. Bobby Jindal. In the community, he currently serves on the board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and he previously served with the Manship Theatre, New Schools for Baton Rouge, Public Affairs Research Council, and Capital Area United Way.

EDUCATION: University of South Alabama (Bachelor’s – international marketing), Loyola University (J.D.)

JIM NICKEL LOBBYIST AND PARTNER COURSON NICKEL

Jim Nickel has more than 25 years of governmental affairs and political experience and was called “the most effective political operative in Louisiana politics” by the late political commentator John MaGinnis. Nickel is a former executive director for the Louisiana Democratic Party and coordinated successful campaigns for dozens of statewide, legislative, parish and local offices in the ‘90s. He is a regular political commentator on television and radio stations across the state. Nickel’s governmental relations clients have included Sempra Energy, Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, 3M Corporation, IBM, AT&T, the Louisiana Police Jury Association, Motorola and Stonehenge Capital, among others. Nickel previously served on the board for the Academy of Politics at LSU and is the former chair of Louisiana Public Broadcasting and WRKF Public Radio.

FUN FACT: Nickel assists with LSU football radio broadcasts.

NIAL PATEL PRINCIPAL CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Nial Patel has worked in public affairs since 2003, when he graduated college and began working on Bobby Jindal’s gubernatorial campaign. Today, Patel serves as principal of Cornerstone Government Affairs, where he specializes in federal and state government relations and participates in public affairs and business advisory services. Patel serves on the boards of numerous local organizations, including New Schools for Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Alliance for Children, Teach For America, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s Emerging Leaders Council and the executive committee of Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – economics, M.S. –financial economics)

MUST READ: “The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. This book is great for those that may find themselves to be lost and looking for a little direction.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Tom Hanks

PASSION: Travel

STEVEN PROCOPIO

PRESIDENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS RESEARCH COUNCIL

PAR is one of the most widely recognized nonpartisan policy organizations in Louisiana, perhaps best known for its reviews of proposed state constitutional amendments. Steven Procopio took the helm as the organization’s president in fall 2021 after he served as PAR’s policy director for seven years. Previously, Procopio was director of research and accountability for former Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and held multiple roles in the Division of Administration under former Gov. Bobby Jindal, becoming chief of staff for the division in 2012. Early in his career, he held positions with the East Baton Rouge City-Parish Planning Commission. He was also founding director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science, M.A. – political science), Indiana University (Ph.D. –political science)

FUN FACT: Procopio is the first PAR president since the early 1950s to hold a Ph.D.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, J.D.)

LIONEL RAINEY POLITICAL CONSULTANT LR3 CONSULTING

Lionel Rainey is widely known in Louisiana as an influential conservative strategist. Rainey started political consulting and public relations firm LR3 Consulting in 2013 and is considered one of the founding fathers of the St. George incorporation effort. Over the years, he has worked on campaigns for Sens. Ted Cruz, John Kennedy and Marco Rubio, and, in 2020, he was tapped for Louisiana

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s transition team. Looking forward, Rainey is already involved in the upcoming governor’s race—he runs Reboot Louisiana and the Delta Good Hand PACs that are supporting Stephen Waguespack for governor.

EDUCATION: Troy University (Bachelor’s – public relations)

STRANGEST JOB: “Working on a small family dairy farm one summer.”

PASSION: Golf

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “A young Clint Eastwood.”

WHITNEY HOFFMAN SAYAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Whitney Hoffman Sayal is focused and invested in the betterment of downtown Baton Rouge for the benefit of the entire community. She says downtowns are an ever-evolving landscape that require constant attention, but that also reveal opportunities and challenges as they grow and change. Under Hoffman Sayal’s leadership, the DDD and city-parish have received several grants that funded public spaces as well as bicycle and pedestrian projects including the Downtown Greenway and River Road. Many of the projects she has worked on at the DDD have received recognition at the local, state and international levels. These projects include Yazoo Plaza, North Boulevard Town Square, Repentance Park, The Crest, City Hall Plaza, Central Green, Florida Riverfront Access, Downtown Greenway and River Road.

LOCAL FARE: Cecilia’s skillet cornbread

PASSION/HOBBY: “My passion is houseplants. I currently have around 100.”

PAUL RAINWATER MANAGER RAINWATER CONSULTING

Paul Rainwater has served as a trusted adviser to all levels of government and private sector stakeholders solving difficult infrastructure and disaster-related challenges through federal funding and program design solutions. He has more than 30 years’ experience collaborating with four White House administrations, Congress, governors, FEMA and HUD, along with a proven track record of removing barriers, resolving inefficiencies and streamlining access to more than $52 billion in funding and resources that empower communities to recover from natural disasters, respond to cybersecurity attacks, improve education systems, and build equitable and sustainable housing solutions.

EDUCATION: McNeese State University (Bachelor’s – government), Salve Regina University (M.A. –international relations)

MUST READ: “Killer Angels, an older book, about the battle at Gettysburg.”

MARY STEIN ASSISTANT

LIBRARY DIRECTOR

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY

Mary Stein is the smiling, enthusiastic face of East Baton Rouge Parish’s highly regarded library system. She was instrumental in the design and development of the Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard, which came in under its $43 million budget. Her proudest professional moment was handing the giant scissors to the library board to cut the ribbon for her baby. In 1991, she worked with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to create the program Prime Time Family Reading Time, in which a professional storyteller reads stories to children and their parents to promote reading. Her program won awards and found its way to 48 states and several foreign countries.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – vocal performance, MLS – library science), New Mexico State University (M.M. – vocal performance)

WALK-UP SONG: ”Proud Mary” by Tina Turner

BEST ADVICE: “Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done.”

ERIC ROMERO DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES CITY OF BATON ROUGE/ PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE

Eric Romero is in charge of figuring out how to share important information with the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish and beyond. Through the Open Data effort, residents can look up everything from crime stats to traffic patterns to rainfall. In the aftermath of the historic floods of 2016, Romero and his colleagues used data from 911 calls and collected through the 311 app, such as reports of sewer backups and measurements of street flooding, to create a map of the estimated flood damage, helping people see if their families were safe and emergency workers to prioritize high-damage neighborhoods. The Open Data project has been recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Center for Digital Government, among others.

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University (Bachelor’s –computer science)

PASSION: Fishing, and a youthful love of video games helped inspire his career.

DELIA ADAMS TAYLOR

PRESIDENT

TAYLOR MEDIA SERVICES

Delia Taylor runs a public relations firm serving political, government and business clients. National recognition for her work includes awards for “Don’t Let One Bad Decision Decide Your Future,” a high school prom safety campaign, and her public relations campaign for Livingston Parish Public Schools’ 2021 bond proposition requesting funding for athletic facility improvements at Denham Springs High School, which 76% of voters approved. She chairs the Livingston Parish Airport District, is a past president of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication Alumni board of directors and serves on the boards for the Baton Rouge Press Club and the National L Club, which is made up of LSU varsity letter winners (Taylor played basketball). She is also half of a Livingston Parish power couple with Assessor Jeff Taylor.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism, M.A. –humanities)

STEPHEN WAGUESPACK FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Until recently, Stephen Waguespack was president and CEO of the largest business advocacy group in Louisiana. His professional focus has been helping Louisiana reach its full potential any way he can, which usually means working with elected officials on reform policies to make the state more competitive as well as collaborating with the business community to grow the economy and keep residents from leaving for job opportunities outside the state. Waguespack announced earlier this year that he was running for governor to replace incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is term limited.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – communications), Catholic University of America (J.D.)

NONPROFIT CAUSES: The Emerge Center, The Emerge School for Autism, and Franciscan High School

WALK-UP SONG: ”Front Porch Looking In” by Lonestar

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “Hopefully someone funny like Steve Carrell or Vince Vaughn.”

DARLENE ADAMS ROWLAND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BREADA

Darlene Adams Rowland has been dedicated to not only making the Red Stick Farmers Market a place where local farmers can sell their products but also a must-go weekend destination for Capital Region shoppers. She first fell in love with farmers markets while backpacking in Europe. An Alabama native, Rowland moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU and then worked as an account executive in the finance industry. Following the 2008 market crash, Rowland wanted to do something more community based and began looking for opportunities in the nonprofit sector. That led her to the Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance, better known as BREADA, which also runs downtown’s Main Street Market. In recent years, she has worked to establish markets at locations around the community.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – Spanish)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BLDG 5

MOTTO: “It is what it is. Do the best you can!”

BARBARA AUTEN

Executive Director

ALZHEIMER’S SERVICES OF THE CAPITAL AREA

Barbara Auten has worked with Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area since 2006, when she joined the organization’s fund development office. The organization has received several awards since Auten took the helm in 2008. She also led the organization in developing the first social model respite center in Louisiana—Charlie’s Place—which was recognized as the National Adult Day Service Center of 2008. Business Report named her one of its Influential Women in Business in 2012.

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Tanzania to see the wildebeest migration.”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “When I received the Barton Award from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation after just five years leading Alzheimer’s Services.”

BEST ADVICE: “Make sure you do something you love no matter what it is, then you will always do your best. Work hard and earn the respect of your co-workers and you will advance and go far.”

COREY WILSON SUPERINTENDENT BREC

Corey Wilson became the sixth superintendent in BREC’s 75-year history in 2019, moving up from the No. 2 spot to replace the retiring Carolyn McKnight. Parks bring communities together, Wilson says, and the BREC system is one of the most cherished features of life for residents in East Baton Rouge Parish. Last year, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration awarded BREC a gold medal for excellence in park and recreation management. Before joining BREC, Wilson owned and managed a financial consulting and real estate development firm in New Orleans, consulted with FEMA on Hurricane Katrina recovery projects, and co-developed a $20 million apartment development in Marrero.

EDUCATION: Morehouse College (Bachelor’s –accounting), Harvard Law School (J.D.)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Ruffino’s Pork Tchoupitoulas

GEORGE BELL

PRESIDENT AND CEO

CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY

George Bell brings three decades of experience as a health care executive to his role leading the local chapter of United Way. The United Way raises money and distributes it to charities throughout 10 parishes in the Baton Rouge region. Under his purview last year, CAUW provided funding for more than 41 local organizations and groups including Big Buddy Program, Habitat for Humanity, 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Baton Rouge and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. Aside from work, Bell is heavily involved in the local community and has served on several boards over the years including for the Rotary Club, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Center for Planning Excellence, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Urban Congress and the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance.

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University (Bachelor’s –political science), Ohio State University (public policy and management)

“Make sure you do something you love no matter what it is, then you will always do your best. Work hard and earn the respect of your co-workers and you will advance and go far.”

BARBARA AUTEN

LORI BERTMAN PRESIDENT AND CEO IRENE W. AND C.B. PENNINGTON FOUNDATION

Lori Bertman is recognized as an expert in disaster-related philanthropy. Following Hurricane Katrina, Bertman organized local and national philanthropic resources to raise more than $40 million in recovery funds. She founded Bertman + Associates, a philanthropy and fund development consulting firm in 2001 after previously creating the first donor services department for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation— managing more than 150 donor-advised funds. Currently, Bertman leads the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation, Louisiana’s largest private family foundation. She is also the co-founder of Center for Disaster Philanthropy and City Year Louisiana.

EDUCATION: University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Bachelor’s), LSU (M.A.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” by The Hollies

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/MEAL: Gino’s shrimp and spaghetti

MARIE CONSTANTIN CITIZEN ACTIVIST LOUISIANA STORMWATER COALITION

Marie Constantin became internationally known for her photographic works of the late Mother Teresa when the Vatican chose one of her photos to hang in St. Peter’s Square. More recently, she’s become a passionate—and vocal—advocate for best-practice solutions on stormwater management, flooding and litter through the Louisiana Stormwater Coalition, which she co-founded. For much of her professional career, she’s been one of the region’s top photographers for commercial, corporate, editorial and humanitarian assignments.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – general studies and journalism)

BEST ADVICE: “From Mother Teresa: ‘I am not called to be successful. I am called to be faithful.’”

BATON ROUGE DIRECTION: “While we have identified our problems, the biggest issue with solving them is that those charged with being the change-makers too often choose political coverage over courage.”

DO-OVER WISH: “I would take both fiddle and cello lessons much earlier in my life.”

CAMILLE MANNINGBROOME PRESIDENT AND CEO CENTER FOR PLANNING EXCELLENCE

Camille Manning-Broome heads up the Center for Planning Excellence, a nonprofit that delivers visionary plans, model land use tools, and policy guidance to the state of Louisiana and its local governments. Her leadership on issues around climate adaptation, climate-induced migration, people-first infrastructure, and resident-led community planning has contributed to the transformation of cities, towns and parishes throughout Louisiana, and her expertise is sought out by peers across the globe.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – art history), LSU College of the Coast and Environment (M.S. –environmental sciences)

WALK-UP SONG: ”Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

BEST ADVICE: “Be kind, have empathy, and base your actions in love.”

DO-OVER WISH: Sticking to piano lessons in elementary school.

LOCAL FARE: Mansurs’ cedar plank redfish

WILL CAMPBELL DIRECTOR

B1 FOUNDATION

Before becoming director of b1 Foundation, Will Campbell was vice president of commercial services/mortgage retail and manager for Capital One Bank’s SBA lending division. Prior to joining Capital One, Campbell served as director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southern University. He was responsible for overseeing and managing the center, while providing business consulting across seven parishes. The center had a strong focus in creating entrepreneurs in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas, with a special emphasis in contractual services. Campbell now serves as an adjunct professor at Southern University, where he teaches entrepreneurship in the MBA program.

EDUCATION: Liberty University (M.A. – leadership)

LOCAL FARE: J Alexander’s spinach and artichoke dip.

BEST ADVICE: Do not seek money. Seek the Lord and fulfilling your divine purpose in life.

MAXINE CRUMP PRESIDENT AND CEO

DIALOGUE ON RACE LOUISIANA

Maxine Crump’s work is focused on getting to the heart of what can make Baton Rouge a better community. Through Dialogue on Race Louisiana, Crump works with likeminded people who share the desire to live in a society that fosters freedom, openness and healthy, happy living and who see themselves as having a role in bringing that about. Crump says her proudest moment was when the Dialogue on Race Series was held in a boardroom in Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: Attended LSU

MENTOR: “My father. I grew up under Jim Crow laws and was a part of the freedom movement transition. My father was an activist, and I observed his courage in the face of fear and his determination to give himself and his family a good life in a country that offered limited access to those designated as Negroes while we watched those designated as white live with special privileges.”

CHRIS CUMMINGS FOUNDER AND CEO

ICONIC MOMENTS AND PASS IT DOWN

Chris Cummings is an entrepreneur, fourtime CEO and former federal attorney. In 2021, he launched Iconic Moments, the first NFT marketplace exclusively for historical and cultural brands. Cummings also founded Pass It Down, a digital storytelling platform for cultural institutions, which has been recognized as a pioneer in experiential media by the Consumer Technology Association and Museum + Heritage Awards. Cummings advises some of the world’s leading cultural institutions on how to drive digital engagement and revenue. Last year, Iconic Moments received a United Nations World Summit Award for innovation in culture and tourism.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science and international relations, JD)

INFLUENTIAL MENTOR: “My high school debate coach Don Belanger, who taught me how to articulate my thoughts, how to question everything and to see every issue from both sides.”

HELENA CUNNINGHAM FOUNDER AND CEO NATIONAL HOUSING CONSULTANT SERVICES

Under Helena Cunningham’s leadership, National Housing Consultant Services has helped shape the Capital Region’s real estate landscape. Over her career, Cunningham has directed the rehabilitation and new development of more than 3,000 units of affordable multifamily housing in the Gulf Coast region. Prior to founding NHCS in 2011, Cunningham served as president of the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency for roughly a decade. It was during a law clerk internship at the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency that the New Orleans native got her first taste of the affordable housing industry. In the community, she was the Baton Rouge Area Chamber board’s chair in 2022.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –accounting, J.D.)

HARDEST LESSON: “To take risks and be confident. Although I had a great support system of family and close friends who encouraged me to become an entrepreneur, initially I lacked confidence to venture outside my comfort zone and open NHCS.”

ADONICA PELICHET DUGGAN

CEO

BATON ROUGE ALLIANCE FOR STUDENTS

Adonica Pelichet Duggan brings nearly 20 years of public education experience to her role as CEO of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students. Her most recent experience includes managing external affairs for New Schools for Baton Rouge and leading a successful rebranding of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System while serving as chief of communications there for two years. A McKinley High graduate, Duggan advocates for quality educational options and is passionate about Baton Rouge and the city’s children.

WALK-UP SONG: “The Greatest” by Sia and Kendrick Lamar

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Kerry Washington ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Take care of the job you have and you’ll never have to focus on the next one. Attention to detail and demonstrating value in the way you handle your current role are often the most impressive attributes.”

J. WESLEY DANIELS CEO

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH HOUSING AUTHORITY

J. Wesley Daniels is influential in the Capital Region due to his more than 30 years of real estate experience in both the public and private sectors. He developed affordable communities in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, before joining Baton Rougebased Partners Southeast in 2016 as the organization’s chief operating officer. Partners Southeast is the nonprofit development firm under the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority that aims to make impacts on local education, economic opportunities, and health and wellness. He took the helm as CEO of both Partners Southeast and the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority in spring 2019. In the community, he previously served on Provident Resources Group’s national advisers council and the board of trustees for the Baton Rouge City-Parish Employees’ Retirement System.

EDUCATION: Morehouse College (Bachelor’s –finance and real estate), Florida International University (M.A – international real estate)

ANDREW FITZGERALD

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

BATON ROUGE AREA CHAMBER

Andrew Fitzgerald leads BRAC’s research team, supporting the data and analysis needs of the organization. In terms of economic development, the research team performs economic impact modeling, demographic research and workforce benchmarking to help pitch the Capital Region to companies looking for new markets. On the policy side, the team provides robust data to support the positions BRAC takes in its effort to ensure the state and region embrace pro-growth policies. Fitzgerald has served in several research roles at BRAC since joining the organization in 2015 and assumed the role of senior vice president of business intelligence in June 2021. Prior to joining BRAC, Fitzgerald worked as an attorney in Chicago focusing on corporate and commercial litigation.

EDUCATION: University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign (Bachelor’s – English and rhetoric), Indiana University (J.D.)

FIRST JOB: “At 16, I got a seasonal job at Best Buy in the audio department.”

ALYSSA DAUSMAN

SENIOR

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF SCIENTIST

THE

WATER INSTITUTE

Not only is Alyssa Dausman wicked smart when it comes to hydrology and the science of restoration project planning, but she also has the uncanny ability to get other smart folks to work well together. It’s not as easy as one might think, but Dausman’s skills have resulted in both innovative and best-practice solutions to numerous water and coastal challenges facing the Gulf Coast states. Prior to her arrival at The Water Institute, she worked as science director for the RESTORE Council, an independent federal agency formed in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, leading the effort to develop $156 million in priority-based projects.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Bachelor’s), University of New Orleans (M.S.), Florida International University (Ph.D.)

GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE: She has taught courses in India, Portugal and Mexico.

GETTING ZEN: Dausman is a fan of yoga, and teaches classes, as a stress reliever.

BRACE “TREY” GODFREY III

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY

BATON ROUGE AREA CHAMBER

Brace “Trey” Godfrey III joined the Baton Rouge Area Chamber team after serving as executive director of 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge from 2018 to 2021. With BRAC, Godfrey drives regional and state-level initiatives to create a more competitive region for business growth and talent development, particularly through the organization’s public policy and government affairs activity. Prior to BRAC, Godfrey’s background was in consulting, development, government relations, entrepreneurship and organization management. During his time leading development firm Cyntreniks, he helped develop the Kress Building and Hotel Indigo in downtown Baton Rouge. He also co-founded Capital Region Venture Partners.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Stroubes Seafood and Steaks. “I order the lamb lollipops to start, then I get either the barbecue shrimp and grits or the 9-ounce filet mignon.”

DREAM JOB: College football head coach

CARISSA GRAVES VICE

PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPIC

ADVANCEMENT BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION

Carissa Graves is widely known across the Capital Region for her work in the philanthropic space. Graves, the wife of Congressman Garret Graves, previously served as vice president of community engagement at Franciscan High School, formerly Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School. She originally joined the staff of the school to help lead its corporate work study program. An AmeriCorps alum, Graves taught in the program in public schools in Michigan and Washington. Graves joined the BRAF executive team in the fall of 2022 to help boost the nonprofit’s philanthropic base with her deep ties to numerous current and potential BRAF donors. Aside from work, Graves is a member of the SafeBR coalition and previously served on the Volunteer Louisiana Commission.

EDUCATION: Calvin University (Bachelor’s –geography)

FAVORITE FOOD: Mexican

MIKE HAMAN SENIOR PASTOR HEALING PLACE

Mike Haman leads one of the largest nondenominational Christian church congregations in Louisiana. Thousands of worshippers gather each Sunday at the Healing Place’s nearly 60-acre campus on Highland Road. Haman worked at Healing Place in various roles for more than 20 years before he took the reins as senior pastor in 2013 from the church’s founder, Rev. Dino Rizzo. He also pushed the organization to have 12 campuses—including multiple locations overseas. He and his wife, who also preaches at the church, oversee the Baton Rouge Dream Center, two campuses in Africa, one in Honduras and an interactive online campus. Haman is also a published author and wrote The Second Mile, which encourages people to go the distance to fulfill their purpose in life.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s – computer science/ mathematical computing

PASSION: LSU football

FIRST JOB: Youth pastor

VENEETH

IYENGAR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

CONNECTLA

Veneeth Iyengar first joined Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s administration in early 2018 and led the administration’s efforts around economic development, small business, and building innovative publicprivate partnerships. He had a hand in revitalizing the Howell Place Medical Complex and executed the partnership between the city-parish and eBay for their Retail Revival Program. In 2021, Iyengar resigned from his position as assistant chief administrative officer after being tapped to lead the state’s efforts for broadband development and connectivity. As the first executive director of ConnectLA, he aims to close the “digital divide” in Louisiana by 2029 by scaling up the first office, hiring the first team and executing the first large-scale effort in managing over $1.5 billion in federal funds to provide high-speed and affordable internet.

EDUCATION: Purdue University (Bachelor’s –economics), John Hopkins University (M.S. –finance)

RAYMOND JETSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE CATALYST METROMORPHOSIS

Not much gets done in the redevelopment of north Baton Rouge these days without the involvement of Raymond Jetson. He’s the go-to conduit for BRAF on its projects and works closely with the city-parish government on numerous initiatives. He was a pastor for more than 20 years at Star Hill Church and served in the state House of Representatives for more than 15 years. Today, he leads Metromorphosis, a Baton Rouge-based social enterprise focused on transforming urban communities. Jetson previously served as CEO for the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, a nonprofit focused on supporting the recovery of families impacted by disasters. Prior to joining the Recovery Corps, Jetson was the deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

EDUCATION: New Orleans Theological Seminary (Bachelor’s, M.A.)

INKED: Jetson got his first tattoo at 66 and penned an online essay about the experience.

JILL KIDDER

PRESIDENT AND CEO

VISIT BATON ROUGE

Jill Kidder has more than three decades of hospitality, tourism, marketing, management and economic development experience. Her skills were built in hotel sales and executive management posts throughout the Southeast and beyond, with plenty of CVB, convention center and downtown development experience in between. Today, as president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge, she’s focused on making Baton Rouge the best destination it can be.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business)

NONPROFIT CAUSE: Backpacks for Kids— donations to and filling backpacks with food items for home.

LOCAL FARE: “Not a fair question. My favorite dishes are grilled oysters, seafood gumbo and barbeque shrimp.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: New York City ROLE MODEL: “Anne Fitzgerald—a Louisiana tourism treasure who was bold, smart and creative. She taught me to stand tall and not be afraid to speak even when my voice quivered.”

ADAM KNAPP PRESIDENT AND CEO BATON ROUGE AREA CHAMBER

Adam Knapp has the critical role of heading economic development efforts throughout the nine-parish Capital Region. Under his watch, BRAC has gotten increasingly active in issuing think papers and reports on topics that impact growth, especially in the Baton Rouge area. Also, benchmarking metrics against peer cities has become a hallmark in recent years. While Knapp started his career in Chicago, the Lake Charles native returned to Louisiana to serve Govs. Mike Foster and Kathleen Blanco as an economic development adviser. He also served as deputy director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which facilitated the state’s recovery efforts following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Away from work, he volunteers on the boards for the Arts Council for Greater Baton Rouge, New Schools for Baton Rouge and Teach for America.

EDUCATION: Davidson College

FUN FACT: He studied for a time at JuliusMaximilians University in Würzburg, Germany.

DUSTIN LAFONT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FRONT YARD BIKES

Former middle school teacher Dustin Lafont started teaching local kids how to fix bikes as a hobby after school in 2010. In 2014, he delivered a nine-minute TEDxLSU talk about it and was approached by donors after the event who wanted to help Lafont turn his hobby into a full-fledged nonprofit organization. Since then, Front Yard Bikes has grown into a workforce development program and bike shop. The nonprofit, which Lafont still leads, aims to empower inner-city youths to see themselves in the business world, challenge their critical thinking skills and teach them to seek ways to give back to their communities. In 2020, Lafont redeveloped the old Sarkis Oriental Rug building on Government Street into a youth center and bike shop.

EDUCATION: LSU

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “A children’s book author or police officer.”

FIRST JOB: “Sweeping floors at a grocery store in Houma at 15.”

KISMET M. GRAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MID CITY REDEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

Kismet Gray is influential in the Baton Rouge community for her leadership in the Mid City neighborhood. Gray began her career in nonprofit financial management and operations and brings more than 20 years of progressive experience in her role leading the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance. In the community, she’s previously served as president of the Gamma Eta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, with which she has more than 25 years of service. Prior to joining the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, Gray was a staff accountant with Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge and director of finance and human resources with Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge. The Mid City Redevelopment Alliance develops and promotes the growth and revitalization of Mid City by attracting and retaining residents and businesses.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –public accountancy, M.S. – public accountancy)

EDWARD LAGUCKI PRESIDENT FEDERATION OF GREATER BATON ROUGE CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

A retired manager with Shell Oil, Edward Lagucki has been involved in local hotbutton issues over the years such as shortterm rentals, stormwater management and drainage, and small cell towers. Lagucki currently serves as president of the Federation of Greater Baton Rouge Civic Associations. Founded in 1973, the organization includes single-family neighborhood homeowner associations and civic associations in East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. The Federation currently comprises 109 member associations in the Greater Baton Rouge area representing the views of over 65,000 homeowners. Aside from the federation, Lagucki serves on Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s Stormwater Advisory Committee and the city-parish Complete Streets Citizens Advisory Committee.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

JENNIFER MAGGIO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LIFE OF A SINGLE MOM

After serving as a bank executive, Jennifer Maggio left her corporate job in 2007 to launch a small support group to give back to single mothers. That initiative led to the development of The Life of a Single Mom, which has launched more than 1,750 support groups across the nation for single moms. The organization has reached more than a million single mothers. Maggio is considered one of the nation’s leading authorities on issues related to single mothers and has been featured in multiple publications including The New York Times, Power Women and Business Report.

EDUCATION: Copiah Lincoln Community College (business management)

ACCREDITATION: Consumer credit management (2005)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Sandra Bullock

BEST ADVICE: “Stay in your lane. Do what you do well without attempting to be everything to everybody.”

STEPHEN LOY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LOUISIANA TECH PARK

Stephen Loy avoids the spotlight but is instrumental in managing the daily affairs of the Tech Park while also collaborating with other partners in a quest to boost the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Loy worked his way up the ranks, from handling the park’s public relations, to being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the incubator. Today, the Tech Park serves as a hub for technology development in Louisiana by providing hightech startups with the resources to bring their products and services to market faster and more effectively. Aside from the Tech Park, Loy has served on several community boards, including the Baton Rouge Area Chamber board.

EDUCATION: Elon University (Bachelor’s – mass communications and public relations)

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “I originally thought that I wanted to be in broadcast journalism. I was fortunate to work at WAFB for several summers during college.”

MICHAEL MANNING PRESIDENTAND CEO

GREATER BATON ROUGE FOOD BANK

Michael Manning leads the nonprofit Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank in its mission to distribute food to the needy in an 11-parish area. His duties include all aspects of fundraising and philanthropy, strategic and financial planning, public relations, finance, budget development and forecasting, risk management, human resources, information technology, purchasing and facility management. Feeding the hungry is his passion.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance, M.S. –finance)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “I would like to say Brad Pitt, but it would more likely be Richard Dreyfuss.”

MUST-READ: “Deliberate Discomfort by Jason B. A. Van Camp. It talks about getting comfortable being uncomfortable using examples from Special Operations Forces.”

WALK-UP SONG: “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Anytime I hear a compliment from someone regarding something one of my children has achieved.”

ERIC MARSHALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BATON ROUGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Eric Marshall has had a large-scale impact on the local arts community. Since taking the helm as executive director at the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, he’s helped foster relationships with 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge, Kids’ Orchestra, and ExxonMobil, building new, diverse audiences and deepening the symphony’s educational outreach. During the pandemic, he created two new music series that held more than 40 performances. Marshall also helped facilitate the deal for the symphony to partner with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and move the symphony’s offices to the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center. He previously served on the board of the Shaw Center for the Arts and on the East Baton Rouge Parish School System Arts Conservatory advisory committee.

EDUCATION: Mercyhurst University (Bachelor’s –voice performance, opera)

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “Everything from a basketball player to jazz musician to Broadway star.”

PATRICK MULHEARN OWNER MULHEARN

& ASSOCIATES

Before joining the economic development sector, Patrick Mulhearn was a leading member of the local film and television industry. He is a past president and the founding member of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association and served as executive director of Celtic Studios and the Celtic Media Centre from 2009 until 2017. Previously, he was assistant director of film and television for the state of Louisiana. Under his leadership, Celtic Studios was named the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s Small Company of the Year for 2016. Until April, in his position with Louisiana Economic Development, he focused on growing Louisiana’s creative and financial infrastructure for the long-term health and sustainability of the entertainment industry.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Fried chicken wings at Triplet’s Blue Store

BEST ADVICE: “You are never too important to be nice to people.”

CHRISTINA MELTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KNOCK KNOCK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Christina Melton has more than 30 years of experience in public sector and corporate communications and marketing, broadcasting operations, and nonprofit strategic planning. Formerly a manager at Emergent Method as a communications consultant, Melton was named executive director of Knock Knock Children’s Museum last fall. Sitting atop Knock Knock Hill overlooking CityBrooks Community Park, Knock Knock is a private nonprofit organization committed to providing an inclusive gathering place where families and children of all backgrounds and experiences can interact and learn through play. The museum’s exhibits are organized in interactive learning zones that push early literacy, the arts, and science, technology, engineering and math learning. Melton previously was a documentary filmmaker.

AUTHOR: Melton co-authored Preserving Our Roots with John Coykendall, which was published by LSU Press.

DIANNA R. PAYTON CEO

YWCA OF GREATER BATON ROUGE

Dianna Payton, a social worker with extensive experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, took over as CEO of the YWCA in 2016, guiding the organization from near closure to solid ground and national recognition. Payton had previously served as director of community investment for the Capital Area United Way. At YWCA, Payton has spearheaded the creation of several new programs, including an emergency bail fund for nonviolent women as well as emergency services for victims of domestic abuse. In the community, Payton has previously served on the boards for the East Baton Rouge Housing Authority, New Schools for Baton Rouge, Partners for Progress and CareSouth Medical and Dental.

CHILDHOOD DREAM: “I have always known that I wanted to be a social worker.”

FIRST JOB: ”Worked at our local community pool during the summer months as a teenager.”

CHRIS MEYER CEO BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION

As CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Chris Meyer is helping Baton Rouge become the best version of itself. He believes in Baton Rouge and its enormous potential, and he says his job is to leverage the community foundation through its donors and partners to expand meaningful and transformative opportunities for everyone willing to take advantage of those opportunities.

EDUCATION: The Wharton School (MBA), Harvard University (MPP), Tulane University (Bachelor’s –political science, economics)

LOCAL FARE: “Does a margarita, chips and queso at Superior count?”

ACTOR IN A MOVIE: Chris Pratt

MENTOR: “Mr. Williams, my middle school English teacher and football coach. He pushed me to attend a more challenging high school, across town and away from my friends, that ultimately unlocked opportunities that changed my life and my family’s.”

PAULA PENNINGTON DE LA BRETONNE BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

IRENE W. AND C.B. PENNINGTON FOUNDATION

Paula Pennington de la Bretonne is a Baton Rouge community leader and one of the region’s most prolific philanthropists. Her grandfather, C.B. “Doc” Pennington, donated $125 million to establish the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Today, de la Bretonne stays involved with the Irene W. And C.B. Pennington Foundation as one of its trustees. She previously served as the board chair of the Pennington Medical Foundation and is a current board member of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation. Her dedication to supporting the arts in the community can be seen through her longtime support of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and her spearheading the orchestra’s Great Performance Series, which came about from a 2002 conversation between her and Johnny Tate of Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry. Jewelry.

PASSION: Tennis

JENNIFER EPLETT REILLY TRUSTEE AND CO-FOUNDER CITY YEAR BATON ROUGE

For more than 25 years, Jennifer Eplett Reilly has been an influential social entrepreneur in Baton Rouge. Reilly co-founded City Year in 1988, which has since grown into one of the country’s best-known national service programs. She is also the founding chair of New Schools for Baton Rouge and founding executive director and president of Echoing Green Foundation. In the community, Reilly has served as founding chair of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, chair of the Louisiana Educational Television Authority and chair of the Shaw Center for the Arts. She also served on Teach for America’s founding national board and founding Louisiana board.

EDUCATION: Wellesley College (Bachelor’s– political science), Harvard University (MBA)

ADVICE: “Be bold, be bold, be bold! Find a professional purpose that aligns with your passion and true north. Whatever path you choose, make service a part of it.”

MYRA RICHARDSON FOUNDER OF RED TORCH CONSULTING / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BATON ROUGE METROPOLITAN BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Baton Rouge native Myra Richardson is a 23-year-old public relations and community outreach specialist who founded awardwinning startup Red Torch Consulting and currently serves as executive director of The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. She is known both nationally and locally for her activism, organizing skills and business acumen. She has collaborated with every level of government to affect change in her community and was previously recognized by the Obama administration for her collective impact.

EDUCATION: Southern University (Bachelor’s –political science)

PASSION/HOBBY: Volunteering and shopping

ROLE MODEL: “Shirley Chisholm because of her awe-inspiring career. She was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972).”

RUSSELL RICHARDSON

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

BATON ROUGE AREA CHAMBER

In his role as senior vice president of business development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Russell Richardson works with economic development professionals and the business community to lead and manage economic development efforts in the Capital Region. He previously served as regional director of business development at BRAC, assisting companies and communities engaged in economic development projects. He also worked at Louisiana Economic Development as a project manager primarily assisting companies with site selection and tax incentives.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history), University of Southern Mississippi (M.S. – public relations)

PAST LIFE: Richardson previously owned a timber brokerage company and worked in business development for a regional lumber trade association.

JANET SIMMONS PRESIDENT AND CEO

HOPE MINISTRIES OF BATON ROUGE

Janet Simmons has 38 years of professional and nonprofit experience in the nonprofit sector. She developed and implemented HOPE’s Understanding the Dynamics of Poverty and Understanding Your Workforce professional development workshops, which have trained some 3,100 professionals from 350 organizations and corporations while providing revenue for HOPE. Under her leadership, HOPE launched The Way to Work Sustainable Workforce Solutions division to help clients earn sustainable employment. She has received the John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management Award, the Women’s Leadership Council of Capital Area United Way’s Leadership Excellence Award, and the United Christian Faith Ministries’ Torchbearer Award.

EDUCATION: Mississippi College (Bachelor’s –marketing and finance)

FAVORIT RESTAURANT/DISH: Sushi Yama/ Chirashizushi

LIBBIE SONNIER EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

LOUISIANA POLICY INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN

Libbie Sonnier has led teams in systemwide initiatives for the betterment of children, families, caregivers and practitioners for more than two decades. During her time at the Louisiana Policy Institute, she has helped secure and direct more than $1 billion for early care and education in Louisiana. Since 2019, she has doubled the institute’s research and media engagement outputs, tripled its staff, doubled its annual revenues, and secured its first three seven-figure grants. She also helped conceive, launch and co-chair the Steering Committee of Geaux Far Louisiana, a comprehensive effort that engages parents and early childhood health and education providers in leading the transformation of the state’s early childhood systems.

EDUCATION: University of Southern Mississippi (Bachelor’s – special education), University of North Carolina (M.Ed.), Virginia Tech (Ph.D. – human development)

LOCAL FARE: Anything with crawfish

JOHN SPAIN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION

There might not be anyone more wellconnected in Baton Rouge than John Spain. Which is good, because the Baton Rouge Area Foundation exists in part to bring people together to address all sorts of issues, from inner city redevelopment to saving the LSU lakes to establishing a Baton Rouge Health District. The foundation also facilitates charitable giving for many of the Capital Region’s top philanthropists and its assets were valued at almost $746 million in 2021. Spain is the former managing director of The Powell Group, where he helped run an organization of diverse companies, and was news director and station manager for WBRZ.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s– broadcast journalism)

SHOULDERS OF GIANTS: Spain’s mentors include Doug Manship, John Barton, John Noland, Chuck McCoy and John Davies.

SLOW TRAIN COMING: Spain is a member of the Southern Rail Commission and a longtime advocate of Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans passenger rail.

LUCAS SPIELFOGEL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BATON ROUGE YOUTH COALITION

Originally from New York City, Lucas Spielfogel had never visited Louisiana before graduating as a Teach For America corps member and moving to Baton Rouge to teach seventh grade social studies at Baker Middle School, where he was back-to-back Teacher of the Year. After his two-year TFA commitment, he intended to head back up north, but life had other plans. In summer 2012, Lucas accepted the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition’s executive directorship and a charge to grow the organization from a fledgling nonprofit to a Baton Rouge mainstay. The 2022-2023 school year marks Spielfogel’s 11th with the organization dedicated to helping underserved youth excel in high school, enter and graduate college, and then convert their degrees into economic opportunity.

EDUCATION: Yale University (BA – history)

PASSION/HOBBY: “Outside of spending time with my wife and son, I love watching, talking about, and otherwise engaging with NBA basketball.”

BEVERLY BROOKS THOMPSON MANAGING DIRECTOR CARTER, ADVANCING PHILANTHROPY WORLDWIDE

Beverly Brooks Thompson has a knack for connecting people and convincing them to give back. In 2006, she directed the Forever LSU campaign, raising more than $798 million. When she joined Woman’s Hospital as its chief development officer, she launched the Foundation for Woman’s Hospital. Most recently, she created The Echo Alliance, whose growing list of members pledge an annual $1,000 donation with the pooled resources going to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Thompson, a professional philanthropy consultant, advises families and family foundations on philanthropic planning and companies on corporate responsibility and employee engagement.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Be curious. Learn something new every single year, personally and professionally. Make one decision that takes great courage or requires bravery to accomplish each year.”

DEBORAH STERNBERG CHAIR

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY OF BATON ROUGE

Deborah Sternberg is the founder and chair of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge, which is a yearlong academy that works to transform high school students into entrepreneurs. Professionally, she continues to focus her time on creating a strong pipeline of young entrepreneurs from Greater Baton Rouge. These high school students learn business fundamentals and financial literacy while launching their startups in the academic year.

EDUCATION: Barnard College/Columbia University (Bachelor’s – political science)

MENTOR & IMPACT: “I had the amazing opportunity to work side by side with CBS News anchor, Dan Rather. I consider Mr. Rather one of my most influential mentors. He taught me the importance of comprehensive research and getting news stories right (along with a good sense of humor), among many other life lessons.”

PASSION/HOBBY: Running

ROB STUART PRESIDENT AND CEO LSU FOUNDATION

Rob Stuart heads up the foundation that is the primary fundraising entity for academics at Louisiana’s flagship university. He leads a campus-wide team of frontline development officers and a support team of advancement services, communications and marketing, donor relations, financial, and talent management personnel. The foundation also manages most of the investments and serves as trustee for most of the endowed funds and other assets contributed for the benefit of LSU. Stuart is the former national head of middle market corporate banking at Capital One and has chaired the boards of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Woman’s Hospital.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s and M.S. in finance), Harvard Business School (General Management Program)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Rossini’s in New York City

BEST ADVICE: “Nothing in life is certain, but there are lots of things you can do to move the odds in your favor.”

MICHAEL TIPTON PRESIDENT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA FOUNDATION

Fifteen years ago, Michael Tipton was teaching high school history in the South Bronx, an experience that cemented his commitment to making the world better for the next generation. Since returning home to Louisiana in 2007, he has lived that commitment by leading growth and change for some of the state’s leading organizations in education and health. As executive director for Teach for America in south Louisiana, he led a team that grew fundraising from $650,000 to more than $3.7 million and graduated more than 400 alumni. In 2015, Tipton joined the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation as its president, where he manages a $50 million endowment.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science, history), Pace University (M.S. – teaching) HOBBY/PASSION: “These days it is keeping up with our young kids and watching them explore the world and learn new things.”

MICHAEL VICTORIAN ASSOCIATE PHELPS DUNBAR

Michael Victorian works on labor and employment law and commercial litigation. He represents employers facing claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, family and medical leave, fair labor standards and wage and hour disputes, while in his commercial litigation practice he represents clients in education and health care. He is also a media relations consultant for clients in government, legislative advocacy and health care. Victorian’s professional accomplishments include prevailing in a multiyear federal employment discrimination lawsuit for an international corporate client. He is an adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center and teaches a professional development course at LSU’s business school.

ADVOCACY: President of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society of Baton Rouge, which supports Black legal professionals and students. Secretary of 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, which mentors young people.

Delivering Healthcare Across the Capital Area

For decades, we’ve been keeping you healthy. With more than 400 local providers in 30+ specialties and 25+ locations, Ochsner Baton Rouge has you covered for all of your health and wellness needs. Our specialists are fully integrated with our hospital, outpatient, and day and short-stay surgery facilities, providing a personalized approach to your care in a comfortable setting. Offering digital medicine programs, virtual visits and extended hours, we are focused on making excellent healthcare convenient and accessible here in Baton Rouge.

Our promise to Baton Rouge’s future fuels our determination, as well as partnerships that create new resources. These include the Southern University “Jag Mobile” mobile health unit, Ochsner Community Wellness Center on the LSU Campus and the Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery Charter School, all for the health of our community.

HEALTH CARE

RICHARD ASHWORTH PRESIDENT AND CEO AMEDISYS

Richard Ashworth leads a public company that is undergoing tremendous change after seeing its stock price drop precipitously. Option Care Health and Amedisys in May announced an agreement to combine in an all-stock deal that prices Amedisys at $3.6 billion, including the assumption of net debt. Amedisys had a market capitalization of $10 billion in 2021, but the stock market valued the company at about $2.62 billion when the markets closed on May 4. The deal is expected to close later this year pending stockholder approval, at which point Option Care Health CEO John Rademacher would become head of the larger company. According to the announcement, “it is expected that the broader leadership team will comprise talent from both legacy organizations” while maintaining “substantial operations” in Amedisys’ corporate locations here and Nashville.

EDUCATION: Nova Southeastern University (Doctor of Pharmacy), University of Phoenix (MBA)

BENJAMIN BOUDREAUX

CEO

THE NEUROMEDICAL CENTER CLINIC

Ben Boudreaux joined the clinic in 2019 and brings more than 15 years of experience in health care administration to the role. He previously served as executive vice president of business development at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, based in Houma, where he managed various clinics throughout southeast Louisiana and Mississippi. During his time at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Boudreaux was recognized by his peers for his leadership and was a threetime recipient of the company’s leadership award. Boudreaux also previously worked as a supervisor at Our Lady of the Lake. The NeuroMedical Center clinic, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, has more than 30 physicians focused on neurosurgery, neurology, physiatry, interventional pain, neuropsychology and neuroradiology.

EDUCATION: Our Lady of the Lake College (Bachelor’s), Nicholls State University (MBA)

DR. A. BRENT BANKSTON ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON BATON ROUGE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC

Dr. Brent Bankston is the head team orthopedist for the LSU football team. He is also a team doctor for several other LSU sports, including basketball, track, swimming, soccer, volleyball and gymnastics, and works with University High School athletic teams, which earns him the distinction of being team physician for both of his alma maters. Bankston is the former chief of orthopedic surgery at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He chose his specialty because he enjoys working with patients who are healthy, active people who he can help return to their sport of choice. He went to LSU Shreveport for medical school, completed his residency at the University of South Alabama, then completed his fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery and sports medicine at the Center for Hip and Knee Surgery in Indianapolis.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – microbiology, MD)

HOBBIES: Hunting and fishing

DR. KATHERINE CASTLE

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER/ SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA RADIATION ONCOLOGY GROUP

Before practicing in Louisiana, Dr. Kate Castle had never seen so many advanced cases of cervical cancer. Under her leadership, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Woman’s Hospital have put together a successful program designed for gynecological cancers, including a brachytherapy suite at Woman’s Cancer Pavilion. Castle is a member of The Echo Alliance, a group of women who donate $1,000 to the Cancer Center annually, and that group made possible the purchase of the Geneva Universal Gynecologic Applicator, which is housed at Mary Bird’s Woman’s Hospital location and is the most advanced version on the market. While most of Mary Bird Perkins’ current cervical cancer patients come from the Greater Baton Rouge area, cancer centers across the region refer patients.

EDUCATION: Vanderbilt University (Bachelor’s), Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (M.D.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

COLETTA BARRETT

VICE PRESIDENT, MISSION

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE HEALTH

Coletta Barrett is responsible for the interpretation, clarification and integration of the organization’s mission into daily practice. Before joining OLOL, she was vice president of research and policy at the Louisiana Hospital Association. A cardiovascular nursing specialist, Barrett maintains her nursing license. She is a fellow in the American Heart Association’s Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, and passed the Governor’s Board of Examination in 2010 to become a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Barrett is enrolled in the BSN to DNP (Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration) program at Southeastern Louisiana University.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (BSN), Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (MHA), Southeastern Louisiana University (DNP)

WALK-UP SONG: “I Lived” by One Republic. DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Assisi, Italy. A magical place where my husband and I feed our spirits.”

STEVEN CEULEMANS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BATON ROUGE HEALTH DISTRICT

Steven Ceulemans is responsible for organizational strategy, budget, governance and partnerships for the Baton Rouge Health District. The district’s goal is to organize the major health care entities concentrated around Essen Lane, Bluebonnet Boulevard, Perkins Road and Interstate 10 into something greater than the sum of their parts, enabling researchers and physicians to collaborate in new ways, offering patients better health care, and conducting clinical trials of the latest innovations. The hope is that a unified medical community, brought together within the bounds of a shared district, will enable Baton Rouge health care providers to combine their strengths, share their expenses and compete with medical centers nationwide, attracting patients and medical talent.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Doctor of Science), LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans (Master’s in biochemistry and molecular biology), VLEKHO Business School (Master’s in international business)

DR. CURTIS CHASTAIN

PHYSICIAN, LAKE MEN’S HEALTH AND EXECUTIVE WELLNESS

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE PHYSICIAN GROUP/ FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY

As director of the Men’s Health Center, Dr. Curtis Chastain is focused on teaching men how making their health a priority is essential for identifying health threats to longevity. He says that the importance of finding life-threatening illnesses early in a man’s life cannot be overstated. Early detection of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes greatly improve the chances of living a longer, higher quality life.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – zoology), LSU Medical Center Shreveport (M.D.), Ochsner Foundation Hospital (internal medicine)

BEST ADVICE: “Mr. John Barton Sr. told me, ‘The most important thing you can do as a doctor in this community is to be available when we need you.’ His advice resonated in my head for years and ultimately led to my developing a medical practice that focuses on access and convenience for patients.”

DR. R. SCOTT DAUGHERTY COLORECTAL SURGEON BATON ROUGE GENERAL

Dr. Scott Daugherty co-founded the Baton Rouge General Advanced Robotics Institute in 2021, which offers robotic-assisted surgery specializing in surgical treatment for cancer, gallbladder disease, complex and simple hernia repair, gastroesophageal reflux disease, weight loss surgery, and other conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Already a surgeon, he learned robotic surgery to expand his skill set. Now, he does most of his cases robotically, while also training surgeons and residents in robotic surgery. Daugherty developed a colon and rectal surgery department at Baton Rouge General and is one of the first surgeons in the country to perform the robotic Kono-S anastomosis for Crohn’s disease.

EDUCATION: Graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he completed his surgical residency. Colon and rectal surgery fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.

WALK-UP SONG: “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot

CLAY COUNTRYMAN PARTNER BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON

Clay Countryman is one of the Capital Region’s leading health care attorneys, with a practice primarily focused on health care business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity investments. He has been legal counsel to several different types of providers and provider organizations, including national and regional health systems, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty physician groups and physician clinics. He has held several leadership positions with the American Bar Association, and in 2020 he was installed as chair-elect of the American Bar Association’s Health Law Section. He is also a speaker and writer on health care legal topics.

EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma (BBA), Loyola University New Orleans School of Law (J.D.)

FAVORITE NONPROFIT CAUSES: Open Air Ministries and St. Vincent de Paul

WALK-UP SONG: “Shine” by Collective Soul or “Luckenbach, Texas” by Waylon Jennings

JONAS FONTENOT

PRESIDENT AND CEO

MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER

After working beside some of the world’s leading specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Jonas Fontenot had brought his expertise back home to Louisiana and become an all-star at Mary Bird Perkins. But he was poised to move on to an outof-state opportunity when the Cancer Center’s leaders convinced him to be part of a succession plan that culminated in Fontenot moving into the top job last year. He says he defines success for Mary Bird by its ability to increase the impact on lives within the communities it serves, whether that means geographic expansion—such as a recently announced partnership with Opelousas General Health Center that expands the cancer center’s reach into Acadiana—or delivering more resources to the patients it currently serves.

EDUCATION: UL-Lafayette (Bachelor’s – physics), University of Texas (M.S. and Ph.D. – medical physics), LSU (MBA)

CHUCK DAIGLE CEO

OCHSNER

BATON ROUGE

As the New Orleans-based health care institution expands its investment and influence in the Capital Region, Chuck Daigle is responsible for overseeing the health care delivery system in the Baton Rouge area and coordinating activities with CHRISTUS in Lake Charles. His responsibility includes oversight of Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge, Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove, Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge and numerous other health centers throughout the region. Daigle has administrative responsibility for partner relationships, including Louisiana Women’s Healthcare. He has also been CEO of Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, executive vice president and COO at Willis Knighton Health System in Shreveport, and a VP at Our Lake of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

PASSION: Boating and watersports

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Buras and Venice

DR. CRAIG GREENE

ORTHOPEDIC

SURGEON BATON ROUGE

ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC

Dr. Craig Greene is one of the region’s leading physicians in trauma care, sports medicine and joint replacements. He puts his skills to use outside of his clinic by working with Serta to develop a mattress line designed to address specific needs learned through his work with patients. Half of the profits from Dr. Greene Sleep System mattress sales go to the Greene Charity, which funds humanitarian relief in disaster areas around the world. His greatest impact on the Capital Region, though, is though his work as a member of the Public Service Commission, the five-member elected board that regulates utilities and is supposed to ensure that the rates the entities charge are fair to the public.

EDUCATION: LSU (bachelor’s), LSU Health Science Center New Orleans (M.D.), Yale University (MBA)

DR. THOMAS HANSBROUGH PHYSICIAN LOUISIANA EAR NOSE THROAT & SINUS

Dr. Thomas Hansbrough is a highly regarded otolaryngologist and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the Baton Rouge area including Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Woman’s Hospital and Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He has been in practice 40 years. He specializes in otolaryngic allergy, ped otolaryngology, and rhinology and paranasal sinus disease and is experienced in sleep medicine, pediatric otolaryngology, otolaryngic allergy, rhinology and sinus disease, and hearing disorders. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology.

EDUCATION: LSU School of Medicine (residency otolaryngology), St. Joseph Hospital (residency surgery), Earl K. Long Medical Center (internship), LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans (MD)

DR. SANJAY K. JUNEJA

HEMATOLOGIST AND MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

ANN HEINE CEO SURGICAL SPECIALTY CENTER OF BATON ROUGE

Ann Heine has served as chief executive officer of Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge since 2015. The surgical center was something of a health care pioneer, as one of the first doctor-owned facilities in the region. Before being named CEO, she was vice president of support services, compliance officer and risk/quality manager for the center. She has also worked for Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center as divisional director regulatory/quality/ medical staff services and for Baton Rouge General Medical Center as quality consultant and human resources coordinator.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s)

ACTRESS IN A MOVIE: Jessica Tandy

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Review your email before you hit the ‘send’ button.”

PROUD MOMENT: “Last weekend when my 16-year-old daughter said, ‘There’s no place like home.’”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Seaside, Florida

TERRI HICKS CEO THE SPINE HOSPITAL OF LOUISIANA

Terri Hicks was named CEO last year, replacing Robert Blair, who led the Spine Hospital for 12 years. She brings more than 30 years of senior health care administration and operations to the role, most recently as chief financial officer for St. Francis Medical Center. Before that, she was chief financial officer and chief operating officer at P&S Surgical Hospital in Monroe, while also overseeing management of a second surgical hospital in the Monroe area. The Spine Hospital of Louisiana is the surgical and pain management branch of one of the nation’s only private medical campuses—along with The NeuroMedical Center and The NeuroMedical Center Rehabilitation Hospital—dedicated to specialized care in the neurosciences, with 10 neurosurgeons, two orthopedic spine surgeons and seven pain management specialists.

FUN FACT: The Spine Hospital has been ranked in the top 5% nationally for patient satisfaction for seven consecutive years.

SARA LANDRENEAU KLEINPETER

MARY

BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER

Dr. Sanjay Juneja is one of Baton Rouge’s leading oncologists, but if you spend much time on social media you might know him better as TheOncDoc. As a social media influencer, he partners with various organizations and often participates in local and national media interviews and speaking engagements. He is board certified in hematology, medical oncology and internal medicine and serves as chief of Baton Rouge General’s oncology service line.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – biology, M.D.), The Feist-Weiller Cancer Center (fellowships)

DO-OVER WISH: “None. The mistakes made me as much as the achievements.”

BEST ADVICE: “Forgive yourself for any error or mistake, of any magnitude, the first time it happens. Use the energy you would spend thinking back and lamenting on it, instead, in promising yourself you’ll never let it happen again.”

JOHN KIRWAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a world leader in investigating the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, and its stated mission is putting science to work for a healthier Louisiana. John Kirwan, tapped to lead the center in 2017, is an internationally renowned obesity, diabetes and nutrition scientist whose professional expertise includes over 30 years of research, teaching and service in the obesity and diabetes fields. He is also politically savvy, as evidenced by his ability to bring together state government, LSU, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pennington’s foundation and other stakeholders to establish the Metamor Institute, the bariatric and metabolic surgery center that opened on Pennington’s campus last year.

EDUCATION: University of Limerick (Bachelor’s –exercise biochemistry), University of Massachusetts (M.A. – exercise biochemistry), Ball State University (Doctor of Philosophy – human bioenergetics)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING OPERATIONS

FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY UNIVERSITY

Before moving into her current role at FranU in April 2023, Sarah Kleinpeter served as coordinator of board services for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System for nearly 10 years. There she oversaw operations for the Board of Supervisors, the Facilities Corporation board and the Foundation board of directors. Kleinpeter is a member of the 2018 Class of Leadership Baton Rouge, the 2019 Class of Leadership Louisiana, and the 2021 CHANGEmakers Cohort. She is a Ph.D. student at LSU with a research focus on generational differences in the workforce and how that impacts the leadership of an organization.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – elementary education, M.Ed., Ph.D. expected in May 2025)

FIRST JOB: “A middle school special education teacher with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.”

DR. CARL LUIKART CARDIOLOGIST OUR LADY OF THE LAKE SPORTS CARDIOLOGY AND EXERCISE/ LSU ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Carl Luikart is widely considered one of the best, if not the best, cardiologists in the Capital Region. He is a fellow in the American College of Cardiology and serves on the board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. He has hospital affiliations with Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge General and LSU.

EDUCATION: LSU Health Science Center Shreveport (M.D., internship), Earl K. Long Medical Center (residency, internal medicine), Wake Forest University Baptist Medical (fellowships)

PASSION: Climbing, from scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to going to the climbing gym with his grandchildren.

FAVORITE NONPROFIT CAUSE: Catholic Charities

ERIC MCMILLEN CEO

OCHSNER MEDICAL CENTER – BATON ROUGE

Eric McMillen has a degree in rehabilitation services, but the business side of health care is where he feels he can have the most impact. He says he embraces the challenge of staying ahead of national trends. One of the leaders of Ochsner’s charge into the Baton Rouge market, McMillen began his career at Ochsner in 2000 and has held various leadership positions within the organization, including director of radiation oncology, interim director of cancer services, director of clinical services, assistant administrator, and chief operating officer. He is active with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the Livingston Economic Development Council, the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative and the Baton Rouge Health District.

EDUCATION: LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans (Bachelor’s – rehabilitation services), UL-Lafayette (MBA), Harvard Business School (Managing Healthcare Delivery Program)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Pontchartrain at Louisiana Lagniappe

AL MOREAU III

PRESIDENT, CEO AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST MOREAU PHYSICAL THERAPY

Part of a prominent Baton Rouge sports and fitness family, Al Moreau III leads the pioneering physical therapy business started in 1977 by his father, Al Moreau Jr., who remains active in the company. Today, Moreau Physical Therapy has more than 20 locations and is an industry leader in New Orleans and Acadiana as well as in the Capital Region. Over the years it has expanded its services to include aquatic therapy, pediatric therapy, neurological rehabilitation, wellness, weight loss, occupational health, and preventive services in an effort to provide a continuum of care. It also helps companies save on health care costs through injury prevention programs. The firm’s leaders say they are always looking for ways to expand health and wellness services.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – general studies), LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (Master of Physical Therapy)

HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing and cooking

STEPHEN MUMFORD

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

BATON ROUGE GENERAL

Stephen Mumford oversees operations of Baton Rouge General Physicians and the Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as business development, physician partnerships, ancillary services and service departments for Baton Rouge General. He played a key role in expanding the operating room at Baton Rouge General, including the opening of a hybrid operating room. Beyond internal operations, he says cultivating relationships and developing trust with key stakeholders in the health care industry both inside and outside the hospital is an important aspect of his role. Mumford joined the organization as a nurse in 2005 and his previous positions include director of perioperative services, director of practice management at Baton Rouge General Physicians and vice president of clinical service lines.

WALK-UP SONG: “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

DO-OVER WISH: “Nothing. I don’t believe in dwelling on the past.”

LARRY MEESE CEO

LANE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Lane Regional Medical Center may not be among the biggest health care providers in the Capital Region, but it’s a critical primary health care resource for more than 200,000 residents in the northern suburbs of East Baton Rouge Parish and the Felicianas. Meese, tapped to head the facility in 2017, is from Pittsburgh and has more than 12 years of health care leadership experience, including eight years as CEO of Jackson Hospital in Marianna, Florida. Under Meese’s direction the hospital has quickly grown its sphere of care and recently broke ground on a $90 million expansion that will include a new four-story tower, 48 new intensive care unit rooms and other upgrades. He is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and a 10-year Army veteran.

EDUCATION: Washington University (Bachelor’s –business administration), Cornell University (MBA)

INTERESTS: Skiing, reading, sports

DR. CATHERINE

O’NEAL

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Catherine O’Neal was elevated to her current position in March 2020, just in time to become the public face of the COVID-19 pandemic response, not just for her organization but in many ways for the Capital Region health care community as a whole. The infectious disease specialist had a pretty good idea about what to expect from the spread of the novel coronavirus, but it didn’t prepare her or her colleagues for the level of planning, care and strategy that was required to get Louisiana through the subsequent two years. She started working with the Southeastern Conference as part of its COVID-19 task force in April 2020 and last year was named chief medical adviser to the SEC. Other priorities for O’Neal include expanding access to cancer and neuromedical care.

EDUCATION: LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (MD), Vanderbilt University (infectious disease fellowship)

DR. RUBIN PATEL CEO PATIENT PLUS URGENT CARE

Dr. Rubin Patel launched his company in 2016 to bring quality health care closer to more Baton Rouge-area communities, especially those in traditionally underserved areas. “It was important to bring urgent care to an area of town that had few options,” he says, explaining why the first clinic opened in Mid City. The internist was inspired to launch the business after running Ochsner’s urgent care operations in Baton Rouge. Patient Plus has eight locations—spanning the entire socioeconomic spectrum—in the Capital Region with another on the way. On the horizon is the incorporation of AI technology designed to support clinical decision-making while reducing patient costs.

EDUCATION: LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine (M.D.), University of North Carolina (Bachelor’s – biology)

FUN FACT: His father built one of the first hotels in the city of Gonzales.

DR. TATIANA SAAVEDRA PATEL INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST BATON ROUGE CLINIC

Dr. Saavedra Patel was born in Colombia but raised in Baton Rouge. She is the only infectious disease specialist at the Baton Rouge Clinic. She is a board member with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and is active with Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School, New Schools for Baton Rouge and the Rocketkidz Foundation. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – microbiology), LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans (M.D.), Earl K. Long Medical Center (internal medicine residency), University of Alabama-Birmingham (infectious disease fellowship)

RENE RAGAS

PRESIDENT AND CEO

WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

Rene Ragas has been a health care executive in the Baton Rouge area and surrounding regions for more than 20 years. Before coming to Woman’s, Ragas served as Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System’s Northshore market president and as CEO of Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa. As Northshore market president Ragas oversaw Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital in Slidell and Our Lady of the Lake Pontchartrain Surgery Center in Mandeville. He provided oversight to a network of more than 60 primary care and specialty physicians in the Northshore region. He also provided direct executive leadership for the implementation of the Epic electronic health record system in his market.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – biology), Tulane University (MHA –health care administration)

WALK-UP SONG: “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

DR. GUNJAN RAINA

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

PHYSICIAN

HEAL 360

Dr. Gunjan Raina is one of the Capital Region’s leaders in concierge medicine, which allows patients to pay an annual fee for perks like same-day appointments and a physician who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Raina has a passion for helping others on their journey to be the healthiest version of themselves. She is an associate member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is board certified in family medicine. She also practices in Canada and India.

EDUCATION: Graduate of Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India; residency in family medicine at Forbes Regional Health Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

DO-OVER WISH: “I would have paid more attention to my mother’s authentic Indian cooking.”

FAVORITE DISH: The newest plant-based recipe I’m trying out in my kitchen.

CHRISTY REEVES

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT

OCHSNER HEALTH

Christy Reeves is responsible for developing external strategies that align with Ochsner’s ongoing business objectives for all regions. She has a record of engaging communities and bringing different groups together to form strong strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Ochsner, Reeves moved two national nonprofits out of bankruptcy and into stability, demonstrating her strong organizational management skills. Through her work, she has secured strategic partnerships with global brands such as Levi’s, JCrew and Netflix. Reeves also led all external and brand partnerships on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for almost a decade as executive director of its foundation.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – theater), LSU (MLIS), University of Phoenix (MBA) PASSION/HOBBY: Traveling to unusual destinations for half marathons.

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Meryl Streep

STEVE SELLARS CEO PREMIER HEALTH URGENT CARE

The clinic that would become the first Premier-affiliated urgent care clinic was opened in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center more than 20 years ago—at a time when urgent care was a new concept for the region—and the company soon began replicating its partnership urgent care model in other markets. The company that Steve Sellars leads now is on pace to operate more than 85 partnership clinics in 13 states, with more expansion planned. Partners in the Capital Region still include Lake Urgent Care and Lake After Hours. Sellars has worked exclusively in urgent care management since 2004, growing Premier Health by more than 500% since 2010. Last year, Premier Health ranked No. 2 on the list of the world’s fastestgrowing businesses owned or led by an LSU graduate.

EDUCATION: LSU (bachelor’s and MBA)

DR. PHILIP SCHAUER PROFESSOR OF METABOLIC SURGERY, METAMOR INSTITUTE DIRECTOR PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER

Luring Dr. Philip Schauer, a world-renowned bariatric surgeon, away from the Cleveland Clinic in 2019 to develop a bariatric surgery program in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and several other stakeholders was a major coup for Pennington and Executive Director John Kirwan. The Metamor Institute, which opened last year, is a patient-facing program that treats people with obesity using combination therapies that include bariatric surgery, new obesity drugs, nutrition and exercise counseling, and behavioral health support. Teams of doctors and researchers at Pennington have been doing world-class research related to obesity and diabetes for decades, and Schauer says applying those scientific findings to patient cases gives the Metamor Institute a leg up over other obesity centers around the country.

EDUCATION: Baylor College of Medicine (M.D.), Texas A&M University (Bachelor’s)

ED SILVEY CEO AND CLINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE BATON ROUGE CLINIC

Despite being in business for more than 75 years, The Baton Rouge Clinic has had only two CEOs. However, Ed Silvey has said that he plans to work only a few more years before retiring. He has already named Shunn Phillips as his replacement and has been grooming her as she works in her current roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer, the company said in 2021. Silvey says that while some people may believe that health care organizations can become outdated if there is not much change among staff, his clinic cultivates the culture of innovation and continual learning. It is now the largest independent medical group practice in Louisiana, comprising the main clinic on Perkins Road, satellite locations throughout the area, and a team of about 800 people.

MANDY SHIPP DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL RESEARCH

MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER

Mandy Shipp oversees teams working on behalf of all seven Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center locations across southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Having joined the organization in January 2022, Shipp’s focus is on building and strengthening Mary Bird Perkins’ ongoing commitment to leadingedge cancer care research. She is applying her experience and expertise to ensure patients can access trials that will be an additive to the standard treatment with the goal of an enhanced outcome. She is well-known in the community as an established and highly respected clinical trials director. She has more than 20 years’ experience facilitating contracts, managing budgets and engaging in institutional project management.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – dietetics)

PASSION/HOBBY: “Both a passion and a hobby for me is cooking. I never follow a recipe. I get ideas for recipes by reading several and then come up with my own.”

JOHN SIKES CEO AND CO-FOUNDER DPI ANESTHESIA

In developing DPI Anesthesia, John Sikes, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, has created a comprehensive platform for both medical facilities and individual health care clients that has led to rapid corporate growth. Founded in 2003, DPI has expanded into a multifaceted corporation serving a client base across the Southeast. Sikes’ model is providing anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists services on a fee-for-service or contractual basis. Sikes has also worked for Lane Regional Medical Center and West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero.

EDUCATION: UL-Lafayette (Bachelor’s), Charity Hospital New Orleans/Xavier University (M.S. –nurse anesthesia), LSU Shreveport (MBA)

CHARLES “CHUCK” SPICER

DAVID SLAUGHTER CEO AND CO-FOUNDER ORION LABORATORIES

David Slaughter and his wife, Rachael, started Orion out of a home office in 2017 with a fully remote staff. In the beginning, Rachael would help provide phlebotomy services for labs, managing logistics and staffing for the clinics, while David would arrange laboratory services for clients. But they struggled to find a good laboratory to process medical tests, so they started their own, and now they’re running the largest independent laboratory in the state. Orion began COVID testing for the movie industry in New Orleans and then expanded to testing area disability homes and coordinating testing at 201 public schools in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Last year, having grown to employ about 120 people, the company purchased CitiPlace Centre II office building for nearly $6.9 million and launched Orion Therapeutics, a subsidiary for testing medical marijuana.

EDUCATION: Southern Methodist University (finance, business/managerial economics), NYU Stern School of Business (finance)

PRESIDENT/BATON ROUGE

MARKET PRESIDENT

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE HEALTH/FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY HEALTH SYSTEM

Chuck Spicer started his new role last year, replacing Scott Wester and bringing almost 30 years of health care administration experience to the table. He previously was president and CEO of OU Medicine in Oklahoma City, helping to lead the organization’s transition to the nonprofit OU Medicine Health System in 2018. Our Lady of the Lake is the region’s largest hospital with more than $4 billion in patient revenue and recently entered into a $170 million partnership with LSU with the stated goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the LSU population and the region.

EDUCATION: Baylor University (Bachelor’s –business), Trinity University (M.S. – health care administration)

WALK-UP SONG: “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

DO-OVER WISH: “I would have played one more round of golf with my dad.”

FUN FACT: The clinic started with four doctors operating above the Pig and Whistle Restaurant on Plank Road.

TODD STEVENS

VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF

STRATEGIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER

Todd Stevens, Mary Bird’s longtime CEO, recently stepped down from the top job, but he hasn’t left the organization. Instead, he stepped into a new role focused on strategic business development and developing growth opportunities to advance Mary Bird Perkins’ mission across its regional network. Stevens’ 23-year tenure included forming a partnership with LSU Medical Physics and participation in two National Cancer Institute programs. He spearheaded physician recruitment and facilities investment and drove the organization’s emphasis on early detection. Mary Bird recently ended its longstanding partnership with Our Lady of the Lake and joined forces with OneOncology, which Mary Bird officials say will allow the cancer center to have the advantages of belonging to a large organization while remaining focused exclusively on cancer.

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Bruce Willis

TIFFANY STEWART

DUDLEY & BEVERLY COATES ENDOWED PROFESSOR PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER

A licensed clinical psychologist, Tiffany Stewart’s work is dedicated to translational science—taking health behavior change programs from bench (science) to bedside (tools everyone can use) to tackle nutrition, fitness, sleep, body image, and mental resilience. Stewart has been a pioneer in the development and testing of e-health technologies to bring prevention and treatment efforts to people in need.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (Bachelor’s – psychology), LSU (M.S. and Ph.D. – clinical psychology)

LOCAL FARE: Fried green tomatoes/crab and brie soup at Roberto’s BEST ADVICE: “Show up no matter what … physically and mentally. Be present. Be in it. Acknowledge and pay attention in the moment and experience the journey. Everyone is focused on where they want to end up. With this one-pointed focus, we miss life along the way. The lesson gathering along the path is significant. It builds our toolbox over time.”

EDGARDO TENREIRO

PRESIDENT AND CEO BATON ROUGE GENERAL

Edgardo Tenreiro took over as interim CEO in August 2016, less than two weeks before historic flooding devastated the region. His focus immediately shifted to working with the team at Baton Rouge General to care for patients affected by flooding, while at the same time caring for the many team members who also were personally impacted. In 2020, BRG opened a $30 million Prairieville hospital, its third and the first outside of Baton Rouge, and Tenreiro said last year that BRG was hoping to open more neighborhood hospitals over the next few years. He began his career at NCH Healthcare System in Naples, Florida, where he spent almost 20 years working in various clinical and support roles.

EDUCATION: University of Notre Dame (Bachelor’s –politics, philosophy and economics, MBA in finance)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Stanley Tucci

DR. JOHN TABOR SURGEON BATON ROUGE GENERAL

Dr. John Tabor is the first surgeon in Louisiana and one of very few in the country to perform the robotic Whipple procedure for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Tabor heads up the Baton Rouge General Advanced Robotics Institute at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He is a leader in the field of robotic surgery and trains other surgeons across the state and country on robotic-assisted procedures. Tabor travels the country to train surgeons at the main training centers for Intuitive Surgical, the creators of the da Vinci surgical system. He has a special interest in surgery for the treatment of pancreatic, esophageal, stomach, colon, rectal and adrenal cancer, along with other more benign conditions.

EDUCATION: LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (M.D., internship, residency), Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (fellowship, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Jason Biggs

DR. STEVEN UDVARHELYI

PRESIDENT AND CEO

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA

Dr. Steven Udvarhelyi joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana—the dominant health care provider in the state—in 2016. A board-certified internist, Udvarhelyi has more than 25 years of experience in the health insurance industry. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years with Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia. With the pending sale of BCBS to Elevance Health, there has been speculation about Udvarhelyi’s future. However, he says he plans to stay on, at least initially.

EDUCATION: Harvard College (A.B. degree), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (M.D.), Harvard School of Public Health (M.S. – health services administration)

MUST-READ: “Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. This is the story of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team in rowing. It is a wonderful story about the magic of teamwork. At our company, I am constantly emphasizing the power of teams and what they can accomplish.”

“Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. This is the story of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team in rowing. It is a wonderful story about the magic of teamwork. At our company, I am constantly emphasizing the power of teams and what they can accomplish.”

DR. STEVEN UDVARHELYI

LOUISIANA’S LARGEST CANCER CARE ORGANIZATION

M.D.

ROCKNE HYMEL, M.D.

JASON ANDREASEN PRESIDENT AND CEO BATON ROUGE GALLERY

Jason Andreasen has grown the organization’s artist membership to more than 70 professional artists working in a wide array of media to present more than 150 exhibitions, hundreds of programmatic offerings, and outreach opportunities since 2008. Professionally, he says, the sixth Surreal Salon Soiree was a major moment of pride. Juxtapoz magazine co-founder Greg Escalante curated the exhibition at the gallery.

EDUCATION: Florida International University (Bachelor’s – political science)

DO-OVER WISH: “Explore more earlier in life. When I was young, I got an idea of what I thought I wanted to do as an adult and worked toward that goal religiously. Later, I realized I had other interests and that other fields were intriguing. By the time that realization came, I’d missed out on opportunities that would have been very beneficial.

JENNY BALLARD MANAGING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

THEATRE BATON ROUGE

Jenny Ballard brings more than 20 years of experience in theater to her role as managing artistic director at Theatre Baton Rouge. Along with leading the organization, Ballard also works as an adjunct theater professor at LSU and is a member of SAG/AFTRA. She’s been cast in several movie and TV projects, including NCIS: New Orleans, American Horror Story, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Keanu. Ballard was named a Business Report Forty under 40 honoree in 2017.

EDUCATION: University of Tennessee (Bachelor’s – English and theater), LSU (MFA – theater performance)

FIRST JOB AND LESSON LEARNED? “J.C. Penney when I was 15. I learned that Black Friday in the retail industry is terrifying.”

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Successfully having a life in the theater.

MUST READ: It’s Your Ship by Mike Abrashoff

ROBERT “BOB” BAYHAM

PRESIDENT AND CFO

THE CELTIC GROUP

For the past three decades, Robert “Bob” Bayham has helped lead The Celtic Group as its president and chief finance officer. The Celtic Group is a network of companies that began with the founding of Celtic Marine Corporation in July 1985. Since the ‘80s, the group has since expanded to four companies—Celtic Marine and Logistics, Celtic International Shipping Agency, Celtic Real Estate and Celtic Studios. As the latest venture of The Celtic Group, Celtic Studios is Louisiana’s first and only fullservice studio/soundstage complex and is a founding member of the Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association.

EDUCATION: Loyola University (Bachelor’s– finance)

PASSION: Boating and Mustangs

MUST READ: “Any of the Clive Cussler fiction novels—I love the action/adventure genre.”

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING CAREER: “Find something you love to do and stick with it— persistence pays. Take advantage of every learning opportunity.”

RALPH BENDER CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER MANSHIP MEDIA

Ralph Bender has been involved with dozens of nonprofit organizations over the decades, with his roles ranging from leading, to fundraising, to volunteering on the ground. Among his roles are serving as chair of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, where he assisted in a $3.5 million capital campaign that allowed for the revitalization of the former district attorney’s office on St. Ferdinand Street to house the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and other local artists. Bender is also a former chair of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where he helped create two new economic development districts for Plank Road and Florida Boulevard and launched Handshake, an online service to recruit students to jobs at Capital Region businesses.

PASSION: LSU sports and bow ties

KRIS CANGELOSI ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

CANGELOSI DANCE PROJECT

Baton Rouge native Kris Cangelosi founded the nonprofit Cangelosi Dance Project in 2006 to train children in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Cangelosi is also a recognized choreographer and experienced professional dancer with national and international chops. Over the years, she has served on numerous community boards and currently is involved with Knock it Out MS Foundation. She is involved with Big Buddy’s annual Dancing for Big Buddy as well as Dancing for a Cause, held annually in Ascension Parish. In 2014, she was named an Influential Woman in Business by Business Report.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/MEAL: Southern Pearl Oyster House’s eggs Benedict DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs, Mississippi—so peaceful.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “Olivia Newton-John as Sandy in Grease.”

RENEE CHATELAIN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER BATON ROUGE

As president and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Renee Chatelain led the capital campaign to design and construct the new Cary Saurage Community Arts Center. Her establishment of Creative Relief, an emergency planning and response program has been recognized by FEMA and modeled throughout the Southeast. She currently serves as an advisory board member of One Nation One Project, National Coalition for Arts Preparedness, the Women in Dance Conference and the American Mural Project. Previously, she served as executive director of both the Manship Theatre and Shaw Center for the Arts.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history, J.D.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” by Michael Jackson

BEST ADVICE: “Have a good work ethic and be open to change because that’s what has steered me in unseeingly different directions but given me a fulfilling professional life.”

ANN CONNELLY OWNER ANN CONNELLY FINE ART

Ann Connelly has challenged the Capital Region to evolve aesthetically. Her canvas of impact stretches from some of the city’s most prestigious law firms and corporate boardrooms to the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and beyond. Her gallery has been a leading part of the regional artistic community, representing national and local emerging and mid-career professional artists. At her direction, European street artists have left their inspirational marks on the walls of the Commerce Building, the Overpass Merchant and the law offices of Fishman Haygood. In 2017, Connelly and her husband, Paul, created Studio Park, home to her 5,500-square-foot gallery and other businesses.

DO-OVER WISH: “I would carve out more time to spend with old people, in the winter of their lives.”

MUST READ: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic. “This quote from the author summarizes the idea of the book, ‘Let your curiosity take the wheel, and put your fears into the backseat.’”

GERRI HOBDY DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Gerri Hobdy works with nonprofits and business industry leaders to create partnerships for the college. She has 30 years of nonprofit experience in management, fundraising, grantmaking, meeting facilitation, strategic planning and nonprofit capacity building. She previously served as director of community relations for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and was assistant secretary of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development and the State Historic Preservation Office, where she established and institutionalized the Louisiana Main Street program.

EDUCATION: Dillard University (Bachelor’s –theater), University of New Orleans (M.A. – directing for stage)

BEST ADVICE: “Thoughts are things.”

PERSONAL FOCUS: “I am focused on writing nonfiction. Stay tuned.”

MUST READ: “The Noticer by Andy Andrews. This book sits with me because it’s about changing perspective and how we see the world. It’s a choice.”

BORISLAVA ILTCHEVA

CONCERTMASTER AND FIRST CHAIR

BATON ROUGE

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Since moving to Louisiana, Borislava Iltcheva has been influential on the state’s classical music scene. She serves as concertmaster and first chair for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra but has also previously been featured as a soloist with the Louisiana Sinfonietta and Acadiana Symphony, among others. Iltcheva has taught violin and viola at Southeastern Louisiana University and LSU. She’s taught master classes across Europe and performed recitals throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S.—including in New York’s Carnegie Hall. Both she and her students have won prizes in national and international competitions. In Baton Rouge, she owns Grace Notes School of Music.

EDUCATION: Bulgarian National Academy (Bachelor’s), LSU (M.A. and Ph.D. – violin performance)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Erina Buccholz, who was a violin student of mine at Grace Notes School of Music, received over $250,000 in scholarships to go to Indiana University.”

MELANIE COUVILLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MANSHIP THEATRE

For roughly two decades, Melanie Couvillon has been an influential force in the local theater scene. After serving as the Manship Theatre’s director of family programming, events and educational outreach for five years, Couvillon became executive director in 2016. The Manship Theatre, which opened in 2005 in the Shaw Center for the Arts, plays a vital role in the community not only as an entertainment venue but as a contributor to art education and outreach. Couvillon also previously served as executive director of Playmakers of Baton Rouge and was the first director of the Community School for the Arts. Couvillon also served on Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s transition team in 2016.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – education)

WALK-UP SONG: “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: The beach

BEST ADVICE: “Before you make a decision, pause and breathe.”

JUSTIN LEMOINE FOUNDER

MIDCITY MAKERS MARKET

Formerly a landscape architect, Justin Lemoine’s influence can be visibly seen throughout the Capital Region. He previously owned and led ELS Landscape Architecture Studio where he designed public spaces from Lake Charles to New Orleans, including BREC’s North Sherwood Forest Community Park. He also served as project manager of the joint-venture design team for the North Boulevard Town Square project. Lemoine is one of the co-founders of MidCity Makers Market, which grew from a dozen vendors in 2016 to nearly 300 artists last year. Since 2020, he’s led the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area as its executive director.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – landscape architecture)

FAVORITE GIFT AS A CHILD: “Probably my first 10-speed bike.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Goonies

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB: Veterinarian

“I would carve out more time to spend with old people, in the winter of their lives.”

ANN CONNELLY

DO-OVER WISH

SHERRI MCCONNELL INDUSTRY POLICY ADVISER STATE ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR

Sherri McConnell has been working in the government relations and public affairs space since the late ‘70s. For nearly five years, she led Louisiana Economic Development’s Office of Entertainment Industry Development, spearheading refinement of the state’s four entertainment tax incentive programs. During her tenure, Louisiana’s film and television industry blossomed, with major productions such as Battle: Los Angeles, Green Lantern and the final two Twilight movies being shot in the state. She is a former president of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation and previously helped develop a branded music trail for Louisiana’s Office of Cultural Development that highlighted musical places of interest around for tourists. She serves as a board member of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and acts as a freelance policy adviser for the state’s entertainment sector.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science) LAGNIAPPE: Dog lover

CASEY PHILLIPS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ CO-FOUNDER

THE WALLS PROJECT

Casey Phillips is a creative futurist with 20-plus years of experience forecasting and launching entertainment, technology and arts brands. Phillips is a brand strategist specializing in the nonprofit sector who implements strategies based on best practices, data analysis and future market trends. He founded The Force Agency in Los Angeles and is co-founder/director of The Walls Project, with offices in Baton Rouge, Dallas and Denver. Phillips is also founding member of OneRouge Coalitions; a steering committee member for My Brothers Keeper BR and the Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation; and a facilitator for Dialogue on Race Louisiana.

EDUCATION: Loyola University (Bachelor’s – English)

BEST ADVICE: “Value relationships above all else, especially when you leave a job or dissolve a partnership, for it is a long road in this life and the world is small. How you exit says more about your character than when you enter.”

MICHAEL O’CONNOR CHAIR AND CEO THE CELTIC GROUP

For the past three decades, Michael O’Connor has led The Celtic Group as chair and CEO. The Celtic Group is a network of companies that began with the founding of Celtic Marine Corporation in July 1985. Since the ‘80s, the group has expanded to four companies—Celtic Marine and Logistics, Celtic International Shipping Agency, Celtic Real Estate and Celtic Studios. Celtic Studios is Louisiana’s first and only fullservice studio/soundstage complex and is a founding member of the Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association.

EDUCATION: University of South Florida (Bachelor’s – business)

BEST ADVICE: “From my father, ‘Rome was not built in a day.’”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Matt Damon

FIRST JOB: “When I was 13, cutting grass, painting houses, odd jobs making $2.50 an hour.”

CHRISTOPHER STELLY

EXECUTIVE GROUP DIRECTOR

LOUISIANA ENTERTAINMENT & DIGITAL MEDIA

LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In his role at LED, Christopher Stelly manages seven programs: motion picture production, digital interactive media and software development, sound recording, live performance production, qualified entertainment company, qualified music company, and major events. He is also completing the final steps to becoming a certified economic developer and says he is just trying to learn more about this profession and expand his horizons.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science and English)

LOCAL FARE: Shrimp po-boy from Mike Anderson’s WALK-UP SONG: “Who You Are” by Pearl Jam

MUST READ: “Robert Caro’s series on Lyndon Johnson. Four volumes in (and hopefully a fifth soon), Caro’s done an incredibly deep dive into one of the 20th century’s most intriguing public figures. This is the best study of a president and power.”

KATIE PATTON PRYOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BATON ROUGE FILM COMMISSION

Katie Patton Pryor is responsible for marketing Baton Rouge as a prime film location as well as representing the city at film-related events worldwide. In 2021, she co-founded Film USA, a nonprofit trade organization representing film commissions across the nation. She also serves as an adjunct professor for LSU’s film program, teaching a course on the economic drivers behind entertainment and the power of representation in film.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – psychology)

FAVORITE MOVIE SOUNDTRACK: “Jaws”

FIRST JOB: “Funnily enough, my first paycheck was from a Disney feature film that took over my neighborhood and cast me as an extra when I was 10. It quickly taught me how much I liked this industry.”

VALUABLE LESSON LEARNED: “Time is your greatest resource, and it is nonrenewable. Be careful how you spend it.”

SCOTT SULLIVAN INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCER SULLISCOPE FILMS

Scott Sullivan, a Baton Rouge-based writer, director and producer, founded Sulliscope Films in 2016 as an independent film production company. The company, currently operating out of Celtic Studios, transitioned to producing feature films in 2020 and released its first feature, Trigger Girl, in theaters in 2021. He also led production of the company’s first series in 2021. Sulliscope Films is expected to release its third feature film, Chances, later this year. Prior to film, Sullivan worked in the real estate industry as a Realtor and project manager.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s– general studies), Virginia Union University (M.A.– theology), Full Sail University (M.A.– creative writing)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: “The Scallops Maison at Stabs is everything, but Raising Cane’s is the go-to.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “I’d probably play myself. I think I’d nail it.”

PASSION: “Exploring the human experience, and the mysteries within and around it, through the medium of filmmaking and storytelling.”

DAVID TORNS ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR BATON ROUGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

David Torns is known for his vibrant personality, musical depth and his ability to communicate an infectious joy for music to both musicians and audiences alike. Torns also holds the post of principal pops conductor. He’s collaborated with Grammywinning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves and American Idol finalists Haley Scarnato, Matt Giraud and LaKisha Jones. He has worked with the Lansing Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Astoria Symphony and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Torns is an alum of many prestigious music festivals including the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, and the Chautauqua Institution.

EDUCATION: Vanderbilt University (Bachelor’s), West Virginia University (M.A.)

ORIGIN STORY: Torns began his musical studies at the age of 5 on the violin.

SCOTT MICHELET GENERAL MANAGER CROWNE PLAZA BATON ROUGE

Scott Michelet has decades of leadership experience in the hospitality industry. Michelet joined Crowne Plaza Executive Center as General Manager in 2012, wielding more than 40 years of experience in facilities management, employee relations and strategic planning. Michelet began his career in hotels in high school and worked his way up through leadership positions in hotels across four states after graduating college. At the Crowne Plaza, Michelet manages a team of 150 people and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the hotel, which boasts some 32,000 square feet of meeting space. Under his management, Michelet’s hotels have earned numerous honors. He was also a leading voice for the hospitality industry during the coronavirus pandemic, when hotels across the state closed.

EDUCATION: LSU

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: “Randazzo’s Italian Market—spaghetti and meatballs with an extra meatball, of course.”

ED BAKER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF HOTEL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Ed Baker has spent nearly 40 years working in the hospitality industry. He began working with Executive Hotel Management in November 1985, as the general anager of the Hilton Hotel in Columbia, Missouri, and oversaw the multiple expansions of the property and its transition to the Holiday Inn brand. In 1993, he assumed his current role of executive vice president with the company and moved south to Louisiana to manage the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn properties in Baton Rouge. Baker previously served on the Missouri Hotel and Motel Association board of directors. He is married to Kathy Baker, who also serves on the executive team of the Crowne Plaza property.

EDUCATION: University of Missouri (Bachelor’s–general studies and business)

AARON SCRUGGS

OWNER, TALENT BUYER, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER CHELSEA’S LIVE

Aaron Scruggs got his start in the music industry at the age of 16, working as production manager for The Big House skatepark, a cultivating leader in the Texas electronic music scene in the late ‘90s. Moving to Baton Rouge after high school, he focused on producing electronic dance music events, leading to an opportunity to work at Spanish Moon for more than a decade until it closed in 2017. In 2020, Scruggs partnered with Grant Miller and Dave Remmetter (who owned the original Chelsea’s Cafe) and the three drafted plans to open their own musical venue. They opened Chelsea’s Live the following year along Nicholson Drive as a 6,300-square-foot music venue.

WALK-UP SONG: “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G.

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Jake Gyllenhaal

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Opening day at Chelsea’s Live”

KIM GINN GENERAL MANAGER L’AUBERGE HOTEL & CASINO

Kim Ginn has been with the L’Auberge Hotel & Casino property in Baton Rouge since its 2012 opening and has been general manager of the region’s most successful casino for the past five years. Active in the community and a prominent philanthropic voice, Ginn has served on various community boards including the alumni board for LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication and the boards of directors for both the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation and HOPE ministries.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – advertising)

MENTORS: Virginia McDow, who served as chief marketing officer at the Belle of Baton Rouge (then Argosy Casino) during Ginn’s time there, and Ginny Shanks, former head of marketing at Pinnacle.

ADVICE: “Be open to change. When a new boss is coming, you never want to be the person to say, ‘That’s not how we do this.’ Accept change as it comes.”

JIM ENGSTER PRESIDENT LOUISIANA

NETWORK/ TIGER RAG

Every weekday, award-winning journalist and broadcast veteran Jim Engster hosts discussions on Louisiana, from presidential and gubernatorial campaigns to LSU football and the aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Isaac. So it makes sense that the broadcast veteran is a huge voice in both politics and sports—two Capital Region passions. His current show is Talk Louisiana on WRKF. Engster also leads Tiger Rag magazine, a print and online publication devoted to LSU athletics. Over the course of his career, Engster has interviewed nine Louisiana governors and has reported on every gubernatorial election since 1975. Other notable interviews include governors at the time: Bill Clinton of Arkansas, Jerry Brown of California and Jesse Ventura of Minnesota.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism)

FAVORITE INTERVIEWS: Ernest Gaines, Rex Reed, Immaculée Ilibagiza, Debbie Allen and Lynn Whitfield

FLYNN FOSTER PRESIDENT/CEO GUARANTY CORPORATION

In 2011, Flynn Foster became president of the Guaranty Corporation, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, George Foster Sr., and his father, George Foster Jr. Flynn Foster now serves as CEO and president of Guaranty Corporation and Guaranty Media. In addition, Foster is chair of the board of directors for Guaranty Corporation. Under his guidance, Guaranty has added digital media and podcast production to its businesses with the acquisition of Gatorworks, the creation of Drop Biscuit Studios, and the addition of several other platforms. Foster has worked with the management team of Guaranty’s senior living entity since January 2010. Prior to joining Guaranty in 2010, Foster spent 18 years in the financial services business.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – general studies)

ROLE MODEL: “I don’t have role models. What I have learned is everyone knows something I don’t, and there is an endless amount of people who can teach me something. Be curious.”

IVORY D. PAYNE

PUBLISHER AND CEO

GLOBAL IMPACT MEDIA

Ivory D. Payne is a distinguished figure in Louisiana’s Black media community. The second-generation newspaper publisher and graphic designer is now CEO and publisher of The Baton Rouge Weekly Press Newspaper, one of the oldest African American-owned newspapers in Baton Rouge. Payne is also the proprietor of 24/7 PraiseRadio.com, a Black gospel internet radio station. Outside of the news industry, Ivory is an ordained bishop and pastor and serves as assistant pastor of Greater New Birth Full Gospel Fellowship under his father, Bishop Ivory J. Payne. For the past five years, he’s served as president of the Louisiana Black Publisher Association.

EDUCATION: Southern University

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Omar Epps

BEST ADVICE: “Dream often and dream big. Celebrate the small victories in our life. There should never be any uncelebrated season in your life.”

RICHARD MANSHIP CEO MANSHIP MEDIA

A member of Baton Rouge’s media mogul family, Richard Manship started his news industry career as a promotion manager at WBRZ-TV. Over the years, he has climbed the ranks and served as station manager, general manager and president of both WBRZ-TV and KRGV-TV in Weslaco, Texas. He also previously served as president and CEO of WBRZ-TV and KRGV-TV, as well as for The Advocate newspaper. Under his management, WBRZ computerized its newsroom in the early ‘80s and established a team of investigative reporters.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Former chair of the Committee of 100 of Louisiana, the Tiger Athletic Foundation, the Excellence Fund of the Manship School of Mass Communication at LSU and former co-chair of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. He is a member of the LSU Foundation.

GORDY RUSH VICE PRESIDENT/ MARKET MANAGER

GUARANTY MEDIA

Gordy Rush is a radio and marketing veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the Capital Region. He currently serves as vice president and market manager for Guaranty Media, which he joined in 1998. Guaranty Media is home to four radio stations—104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge, Eagle 98.1—The Rock Station, 100.7 The Tiger—Louisiana’s Country Station, and Talk 107.3. He previously served as a board member for the Tiger Athletic Foundation and is a former winner of the Broadcaster of the Year and The Golden Mike awards for on-air talent presented by The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business)

PASSION: Football

FIRST JOB: “Doing a sports radio show and producing other shows in Port Allen for WIBR. The biggest takeaway was that I learned how to do every job in the building, which gave me a foundation to grow in the business.”

TREY SCHMALTZ

GENERAL MANAGER

WBRZ-TV

A Ponchatoula native, Trey Schmaltz began his television career at the age of 15, launching his own television program on WSTY-TV in Hammond. Schmaltz now oversees daily operations at one of the more storied television stations in the market. He joined WBRZ-TV as the 5 p.m. producer and earned new roles as executive producer, then assistant news director and, in 2021, director of news. In that role he oversaw most of the organization’s journalists, including the station’s investigative unit. Schmaltz was promoted to station general manager in August 2022.

EDUCATION: UL-Lafayette (Bachelor’s – general studies)

WALK-UP SONG: “Freeze” by Kygo

HOBBY: “If I’m not at work or researching, my favorite pastime is swimming laps. I’m an active member at the YMCA.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Anywhere with sun, water and the beach.”

“Doing a sports radio show and producing other shows in Port Allen for WIBR. The biggest takeaway was that I learned how to do every job in the building, which gave me a foundation to grow in the business.”

GORDY RUSH

JOB

JOE SCIORTINO VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

WAFB-TV

Joe Sciortino is influential in the Capital Region for his more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting, mostly in Louisiana. He started his career at WWL in New Orleans, where during his 19-year stay he worked his way up from studio assistant to production manager. From there, Sciortino moved into sales and joined the sales force at WAFB for five years. He left Baton Rouge to join a sales team in Arkansas and later was named vice president and general manager of WDAM in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he oversaw the complete renovation of the station’s facility. In 2016, he returned to Louisiana to serve as vice president and general manager of KSLA in Shreveport. Sciortino came back to WAFB in 2020, where he manages day-to-day operations for the news station.

EDUCATION: Loyola University

SYLVIA WEATHERSPOON

ANCHOR

WBRZ-TV

Sylvia Weatherspoon began her career at WBRZ as a weekend anchor in December 1993 after working as news director for WJBO-AM and WFMF-FM radio in Baton Rouge. She initially started her journalism career in radio, but was drawn to the technical aspects of broadcast television reporting. She currently serves as co-anchor of WBRZ News 2 at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. Over the years, she’s held multiple positions with community organizations, including the advisory board of Junior League of Baton Rouge and the executive board of Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area. She’s also a member of Sunrise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism)

PASSIONS: Gardening and Christmas decorating

WALK-UP SONG: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

PROUDEST MOMENT: “My nonprofit organization, Sylvia’s Toys For Christmas, awarded $1,000 in scholarships to nearly 30 children in East Baton Rouge Parish to do community service projects.”

KURT AINSWORTH

CEO

MARUCCI SPORTS

Retired professional baseball player Kurt Ainsworth co-founded Marucci Bat Company in 2004, along with Joe Lawrence and LSU trainer Jack Marucci. Five years later, Ainsworth, Lawrence and another partner launched Marucci Sports, which then acquired the bat company. Ainsworth has been a well-known face in Baton Rouge dating back to his days as a pitcher at Catholic High and then LSU. Ainsworth, as CEO, not only steered Marucci into becoming the most-used bat brand in professional baseball, but also expanded into other retail ventures. Though bought in 2020 for $200 million by Compass Diversified Holdings, the company’s headquarters remains in Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s– business administration)

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Winning a gold medal in baseball at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: “Will Ferrell. He would make me seem funny (which would be hard), regardless of my lines in the film.”

JUDI TERZOTIS PRESIDENT

THE ADVOCATE

Judi Terzotis wields three decades of media business experience that she leverages in Baton Rouge. After serving as Gannett’s Gulf Region president for several years, where she oversaw eight markets in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, she joined the Georges Media Group in Baton Rouge. She was named president of The Advocate newspapers in early 2018 and became publisher in August 2019. She remains active in the community via The Boys & Girls Clubs of Louisiana and America’s Newspapers. Editor & Publisher named Terzotis its Publisher of the Year in 2021 and she was Baton Rouge Business Report’s Businessperson of the Year in 2022.

EDUCATION: University of Tennessee (Bachelor’s –communications)

WALK-UP SONG: “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

DO-OVER WISH: “I would have slowed down more early in my career and enjoyed more time with family and friends.”

VERGE AUSBERRY

EXECUTIVE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

LSU

It’s hard to get more LSU than Verge Ausberry. The Tiger linebacker of the late 1980s has spent the past 21-plus years working his way up the athletic department ladder. He’s now No. 2 on the org chart, responsible for much of the department’s daily operations. Ausberry also works directly with the football and men’s basketball programs. His external relations role with the LSU System sees him assist President William F. Tate with governmental affairs. Ausberry found controversy over his failure to report a 2018 incident in which an LSU football player admitted hitting his girlfriend.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – education, master’s in education)

POWER COUPLE: His wife, Cheri Morial Ausberry, is the middle daughter of Dutch Morial, the first Black mayor of New Orleans.

OUT-MIGRATION: The couple’s two sons both play college football, one at Auburn, the other at Notre Dame.

“Will Ferrell. He would make me seem funny (which would be hard), regardless of my lines in the film.”

KURT AINSWORTH

MATT BORMAN PRESIDENT AND CEO TIGER ATHLETIC FOUNDATION

If you are an LSU fan and don’t know Matt Borman, he wants to know you—and your checkbook. Such is the life for the man responsible for raising enough booster dollars to provide the resources necessary to make LSU’s athletic teams nationally competitive. Borman is good at what he does, having overseen record-setting efforts over 17-plus years of college athletics fundraising. Before his 2021 arrival at TAF, Borman was at Georgia, overseeing the most successful fundraising period in Bulldog athletic history. Previous stints at West Virginia, Old Dominion, Army and James Madison led to significant philanthropic gains. He faces a new challenge in a fast-evolving landscape: the rise of NIL deals and booster-launched collectives. Will money steered to those ventures negatively impact TAF’s efforts?

EDUCATION: Lynchburg College (bachelor’s in business administration), West Virginia (master’s in sports management)

OLIVIA DUNNE GYMNAST/MODEL/ INFLUENCER

LSU

If you don’t know who Olivia Dunne is, then you need to get out more. Ostensibly an LSU gymnast—and a pretty good one at that—Dunne is one of the highest-paid college athletes, reportedly earning in excess of $3 million per year through a multitude of NIL deals, ranging from brand spokesperson (Forever 21, American Eagle and Vuori) to social media influencer, where she boasts more than 11.3 million followers. And, by the way, she just became a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. Her popularity is such that increased security is required whenever the LSU gymnastics team hits the road. Don’t sell her gymnastics short, though injured much of this past year, she earned All-American honors on the uneven bars as a freshman in 2021 and has competed for the U.S. national team.

ATHLETIC GENES: Dunne’s mother, Katherine, was a gymnast and cheerleader, and her father, David, played football at Rutgers University.

JAY JOHNSON HEAD BASEBALL COACH

LSU

Sandwiched between the jaw-dropping hirings of Kim Mulkey and Brian Kelly was another impressive get, landing Jay Johnson—fresh off a College World Series berth at Arizona—to replace the retiring Paul Mainieri. College baseball doesn’t stir passions everywhere, but it does at LSU, winners of six national championships. Johnson has the Tigers flirting with number seven late in his second season, with the team being ranked No. 1 for most of the year. Johnson has a reputation for developing hitters and is considered one of college baseball’s top recruiters, evidenced by LSU having the top-ranked class this past off-season. Johnson has coached 25 players who went on to earn a roster spot with a Major League Baseball team.

EDUCATION: Point Loma Nazarene (Bachelor’s –physical education)

FUN FACT: Maureen Johnson, his wife, is a former University of Arizona soccer player.

BRIAN KELLY HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

LSU

When you’re getting paid some $10 million a year, the expectations are obvious: Just win, baby. That’s exactly why Brian Kelly left Notre Dame in December 2021 to chase a national title at LSU in the SEC, the toughest college football conference in America. Inheriting a collapsed program, Kelly, using the transfer portal and some interesting dance moves, made an immediate impact, knocking off Alabama and leading the Tigers to a 10-win season and the SEC Championship Game. Kelly, one of only five FBS coaches with multiple undefeated regular seasons, has more victories than any active coach in major college football (nine ahead of Nick Saban), and there’s renewed optimism in TigerTown that a fifth national title is on the horizon.

EDUCATION: Assumption College (Bachelor’s –political science)

PHILANTHROPY: Kelly and his wife created the Kelly Cares Foundation, donating nearly $8 million to causes related to the fight against breast cancer.

KIM MULKEY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

LSU

Kim Mulkey hadn’t been in Baton Rouge long when she stood before a packed room of community and business leaders. “You better come out and support this basketball team,” she demanded. “I came here to win a championship, so get behind us.” Mulkey wasn’t kidding, leading LSU to its first-ever national championship in basketball, men’s or women’s. Mulkey makes a statement wherever she’s at, whether it’s what comes out of her unfiltered mouth, her bold sense of style, or the fact that she wins wherever she’s at—four state titles at Hammond High, two as an All-American point guard at Louisiana Tech, a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, a national title as a Tech assistant, and three at the dynasty she built at Baylor. Which is why she’s in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech (Bachelor’s)

FAMILY TREE: Mulkey’s son, Kramer Robertson, was a star baseball player at LSU.

SCOTT WOODWARD

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

LSU

Scott Woodward has made quite the impact since returning home to Baton Rouge and his alma mater, hiring a trio of highly successful, highly paid head coaches while navigating a college sports landscape being transformed by athlete NIL deals and the influence of network television dollars and its impact on the traditional in-stadium fan experience. After successful AD stints at the University of Washington and Texas A&M, Woodward drew rapid-fire national headlines by getting Kim Mulkey to leave the dynasty she built at Baylor, hired Jay Johnson as baseball coach, and in football—the passion of the state—he stunned everyone by landing Brian Kelly from Notre Dame. Woodward’s initial stint at LSU was from 2000 to 2004 when he advised then-Chancellor Mark Emmert as director of external affairs. Prior to that, he co-owned a government and public relations firm in Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science)

1

Proactive Steps for Choosing the Right Accounting Firm

Whether you are hiring an accounting and business consulting firm for the first time or have decided it’s time to change firms, the proactive

Preparing for the Proposal Process

ESTABLISH SELECTION PROCESS OBJECTIVES

The selection process is time-consuming, so begin by gaining agreement across leadership on your company’s goals in seeking a new firm.

DETERMINE SELECTION TEAM, TIMELINE, AND WRITTEN REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 2

TEAM: Clarify the responsibilities of your selection team, including: development of the RFP and evaluation criteria, identification of potential firms, participation in due diligence interviews, review of proposals and any summary reporting or scoring, and identification of the successful firm.

TIMELINE: Establish a timeline that provides adequate time for each step of the process.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP):

Typical areas to include are:

• Your company background and professional service needs

• Instructions on format and content

• Calendar of important dates, including: available time for onsite meetings, written proposal submission deadline, oral presentations to management and the Board (if applicable), announcement of decision

• Contact information for questions

• Preferred method for delivery of proposals

• Evaluation criteria, including any applicable weighting you have assigned to criteria

steps presented below and in LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors’ e-book, Make the Switch, can help by providing proven guidelines for working your way through the selection process.

These steps will help you make a wellconsidered and successful decision. For greater detail on the below guidance and advice on easing the transition of your newly selected firm, visit laporte.com/switchbr.

Implementing the Proposal Process

Steps for learning about accounting firms include research, face-to-face interviews, and written proposals.

USE RESEARCH TO NARROW THE FIELD

Conduct due diligence research on appropriate firms. Word-of-mouth recommendations from business associates and reputation within the financial community can also be helpful.

INVITE YOUR A-LIST TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS

By the time you are ready to invite proposals, the field of candidates should be small. If possible, allow firms three to four weeks to provide a thoughtful response. When you review the proposals, pay particular attention to responses related to fee structure, level of partner attention, and other key areas of concern. Compare the proposals to your RFP to be sure that all areas are covered. Finally, consider quality, completeness, and level of detail when you rank the proposals.

IF YOU ARE STILL UNDECIDED, CONSIDER ORAL PRESENTATIONS OR FINAL INTERVIEWS

Some companies value having final candidates make an oral presentation to address any remaining questions. Be sure to give finalists adequate preparation time, outline objectives for the presentation, and provide any specific questions to be addressed.

To avoid making a final decision on fee alone, check references or revisit other important qualifications including industry experience, rapport, and

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING

ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN & FACILITY MANAGEMENT

CONSULTING

INSURANCE

LAW

MARKETING TECHNOLOGY

WENDI BERTHELOT DIRECTOR

LAPORTE

CPAS AND BUSINESS ADVISORS

A leader in the LaPorte Baton Rouge office, Wendi Berthelot has been with the firm since beginning her professional career in 2003. She takes a hands-on approach to all phases of her engagements to promote client success. Berthelot has provided services such as financial and compliance audits and reviews, due diligence consulting, and internal control reviews to her clients. She has worked with privately held companies, real estate clients, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies with complex structures and multilevel consolidations.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – accounting, MBA)

WALK-UP SONG: Company you Keep by Maren Morris

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Reese Witherspoon

DO-OVER WISH: “If I had one do-over, it would be to speak up. When things were important, I should have spoken louder and more frequently instead of wishing someone would have asked how I felt or what I wanted.”

LAUREN MCCALL FITCH

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

HANNIS T. BOURGEOIS

The story of Lauren McCall Fitch is one of overcoming adversity, refusing to accept setbacks and looking for fresh paths to success. It’s a drive to achieve that’s helped Fitch become a key player at accounting firm Hannis T. Bougeois. She focuses on managing technology infrastructure, internal financial operations, recruiting, business development, and risk management. She has been honored by Business Report as both a Forty Under 40 (2016) and an Influential Women in Business (2022).

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration) Southern University Law Center (J.D.)

BEST ADVICE: “Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls—family, health, friends, and spirit—are made of glass.”

ERIC BOSCH PRESIDENT AND CEO LAPORTE CPAS AND BUSINESS ADVISERS

Eric Bosch is a certified public accountant who began his career at LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors over 33 years ago. In December 2021, he was elected president and CEO by the firm’s shareholders. Bosch accumulated leadership experience over the years by serving as a member of the firm’s executive committee, co-leader of the health care industry group, chair of the compensation committee and leader of the financial services industry group. In addition to his work at LaPorte, Bosch is an adjunct professor in the health care management program at the University of New Orleans, his alma mater, and is a former faculty member with Delgado Community College’s 10,000 Small Business Program.

EDUCATION: University of New Orleans (Bachelor’s – accounting)

FUN FACT: Bosch was a past vice president of education and membership for Jefferson Toastmasters.

DAN GARDINER

CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

During his 20-year span with P&N, Dan Gardiner has gained experience in all four of the firm’s service groups. He also has more than seven years of industry experience, having worked for a regional consumer packaged goods and distribution company as a corporate controller and for a publicly traded international leasing company as a financial reporting manager. As CEO, Gardiner is focused on helping the firm create growth opportunities for its team members and clients. Over his first four-year term as CEO the firm experienced growth of more than 50 percent.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

MUST READ: “Thrive by Design—Now more than ever we need an engaged team and this book highlights practical ways we can all be better, more engaging leaders.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Matthew Broderick

KAREN BREAUX HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

Karen Breaux has been with the firm for 12 years and has more than 30 years of experience as an HR professional. At P&N, Breaux is responsible for making key leadership contributions in developing and maintaining policies, procedures and strategic initiatives. She handles a wide variety of HR matters including policies, compensation matters, employee relations, talent management, and managing culture change.

EDUCATION: University of Southwestern Louisiana (Bachelor’s – business administration)

MENTOR & IMPACT: “My two biggest inspirations have been my mother and my grandmother. My grandmother was one of 13 children, and she grew up at a time when women worked impossibly hard yet received little to no recognition for their efforts. She was a disciplined, honest person who believed in doing things not the easy way but the right way, and she passed those empowering beliefs to all her children, including my mother and myself.”

VANESSA GRAHAM OWNER

VGRAHAM

With more than 20 years of experience as a CFO and controller for small- to mediumsized businesses in the Baton Rouge area, Vanessa Graham is a business consultant who provides financial assistance to companies and organizations. She founded her own consulting firm, VGraham LLC, in 2012 to work with business owners and private equity investors in their portfolio companies. Before that, Graham worked for major companies including Equifax Inc., Appro Systems Inc. and KPMG. Graham is a member of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. She’s on boards and committees of Thrive Charter School, First United Methodist Church, Rotary Club International and the Louisiana Tech Park.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

HOBBY: “Our family enjoys playing golf together.”

BUSINESS LUNCH: Chicken salad at J. Alexander’s

TOMMY LEJEUNE MANAGING PARTNER FAULK & WINKLER

Tommy LeJeune is a CPA with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been with Faulk & Winkler since 2000 and is the firm’s managing partner, working closely with the partners to develop and execute strategic initiatives related to client service, team development and overall growth. LeJeune is also an audit partner at the firm, responsible for providing comprehensive audit, accounting and consulting services for the firm’s governmental and not-for-profit clients and professional service firms. He also assists closely held business entities with audit and tax consulting. LeJeune has provided his financial expertise to organizations like City Club of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Sunrise Rotary of Baton Rouge, and St. Joseph’s Academy. He is also a member of the LSU Accounting Advisory Board.

EDUCATION: UL-Lafayette (Bachelor’s)

PASSIONS: Playing golf and traveling

RACHEL CANNON

FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

RACHEL CANNON

LIMITED INTERIORS

After working for a traditional commercial firm, Rachel Cannon founded her own interior design business in 2009, focusing on designing spaces at home and work for introverts and creative entrepreneurs. Cannon educates clients on the importance of boundaries and quiet rooms. Her perspective has earned her several plaudits from Traditional Home magazine, which included her in a 2020 list of rising stars of design and named her a “New Trad” designer. Cannon holds qualifications from the National Council for Interior Design, Louisiana State Board of Interior Designers, National Kitchen & Bath Association and the American Society of Interior Designers.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – interior design)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Amy Poehler

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Realizing that my strength was in being an introvert and learning how to speak directly to a clientele who needs the same things from the built environment as I do.”

JAY MONTALBANO MANAGING PARTNER HANNIS T. BOURGEOIS

Jay Montalbano oversees all business, financial and operational aspects of the firm’s offices in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond and New Orleans. He also concentrates on accounting, assurance, consulting, and the growth needs of companies in the construction industry. A strong industry voice and leader at both the local and national level, Montalbano is actively involved with emerging trends within the accounting sector.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Our go-to destination as a family is the beach. There are a few spots on 30A that we frequent.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Ryan Reynolds

LOCAL FARE: 8-oz filet at Ruth’s Chris Steak House

BEST ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “When adversity strikes, and it will, do not give up. Nothing worth having comes easy.”

CANDACE WRIGHT DIRECTOR

POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

Candace Wright is recognized as a national leader in accounting—particularly audits and forensic accounting—with extensive experience working with financial institutions, nonprofits, governmental organizations and health care organizations, among others. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants selected her as one of 2019’s Most Powerful Women in Accounting. Wright, who joined the firm in 1985 and became a director in ’94, serves P&N’s executive committee. She is the service line leader for the accounting and assurance services group, leads the firm’s peer review services and is captain of the peer reviews performed by P&N. Business Report recognized her as one of Baton Rouge’s Influential Women in Business in 2003.

EDUCATION: McNeese State University (Bachelor’s – accounting)

PASSIONS: Supporting the arts, women’s heart health and adult literacy

SHAWN FOLKS OWNER AND CEO GUARANTEE RESTORATION SERVICES

Shawn Folks has been working at remediating fire and water damage most of his life, following in his parents’ footsteps. When they retired from the business, he became the CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services in 2013. He oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the industrycertified disaster recovery team. The company specializes in reconstruction of commercial buildings, schools and homes from water, fire, wind, tree and vehicle impact damage. Based in Baton Rouge, Guarantee also operates locations in New Orleans and Lafayette, as well as Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business)

EARLY START: One of his most vivid memories is helping his parents deal with a burst pipe at the old Montgomery Ward at the age of 11.

LEADERSHIP ADVICE: “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things; he is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”

TY LARKINS

PRINCIPAL TY LARKINS INTERIORS

After practicing law for 10 years, Ty Larkins switched careers to follow his passion for interior design. He launched Ty Larkins Interiors in 2006, quickly garnering attention for his work. Larkins’ designs have been featured in local and national publications including House Beautiful, Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Living Etc., New Orleans Magazine, InRegister, Louisiana Homes and Gardens, Our Louisiana, Louisiana Life and 225 magazine. He has also made appearances on the HGTV network series Dream House for a home he designed for a young family in a Chicago suburban neighborhood. The firm offers services including product sourcing and procurement, project management, art selection, lighting design and planning, color and finish consulting, computer-modeled floor plans and elevations, 3D rendering, interior architectural design, and a curated selection of home furnishings at the firm’s retail boutique.

EDUCATION: LSU (J.D.)

ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN & FACILITY MANAGEMENT >>

ANNE MCCANLESS OWNER ANNE MCCANLESS DESIGNS

Anne McCanless is a design consultant who started out flipping homes under a mentor in Shreveport for a few years before founding her own company, Anne McCanless Designs, in the late 1980s. Her business centers on working with architects and builders to develop home designs, as well as helping clients with furniture selection, paint colors, draperies and other accessories. Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, McCanless opened her latest venture, Texture, a brick-and-mortar home decor, gifts and design consulting shop in The Village at Willow Grove. Along with gifts and design inspiration, the shop also specializes in bridal registries.

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS: Louisiana architect A. Hays Town and the natural textures and layers found throughout the region.

MISSION: Ensure that her designs complement the surrounding environment, making the client feel at home.

MARVIN “BUDDY” RAGLAND PRINCIPAL COLEMAN PARTNERS ARCHITECTS

Marvin “Buddy” Ragland is an award-winning architect who led the design of The Water Campus and downtown Hilton, as well as renovations to the Bon Carré Business Center and master planning additions to Baton Rouge Community College. Ragland is also active working behind the scenes on initiatives to improve the quality of life in Baton Rouge. He has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects throughout his career, having served as the organization’s former Gulf States regional director and past president of its board of directors and Baton Rouge chapter, as well as its Louisiana lobbyist. Ragland is involved in local nonprofit boards such as Sunrise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club of Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – architecture)

HOBBIES: He has his own chickens and bees, producing eggs and honey for family and friends.

MONIQUE SCOTTSPAULDING FRANCHISE OWNER JANI-KING OF BATON ROUGE

Monique Scott-Spaulding knew that she wanted to open her own business before she even knew what kind of business she wanted to run. In 1998, she launched Jani-King of Baton Rouge, a franchise of the Dallas-based commercial cleaning service. Spaulding’s original plan was to scale up her venture and sell the franchise, but she hasn’t let go of it yet. In addition to entrepreneurship, she is also COO of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Spaulding has served nonprofits like the Arts Council of Baton Rouge, Opéra Louisiane, The Emerge Center, Junior League of Baton Rouge and Teach for America. Business Report named her to its 2009 Forty Under 40 class and honored her with a 2017 Influential Women in Business award.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – microbiology)

PASSIONS: Traveling, listening to music, reading and serving others

BEST ADVICE: “Research as much as possible before starting a business.”

CONSULTING >>

MICHAEL THOMASSIE VICE PRESIDENT DUPLANTIS DESIGN GROUP

Michael Thomassie is a civil engineer with more than 15 years of experience with public and private projects across the Gulf Coast. As principal, vice president and head of the Baton Rouge office, Thomassie directly oversees all site selection services, site due diligence, entitlements, project management, design, permitting and construction support services for the civil engineering team. He joined the firm in 2006 from Linfield, Hunter and Junius Inc., where he was assistant project manager. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Council of Engineering Companies and the Louisiana Engineering Society. Thomassie has also served on the boards for the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition and Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

COLLEEN WAGUESPACK

INTERIOR DESIGNER

COLLEEN WAGUESPACK INTERIORS

As both a businessperson and designer, Colleen Waguespack, with 20-plus years of experience, is making a significant mark in the Capital Region. Originally from New Orleans, she has called Baton Rouge home since 2007, previously working for Holden & Dupuy Interiors before starting her own firm. She is also the owner and creative director of Fig & Dove, a holiday décor retailer. She has been highlighted as a Mover & Maker by Traditional Home and Best New Tastemaker by Southern Living for her work. Inspired by her son, Waguespack led the capital campaign for The Emerge Center, Louisiana’s first public charter school designed for children with autism, which launched in 2018.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – interior design)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Michelle Pfeiffer

PROUDEST MOMENT: “When Christopher, my son, who is on the autism spectrum, led the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening of The Emerge Center.”

TIM BARFIELD

PRINCIPAL AND PRESIDENT CSRS

Tim Barfield has made quite the influential name for himself in his hometown, serving as a high-ranking executive at two of Baton Rouge’s biggest companies—first at the Fortune 500 Shaw Group, which has since been sold, and now at CSRS. He also played key roles in the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal as head of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, then executive counsel for the governor’s office and later as secretary for the Department of Revenue. He also is a key player in the creation of the massive statewide foundation that would be established from the proceeds of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana sale. He’s served on the board of Blue Cross, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Foundation for East Baton Rouge Schools and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. He was Business Report’s 2004 Businessperson of the Year.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance, J.D.)

MIKE BRUCE SENIOR PRINCIPAL STANTEC

Mike Bruce advises cities and parishes in Louisiana on transportation issues, particularly in Baton Rouge. His role on the Government Street planning project has been instrumental in seeing this corridor become more accessible, pedestrian friendly and bike friendly. Over Bruce’s nearly four-decade career, he has managed or participated in the design of traffic, bridge, highway and general civil engineering projects across the state. Bruce served on Gov. John Bel Edwards’ transition team’s transportation committee. An engineering consulting firm, Stantec is one of the organizations awarded a contract to work on the long-anticipated LSU Lakes restoration project and was also selected with CSRS to manage the more than $1 billion MovEBR parishwide road improvements program.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

PASSION: Saturday morning golf with friends.

JENNIFER BUTLER DIRECTOR OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

Recognized as an expert in the disaster recovery field, Jennifer Butler has spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles with organizations dedicated to preparing for, mitigating and recovering from natural and human-caused disasters, including a stint at the Water Institute of the Gulf before joining P&N in 2020. She has extensive experience running large-scale disaster recovery programs as well as the administration of related federal funds. She holds professional certifications in grants management and federal contracting. Butler is also an active member of the Greater Baton Rouge community, having served on the boards of the YWCA and supporting organizations such as Empower225.

EDUCATION: Oklahoma City University (Bachelor’s – history and secondary education), University of Connecticut (master’s in homeland security)

BEST ADVICE: If you won’t remember it in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes thinking about it.

ANITA BYRNE PARTNER SSA CONSULTANTS

Anita Byrne was named partner at SSA Consultants in 2016 after serving as a consultant and providing project support for a decade. The firm provides high-quality consulting services to clients, ranging from nonprofits to public entities to Fortune 500 companies across all industry sectors. Additionally, Byrne serves as director of the Leadership Baton Rouge program on behalf of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and serves on the Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni board of directors as an ex-officio member.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history and political science with college honors), William & Mary (MBA)

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Graduating from William & Mary with an MBA as my 40th birthday goal.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Leighton Meester

MUST READ: All the books (and articles and podcasts). Dare to Lead and Measure What Matters on the professional side. The Count of Monte Cristo and Confederacy of Dunces on the personal side.

RACHEL DIRESTO VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR EMERGENT METHOD

Rachel DiResto has been a consistent voice for building more resilient communities in Baton Rouge and across the Gulf Coast. The former CPEX executive leads multiple local and statewide initiatives and projects involving hurricane recovery, community planning, flood risk reduction and resiliency. She’s also a sought-after consultant for strategic communication and stakeholder engagement, perhaps most notably for the $3.2 billion Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. DiResto works with government leaders across the region, providing them with strategic insights and integrating their constituents’ needs into transformational planning initiatives and programs. She is the driving force behind the communications strategy for the Southern Rail Commission.

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Every achievement of my children.”

MUST READ: “Rising Tide. Yes, it’s long, but it’s an important historical record relevant to our unique coastal geography.”

MARK FALLON CHAIR AND CEO APTIM CORP.

Whereas being named chair, CEO, president or vice president would be the culmination of a full career for many, Mark Fallon has held those positions for more than 25 years. He was appointed chair and CEO of the Baton Rougeheadquartered engineering and construction company in 2017. He arrived at the local firm from Washington Companies, where he was president and CEO of Envirocon and Modern Machinery. Before that, he held the leadership roles of board member, president of global regions, managing director of Europe, and president of global nuclear business at CH2M. Fallon has served as a director of the Denver Scholarship Foundation and been a member of the advisory committee of the Export Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Department of Energy’s environmental management advisory board.

DONNA FRAICHE

FOUNDER, CEO, PRESIDENT FRAICHE STRATEGIES

Donna Fraiche is the appointed honorary consul of Japan for this area and the founder of Fraiche Strategies, a strategic consulting firm focused on health care client business, public policy strategy, governance, disaster management, women’s leadership, and international trade. She currently serves on the boards of three publicly traded companies where she holds roles including lead independent director of two. Fraiche chairs multiple committees. She recently retired after more than 45 years in the active practice of law.

EDUCATION: Loyola University (J.D.)

PASSION/HOBBY: Painting (media including oil, acrylic, collage) and playing Scrabble (including Words with Friends]

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Receiving the Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (conferred by the government of Japan/emperor) and delivering commencement address to Loyola College of Law.”

COLLEGE ATHLETE: Fallon played on the varsity basketball team at Connecticut College.

PERRY FRANKLIN PRESIDENT FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES

For more than three decades, Perry Franklin has worked with real estate development, real estate brokerage, urban redevelopment, governmental relations and several aspects of disaster recovery. He holds licenses as a Louisiana real estate broker, Louisiana contractor and is a registered lobbyist. Franklin founded Franklin Associates in 2005 to specialize in community engagement and disaster recovery program management. Prior to founding Franklin Associates, he led the nonprofit Mid City Redevelopment Alliance. His firm has worked on some of the world’s largest disaster recovery projects including dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Sandy. Most recently, the firm supported the state of Louisiana’s work to curb the transmission of the coronavirus in 2020 and 2021 by managing seven hotels that were converted into non-congregate housing shelters.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business management, MBA)

MIKE HACKLEY CEO HACKLEY ENTERPRISES

Mike Hackley is best known for his first startup, BBQGuys. But that story began with the launch of e-commerce company Shopperschoice.com in 2001, then rebranding it and its affiliated sites under the BBQGuys moniker. Streamlining the business model paid off in a big way, with the brand growing into the largest online retailer in the U.S. for high-end barbecue grills and outdoor products. Hackley exited the company in 2020. Since then, he’s traded e-commerce for a brick-and-mortar venture, investing his own money to form Hackley Enterprises, a disaster cleanup business. The eponymously named company will target public- and privatesector clients for cleanup, debris removal and demolition following disasters such as extreme weather events.

EDUCATION: Community College of the Air Force (aerospace technology)

ADVICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS: “Start off small and diversify.”

DIMA GHAWI LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT/EXECUTIVE COACH

DIMA GHAWI LLC

Dima Ghawi arrived in 2013 as an executive for IBM. Her mission: development and delivery of training programs for 800 planned hires here and another 400 in Monroe, along with managing community outreach and strengthening the IBM brand in Louisiana. Two years later, she established a global consulting company, providing leadership, development and executive coaching designed to inspire purpose-driven leadership. She spent two decades leading teams worldwide for Fortune 100 companies, including IBM, Merrill Lynch and Intuit. She authored the award-winning memoir Breaking Vases and was recognized with the 2014 President of the United States Bronze Volunteer Service Award. She has been honored by Business Report as both an Influential Woman in Business and a Forty Under 40. She also received the LSU Esprit de Femme Award.

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Graduating from college, because that is when I became the first educated woman in my family.”

STUART LANDRY GILLY MANAGING PARTNER TRILITY PARTNERS LLC

One doesn’t get much more entrepreneurial than Stuart Gilly, who started his first company at the age of 15. He would later launch Trility Partners in 2019 and he remains as managing partner of the entrepreneurial advisory firm. In 2009, he launched IT security and technology company Skyhawk, which he exited 10 years later. Gilly became the chair of Vistage, a 65-year-old CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. Gilly is an active supporter of several nonprofit causes, including First Tuesday, Manners of the Heart and First United Methodist Youth Ministry.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – marketing)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: The tuna appetizer and filet at Ruth’s Chris Steak House

BEST ADVICE: “My grandfather would always remind me that everyone is important and to treat everyone with the same respect. He would tell me this and more importantly he lived it as a role model.”

BEVERLY HAYDEL PRESIDENT AND CEO SEQUITUR CONSULTING

Combining experience in law and government policy, Beverly Haydel has become an influential voice, not only advising big-name clients such as the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Ochsner Health, and the Louisiana Coalition for Access to Autism Services, but also guiding community initiatives and providing advice to political candidates. A former collegiate basketball player, she left her legal career in Washington, D.C., in 2012 to work on the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, her first foray into politics. Haydel then returned to Louisiana, serving as special assistant and counsel to Gov. Bobby Jindal before joining the Baton Rouge Area Foundation as its director of civic leadership initiatives. Haydel founded Sequitur Consulting in 2017.

EDUCATION: Harvard University (Bachelor’s), Stanford University (J.D.)

HOBBY: “Deer hunting. I like it because I’m so busy and always on my phone, and out on the deer stand, it’s a few hours of complete solitude.”

DEVIN LEMOINE OWNER/PRESIDENT SUCCESS LABS

Devin Lemoine is president and owner of Success Labs, a strategic organizational and leadership development firm that designs and delivers training, coaching, tools and technology to help companies grow leaders, build teams and drive results through great people strategy. Lemoine was the 2013 GBRSHRM Professional of the Year, a Business Report 2016 Influential Women in Business honoree, a 2016 LSU 100 member and a 2018 Goldman Sachs fellow. She speaks locally and nationally on talent management and career development including at the annual National SHRM Conference & Exposition and for Johnson & Johnson’s Finance Women’s Leadership Initiative.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mass communication/economics)

MUST READ: “FYI, A Guide for Development and Coaching—because it’s the best all-in-one book that does a deep dive on leadership competencies—really helps you understand your weaknesses and use your strengths.”

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Pictured: Louisiana’s port system and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it a powerful hub of global and domestic commerce.

Pictured bottom: Louisiana is home to leading industries incorporating AI, robotics and modern tech solutions.

CHRISTEL SLAUGHTER CEO SSA CONSULTANTS

Local and national corporations and public and private organizations alike have turned to Slaughter and her team for guidance. Her expertise includes organizational design and development, change management, performance improvement, strategic planning, public outreach and engagement, training design and delivery, leadership development and executive recruitment and coaching. Examples of her impact include leading the cultural organization transformation of a publicly traded community bank and designing and implementing an awardwinning customer service program for a large health care institution. She was also instrumental in Blueprint Louisiana, a grassroots reform effort. She is a nationally recognized public speaker and was inducted into the E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration Hall of Distinction at LSU.

BEST ADVICE: “Other people can’t take away your education or your reputation. Treasure them both.”

JOHN SNOW PARTNER EMERGENT METHOD

John Snow is an experienced management consultant with expertise rooted in strategic planning and organizational design, public outreach, strategic communication, change management, and project management. As a partner at Emergent Method, Snow serves on the firm’s leadership team and is focused on improving clients’ organizational performance, communications, programs, and initiatives across various sectors such as technology, infrastructure and health care.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mass communication, MBA)

LOCAL FARE: Pluckers cheese fries

MENTOR & IMPACT: “Jay Shelledy was of my college professors and still an incredibly important mentor of mine to this day. Even though I wasn’t a journalism major, and he is extraordinarily accomplished in that profession, he took a special interest in me early on and took time to help me become the best version of myself.”

MUST READ: Long Shot: A Soldier, A Senator, A Serious Sin by Jeremy Alford and Tyler Bridges.

NICK SPEYRER PRESIDENT EMERGENT METHOD

The firm Nick Speyrer founded in 2012 has evolved into a significant player in managing large-scale projects for public, private and nonprofit clients—and in the spaces where those sectors meet. It now boasts a combined 100 full-time, part-time, and project-based team members who work across Louisiana and beyond and has made the Inc. 5000 five years running. Speyrer balances family life with his commitment to the community, via the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Capital Area United Way, the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business Advisory Council and Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge—a particularly meaningful cause since he is a cancer survivor.

MENTOR: John Davies. “I’m amazed at what he accomplished over several decades. I’ve never met anyone more visionary and persistent.”

DO-OVER WISH: I really wish I would have lived in Washington, D.C., and worked in politics after graduating from LSU.

PASSIONS: Golf, cooking, duck hunting

MELISSA THOMPSON CONSULTANT AND COACH SUCCESS LABS

Melissa Thompson returned to her native Louisiana after finishing grad school to help coordinate LSU’s Communication across the Curriculum program, meant to help students of all majors communicate more effectively. In 2013, Thompson and the CxC team founded TEDxLSU, which brings communities together to imagine new possibilities, spur discussion and dialogue, and generate big ideas that can improve Baton Rouge. Thompson is curator and speaker coach for TEDxLSU and an adjunct faculty member for the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business. Prior roles include director of talent development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and communications director at the Baton Rouge General Foundation. Thompson considers herself a storyteller for Baton Rouge who helps young professionals hone their skills and add value.

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Lake Bruin for a long weekend

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: BLDG5 and Mestizo

MICHAEL SONGY PRINCIPAL AND CEO CSRS

Michael Songy, a civil engineer with nearly four decades of experience on large-scale infrastructure and capital improvement programs, is managing some major projects that impact the lives of Capital Region residents, notably East Baton Rouge’s Green Light Plan and federal transportation dollars flowing into the region from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Moreover, Songy is a key voice on numerous Baton Rouge qualityof-life initiatives. A founding principal and CEO of the multidiscipline design and project management firm, Songy was instrumental in restructuring CSRS into a market-sectordriven organization while also boosting a diversity mentoring initiative. He’s a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Louisiana Engineering Society and Louisiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors. He has served on the boards of BRAC and Baton Rouge Growth Coalition.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – engineering)

JOHN

WARE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DIXIE BUSINESS CENTER

John Ware has been a key figure in the Livingston Parish business community for more than 20 years. He is executive director of Dixie Business Center, a nonprofit small business incubator that operates some 50,000 square feet of mixed-use facilities in Denham Springs. Since its inception, the center has aided new or expanding businesses seeking financing, shared office space and services, management assistance, and small business counseling from retired executives. More than 1,500 small businesses have received services from the Dixie Business Center. Ware previously held the executive director position at the Livingston Economic Development Council from 2002 to 2009. He has served a lengthy list of local and economic development associations including Livingston Economic Development Council, and the Livingston Parish Real Estate Board.

EDUCATION: Eastern Kentucky University (Bachelor’s – geography and business)

BARRY BLUMBERG PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER BLUMBERG AND ASSOCIATES INC.

Barry Blumberg has been an important player in the commercial insurance market for more than 33 years. He’s the founder and president of a firm that specializes in policies for mid- to large-size commercial accounts. Under Blumberg’s leadership, the business has grown to include offices in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs and Ponchatoula. Although the core of its business is in the Greater Baton Rouge area, the firm does handle business throughout Louisiana and in six other states. Business Report ranked his operation as the Capital Region’s No. 5 property and casualty insurance company in 2023. Outside of work, Blumberg has served as a member of Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and YMCA of the Capital Area and has donated to the Woman’s Hospital Foundation and Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU

PASSIONS: Playing golf, attending LSU sports and collecting LSU athletic memorabilia

DAVID BONDY FOUNDER AND CEO LUBA WORKERS’ COMP

David Bondy has been in the insurance business since graduating from LSU and launched LUBA in 1991, where he continues to serve as CEO. Key to the company’s birth was Bondy’s lobbying of state legislators to pass a bill enabling the creation of the state’s first workers’ compensation group self-insurance funds. His success in growing LUBA has resulted in Bondy being a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and being named one of Mississippi’s top entrepreneurs by the Mississippi Business Journal. He has also been inducted into LSU’s College of Business Hall of Distinction. Bondy has served on Louisiana’s College and Career Readiness Commission, Educational Television Authority and more than 15 different nonprofit boards. Bondy is also active in state politics, both financially and with his counsel.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration and marketing)

MICHAEL DILEO PRESIDENT AND CEO STONETRUST WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Michael Dileo has been with Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation since 2010, becoming president and CEO within seven years. Dileo has more than 25 years of commercial insurance and workers’ compensation management experience and previously held leadership positions such as senior vice president of claims at Texas Mutual and vice president of underwriting at Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corp. He holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation. Stonetrust was founded in 1993 as a workers’ compensation self-insurance fund but has evolved into a stock insurance company licensed in 28 states. Business Report ranked the company 75th on its most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies in the Capital Region. Dileo is a director of the Magnolia Lakes Estates Homeowners Association.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – history)

BRAD FIFE AREA

DUANE

HARDY

PRESIDENT

ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & CO.

Brad Fife is a certified insurance counselor overseeing market operations for the international insurance brokerage and risk management services company. Like much of the country, the insurance industry was upended by restrictions during the pandemic, but Fife and his team rapidly grew Gallagher’s online presence—enabling employees to work remotely more easily and thus get the company back to normal business operations more quickly. Fife is a member of the LWCC Agency Council and was previously senior vice president for McNeary Inc., which was acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in 2016. Business Report ranked Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. No. 1 on its list of the top property and casualty insurance companies in the Capital Region. Fife is a supporter of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND STATE MANAGER FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

Duane Hardy has spent more than 30 years working at Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance and was promoted to his latest role in late 2022. Previously, he was based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, serving as Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company’s senior vice president of claims for more than four years—his only stint working outside of Louisiana. He started his career at Louisiana Farm Bureau in 1988, rising through the ranks and earning increasingly larger leadership roles along the way with each new title. Though perhaps not as familiar in Baton Rouge, Farm Bureau is a major player in the agricultural sector and the Farm Bureau Federation is the largest—and most powerful—lobbying voice for farmers in the state.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration)

BRIAN PANGBURN

PRINCIPAL AND CEO

THE PANGBURN GROUP

Brian Pangburn is a computer scientist who turned his college summer job in the 1990s into a career he continues to this day. The Pangburn Group offers fee-based record-keeping software services designed exclusively for nonqualified deferred compensation retirement plans. Recognizing the demand for his creation, Pangburn took a year off from grad school to launch the company with his father, Wayne, in 1996. The New Roads-based company has grown to service more than 2,000 businesses, nonprofits and financial institutions across the country. The company routinely finishes among the top companies in the annual Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge evaluation.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Bachelor’s –mechanical engineering), LSU (M.S. – systems science, Ph.D. –computer science)

FAMILY OWNED: Pangburn intends to keep the company privately owned. “Everyone is part of the team and family here. When you bring outside investors [in], that whole culture can be lost.”

KRISTIN WALL PRESIDENT AND CEO LOUISIANA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CORP.

Kristin Wall is one of the most respected— and successful—Capital Region executives, leading LWCC to strong growth during her tenure at the privately held nonprofit mutual insurance company. Previously, she served as COO, executive vice president, general counsel and managing attorney at the firm. An attorney, Wall also holds the directorship certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is also involved in the community, having served on nonprofit boards such as The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, where she is the current chair, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Business Report ranked LWCC No. 25 on its most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies, and she was a 2005 Influential Women in Business honoree.

EDUCATION: LSU (J.D.)

BOB BARTON MANAGING PARTNER

TAYLOR, PORTER, BROOKS & PHILLIPS

Bob Barton, co-chair of the firm’s business and commercial litigation practice, is a leading voice in that field, representing local and national businesses in litigation, transactions, and regulatory and compliance matters. His varied practice includes being a mediator with The Patterson Resolution Group. Also prominent in sports law, Barton represents several universities, including LSU. Barton has been selected for inclusion in both Louisiana Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in business litigation.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s), University of Georgia (MBA, J.D.)

BEST ADVICE: “Don’t wrestle with a pig in the mud. You’ll both get dirty, but the pig likes it.”

MENTOR: “Skip Philips has been a great mentor at Taylor Porter for almost 30 years. I have spent a great deal of time observing and learning from him how to practice law ethically and professionally while zealously representing your client.”

JENNIFER ANDERSON ATTORNEY BAKER DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ

Jennifer Anderson, an expert in labor and employment law with more than 27 years of experience, focuses her practice on wage and hour compliance, arbitration and litigation. Licensed to practice in both Texas and Louisiana, she has represented employers in more than 200 Fair Labor Standards Act cases. Anderson spent more than 23 years at Jones Walker in Baton Rouge before moving her practice to Baker Donelson as a shareholder in the firm. In January, Anderson was named one of InRegister magazine’s “Women with a Cause” for her work at Cat Haven, which spans more than 20 years. As president of the board at Cat Haven, her goal is to double the shelter’s space and reduce the rate of euthanasia in Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU Shreveport (Bachelor’s – English), Texas A&M (M.A. – English), LSU Law (J.D.)

PASSION: Animal rescue

JAMES R. AUSTIN ATTORNEY

BUTLER SNOW

James R. Austin is one of the best known and most highly respected attorneys in the market, having practiced law for 45 years while specializing in banking and real estate law. He is responsible for supporting Butler Snow’s managed assets department with a portfolio of loans and real estate in excess of $400 million. Austin is regularly named as on the top lawyers in the country by industry publication Best Lawyers. Throughout his career in the Capital Region, Austin has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, serving on the boards of the Louisiana Banking Association, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the Baton Rouge Symphony, both the Baton Rouge and Louisiana Bar associations and the Rotary Club.

EDUCATION: Georgia Institute of Technology (Bachelor’s), LSU Law Center (J.D.)

PASSION: Enjoying symphony music

BRANDON BLACK PARTNER

JONES WALKER

Companies with complex commercial disputes—commercial transactions, environmental and toxic torts, the federal False Claims Act and other matters—often turn to Black. Most recently, he represented Taylor Porter attorneys Bob Barton, Vicki Crochet and Shelby McKenzie in a high-profile lawsuit involving the Les Miles sexual misconduct probe. He also represents corporate clients before public multiple public entities.

NONPROFIT CAUSES: Black, who has a son with special needs, maintains leadership roles at nonprofits that serve the special needs community: Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy, Louisiana Special Olympics and ARC of Baton Rouge. ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “In any organization, the best performers consistently do more than is expected, are patient, are eager to learn, expect to earn their success, and are team players who put the interests of others ahead of their own. Over time, these performers will be the most valuable and most successful.”

S. DENNIS

BLUNT

VICE MANAGING PARTNER, BATON ROUGE OFFICE

PHELPS DUNBAR

Dennis Blunt is an experienced trial litigator having developed a solid reputation for guiding clients through complex legal disputes. Blunt focuses his practice on commercial litigation, including business torts, products liability, casualty litigation, lender liability and officer and director disputes. He has represented clients across a wide spectrum of industries including public utilities, education, health care, insurance and financial institutions. His practice has included the representation of companies in class actions and mass torts in state and federal courts.

EDUCATION: University of Louisiana at Monroe (Bachelor’s – legal studies), Southern University Law Center (J.D.), Emory University School of Law (LLM – litigation)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Caribbean beaches— Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, or the Bahamas.”

BEST ADVICE: “Make your goals real by writing them down and tracking progress toward them. Keep your mind on your long-term goals and do your best to stay focused and avoid tangents.”

FRANZ BORGHARDT

OWNER AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY BORGHARDT LAW FIRM

Franz Borghardt is widely known for his civic involvement and initiatives. He has two passions in particular: criminal justice reform and cuisine. He has spearheaded a number of foodie-focused efforts, like the 2016 Baton Rouge Brunches group, the Baton Rouge Burgers competition, the 2017 Capital City Mac Fest and the 2019 Baton Rouge Turns off Waitr Week to protest new performancebased rates opposed by restaurants. At press time, The Geaux Rouge Show, in which Borghardt showcases the cultural, artistic and culinary scenes of the community, had broadcast 127 episodes. He also has done four seasons of Legally Unfiltered on Talk 107.3 with fellow attorney Richard Sprinkle.

PASSION/HOBBY: Collecting octopus artwork ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Patience. Building anything takes time. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of us stood on the shoulders of others in the early part of our career. You can, too.

JOHN CAMPBELL III PARTNER/LAWYER TAYLOR PORTER

Practicing law since 1995, Taylor Porter partner John Campbell III focuses primarily on litigation and serves as co-chair of the firm’s professional liability, insurance, casualty, product liability and personal injury litigation practice. In the last several years, his work has mainly involved commercial litigation, construction litigation, contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty litigation, real estate litigation, class actions, admiralty and maritime cases, premises liability and general tort litigation, and insurance coverage and litigation.

EDUCATION: Millsaps College (Bachelor’s), LSU Law Center (J.D.)

LOCAL FARE: “I prefer to cook at home. My favorites are probably grilled salmon and wild pork curry.”

DO-OVER WISH: “Not taking some time off between college and law school or between law school and my career. One year makes no difference in the long run, but you can have a lot of great experiences in one year.”

JAMES “SONNY” CHASTAIN PARTNER

KEAN MILLER

Sonny Chastain is a go-to lawyer for litigation and intellectual property, representing clients in disputes regarding contracts, banking, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair trade practices and finance. He advises clients in matters regarding copyright and trademark, brand management, and infringement. Chastain has experience litigating insurance disputes and serves as a mediator in matters concerning injury/property damages. He is listed in Louisiana Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America. He was listed by Best Lawyers as the Baton Rouge Lawyer of the Year in Trademark Law for 2018, 2021 and 2023.

WALK-UP SONG: “3AM” by Matchbox Twenty

BEST ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “It is not the critic who counts but the credit belongs to the person in the arena. Always look to be in a position in the arena to deliver on the next play and don’t be afraid to fail.”

SCOTT CHENEVERT ATTORNEY

FISHMAN HAYGOOD

A graduate of Catholic High School, Scott Chenevert has practiced law for more than 25 years, primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance and finance. While guiding both public and private companies through their various transactions and growth initiatives in the energy, technology real estate development and professional services industries, Chenevert also served as board chair for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s political action committee, FuturePAC. Prior to joining Fishman Haywood, Chenevert was a partner at Jones Walker for more than nine years. Chenevert is passionate about supporting the arts and works with the Baton Rouge Arts Council as its board treasurer.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting), Washington and Lee University School of Law (J.D.)

PASSION: Chenevert enjoys working out and trains with Iron Tribe Fitness in Mid City.

PRESTON CASTILLE ATTORNEY

PRESTON CASTILLE LAW FIRM

After 28 years practicing at Taylor Porter, Preston Castille launched his own small firm specializing in commercial litigation and transactions, as well as education and corporate law and policy. Castille now serves as vice president and District 8 representative of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, representing 14 parishes. Castille is passionate about education, advocating for the improvement of Louisiana schools, and his expertise and impact is felt in multiple facets of the Baton Rouge community. While continuing to practice law, Castille serves on multiple boards, including the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the Center for Planning Excellence. He is also president of Helix Community Schools, the charter operator behind Baton Rouge’s first aviation academy.

EDUCATION: Southern University A&M (Bachelor’s –economics), Tulane University (J.D.)

PASSION: Running

G. BLANE CLARK JR. PARTNER

KEAN MILLER

G. Blane Clark is the former managing partner for the firm. He has more than 35 years of experience in industrial, commercial and health care transactions, working with clients in planning their structure and helping with day-to-day business issues. Clark has advised shareholders on the relative rights of holders of a majority or minority equity position. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America guide for corporate law and M&A (2007-2023) and as Lawyer of the Year in mergers and acquisitions law in 2021 and for corporate law in 2022. He is also listed among the top corporate and M&A lawyers in Louisiana by Chambers USA.

WALK-UP SONG: “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen

PASSION: Listening to music at the Red Dragon Listening Room or The Manship Theatre

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Robert Duvall

LINDA PEREZ CLARK MANAGING PARTNER KEAN MILLER

Linda Perez Clark, a leading voice in the Baton Rouge legal world, has more than 30 years of experience representing clients in a wide variety of transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, and engineering, procurement, construction and construction-related contracts for energy projects in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. She also provides general advice to large and small businesses, including assisting clients with master services and supply agreements, development and negotiation of companywide standard form agreements, and entity structure and governance.

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University (Bachelor’s –psychology), Tulane Law School (J.D.)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Anywhere I can soak in nature—mountains, beaches, national parks.”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Professionally: Developing, and soon to be 17 years of leading, Kean Miller Connection, a program that encourages diverse college students to pursue a career in the legal profession.”

ANNE CROCHET PARTNER

TAYLOR PORTER

Anne Crochet has carved out an impressive— and respected—reputation representing business and industry, especially the petrochemical sector, in environmental and toxic tort matters. She is the practice group leader for Taylor Porter’s environmental regulation and litigation team, providing environmental regulatory compliance advice, securing environmental permits, defending enforcement actions and protecting interests through litigation for clients. Crochet joined the firm in 1999 and has been recognized for her work by Best Lawyers, which named her Lawyer of the Year in Baton Rouge for environmental law in 2014, 2020 and 2023. Crochet’s professional memberships include Louisiana Association of Business & Industry, Air & Waste Management Association and the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism, J.D.)

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Baton Rouge Blues Foundation and City Club of Baton Rouge

TOM CLARK ATTORNEY BREAZELLE, SACHSE & WILSON

Tom Clark is known for representing entities ranging in size from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned sole proprietorships. His practice focuses on insurance regulatory law and dispute resolution, state procurement and contract dispute resolution, complex commercial litigation, executive and legislative branch government relations, and filmed entertainment representation. In the insurance arena. Clark is active with state legislators and administrators in the intent and interpretation of laws and regulations. He’s an active member of several community organizations and previously served as president and chair of The Committee of 100 for Economic Development. He also served on the board of the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana and on the executive committee and board of Teach For America South Louisiana.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science, J.D.)

JILL CRAFT

CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY

JILL L CRAFT, ATTORNEY AT LAW

Aside from a brief period at the beginning of her law practice, Jill Craft has practiced law on her own terms. She committed herself to working on behalf of the voiceless and empowering victims of discrimination, civil rights abuses and sexual trauma. She has presented numerous continuing education programs and believes the only way the system can change is through education and challenging the status quo.

EDUCATION: Indiana University (Bachelor’s –double major in economics and political science), LSU (JD)

LOCAL FARE: Elsie’s pimento cheese

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Curacao

MENTOR & IMPACT: “Mary Olive Pierson. She taught me it was OK to be strong, opinionated and independent. When I went through a divorce in 2003, Ollie scooped me up, gave me a safe place to land, and gave me wings to fly.”

MICHAEL D. FERACHI MANAGING MEMBER

MCGLINCHEY STAFFORD

A Catholic High School graduate, Michael D. Ferachi has practiced law in Baton Rouge as a trial and appellate attorney for more than 27 years, focusing on commercial litigation. In 2021, Ferachi succeeded Rudy Aguilar as managing member of McGlinchey Stafford, leading the firm in its concentrated effort to modernize and shift with the changing legal industry through its #McGlincheyForward initiative. Over the course of his career, Ferachi has litigated disputes involving consumer finance institutions of all sizes as well as airlines, outdoor advertising, commercial finance entities and construction companies. Ferachi previously served as editor-in-chief of McGlinchey Stafford’s CAFA Law Blog, regularly providing insight and analysis about trends in class-action litigation across the country.

EDUCATION: LSU Law (J.D.)

PASSION: Volunteering, Ferachi served as chair of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge’s board.

KELSEY KORNICK FUNES

ATTORNEY

PHELPS DUNBAR

Named a Construction Law Trailblazer by the National Law Journal in 2022, Kelsey Kornick Funes has made a name for herself representing both plaintiffs and defendants in disputes involving public and private construction projects in the Gulf Coast region. In her 25 years practicing law, Funes has handled matters involving all aspects of the construction process. Funes is passionate about helping people dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia and has served on the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area’s board of directors, helping provide education and support programs for individuals and families dealing with those diseases. Funes is also an active board member of the Center for Planning Excellence.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – political science, history), LSU Law (J.D.)

BRETT FURR PARTNER

TAYLOR PORTER

Brett Furr is one of the region’s top litigators in the commercial, banking and real estate sectors but he is perhaps more widely known to the general public as one of the attorneys representing the city of Baton Rouge in its case against the St. George incorporation. He is the former chair of the banking law section of the National Lawyers Association and recently served on a task force to update local court rules for the Middle District’s U.S. Bankruptcy Court. He’s been honored by Louisiana Super Lawyers (banking), Best Lawyers (real estate), and has twice been honored by his peers as Baton Rouge Real Estate Litigation Lawyer of the Year. He is a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy, bank liability and related matters.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration, J.D.)

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge Country Club executive committee, First Presbyterian Church

WALT GREEN PARTNER PHELPS DUNBAR

Walt Green focuses his practice on data privacy and governmental investigations. He was the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana and the executive director for the National Center for Disaster Fraud from 2013 to 2017. He retired from the U.S. Department of Justice with over 20 years of federal experience. Additionally, Green served in the Marine Corps for over 30 years and retired with the rank of colonel. Since entering private practice, Green has been a sought-after speaker and commentator on fraud, cybersecurity and data privacy issues. He earned a spot on the National Law Journal’s 2017 Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Trailblazer’s list, which highlights the top 25 attorneys who have helped make a difference in the fight against criminal cyber activity.

PASSION/HOBBY: Trying new recipes PROUDEST MOMENT: “Completing U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.”

SCOTT HENSGENS MANAGING PARTNER BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON

Scott Hensgens has been the firm’s managing partner for more than 13 years, being elected at the relatively young age of 38. He’s also an important voice in the growth of the Baton Rouge business community. Passionate about trademark law, his practice is heavily concentrated on representing businesses and individuals in trademark and copyright registration and litigation.

EDUCATION: Tulane School of Law (J.D.), LSU (Bachelor’s)

LOCAL FARE: “I prefer to do the cooking myself.”

FOCUS: “Personally, I am focused on being the best father and husband I can be to my family. I have three amazing kids (13, 12, and 12). They are a fulltime job for Lauren and me but watching them grow and experience things is truly the joy of my life.”

MUST READ: “Band of Brothers, Stephen E. Ambrose. I am a WWII buff. Fantastic story about our country’s heroes.”

MARY TERRELL JOSEPH ATTORNEY MCGLINCHEY STAFFORD

Mary Terrell Joseph has advised clients on collections matters and creditors’ rights, including both retail and commercial collections, for more than 50 years. She has a passion for bettering the Baton Rouge community that has driven her to civic involvement and nonprofit leadership. This passion inspired years of volunteerism with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, LSU Museum of Art, and the Baton Rouge Gallery. She has also been involved for many years with the Capital Area United Way, the Capital Area Network, the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Area Foundation, The Emerge Center and many other nonprofits.

EDUCATION: Hollins University (Bachelor’s), LSU Law Center (J.D.)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Sally Field

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Being one of the first, few female law school graduates in 1970, just two months after having my first child.”

MUST READ: Anything by Lee Smith.

MAUREEN HARBOURT OF COUNSEL KEAN MILLER

Maureen Harbourt has more than three decades of environmental law experience, representing local, national and international industrial clients in a variety of substantive environmental areas. She also is a champion for diversity in the legal profession, having been a founding member of the firm’s diversity council. She was recognized as one of Business Report’s Influential Women in Business in 2010 and was listed in Louisiana Super Lawyers (2008-2023). In 2010 and 2022, Harbourt was included on the Top 25 Women Attorneys in Louisiana list. She was listed as a top lawyer in Chambers USA (2018-2022) in environmental law and also listed in Best Lawyers in America (2006-2023) and as Baton Rouge Lawyer of the Year in Environmental Law for 2012 and 2021.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: “Don’t neglect your family and friends. Make time for them.”

LEE C. KANTROW ATTORNEY

BUTLER SNOW

Lee C. Kantrow passed the bar exam in 1971 and has practiced law in Louisiana for more than five decades. Kantrow specializes in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities and corporate finance. He represents a diverse group of business clients including hospitals, health care providers, insurers, telecommunications companies and nonprofits. Kantrow is part of a multigenerational family of lawyers in Baton Rouge; his father founded law firm Kantrow, Spaht, Weaver & Blizer and son Jacob Kantrow also practices law in Butler Snow’s business services group. Kantrow regularly advises boards of directors on governance and other matters and has been recognized as a top attorney by Chambers USA.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (Bachelor’s –economics), Harvard University (J.D.)

PAMELA R. MASCARI PARTNER KEAN MILLER

Pamela Mascari’s practice focuses on complex litigation and regulatory matters, primarily in the oil and gas, pipeline, energy and environmental areas. She has experience in the energy, petrochemical and manufacturing industries and advises clients with regard to litigation strategy. She’s also known for her extensive experience handling complex litigation in multidistrict litigation proceedings in federal district courts outside of Louisiana. She’s been recognized by Louisiana Super Lawyers (2011-2023) and was included on the Top 25 Women Attorneys in Louisiana and Top 50 Attorneys in Louisiana lists (2022-2023). Mascari serves on the Advisory Council of the Mineral Law Institute at the LSU Law Center and has been on the mineral law committee of the Louisiana State Law Institute since 2018.

PASSION: Sports of any kind

NONPROFIT CAUSES: Alzheimer’s Services of Baton Rouge

GORDON MCKERNAN

OWNER AND ATTORNEY GORDON MCKERNAN INJURY ATTORNEYS

Gordon McKernan has the most recognizable face in Baton Rouge. The personal injury attorney started his firm in 1992, but his guerrilla marketing campaign of endless billboards in recent years has paid off by garnering him more fame and attention than the highest-profile court case ever could. McKernan also entered the name, image and likeness space in college athletics, dishing out NIL deals to male and female star athletes at LSU, Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. But outside of the relentless, self-aware advertising, McKernan and his firm also dedicate hours of volunteer work and financial resources to support good causes in the community, like the Mary Bird Perkins Foundation, Redstick CARES, Sickle Cell Foundation of Baton Rouge and Companion Animal Alliance.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s), Loyola University of New Orleans (J.D.)

WALK-UP SONG: “Get Gordon Jingle”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Daniel Day-Lewis

DARREL PAPILLION PARTNER

WALTERS, PAPILLON, THOMAS, CULLENS

Earlier this year, President Joe Biden tapped Baton Rouge attorney Darrel Papillion to be a federal judge for the U.S. Eastern District of Louisiana. Papillion, a former Business Report Forty under 40 honoree, has been a partner in Baton Rouge-based firm Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC since 2009 and specializes in handling cases dealing with wrongful death and serious personal injury. The LSU alum started his career as a law clerk for Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Catherine D. Kimball from 1994 to 1995, and moved to Baton Rouge in 1999 to join Moore, Walters & Thompson as an associate. He was also a partner at Moore, Walters, Thompson, Thomas, Papillion & Cullens from 2001 to 2009.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, J.D.)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café. “I order everything over there and rarely eat the same thing twice.”

BEST ADVICE: “Instant success takes 15 years.”

JOHN PERRY PARTNER AND OWNER PERRY, BALHOFF, MENGIS & BURNS

John Perry has practiced as a civil defense attorney and a plaintiff’s attorney, earning the uncommon distinction of serving on both the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel’s board of directors and the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association’s board of governors. He still tries select cases, but his primary focus these days is as a mediator, where he’s widely regarded as tops in the region. Perry is also a partner and founding member of the alternative dispute resolution firm Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions. He is a member of many professional organizations including the American College of Trial Lawyers. Perry has been appointed as a special master in largevalue settlement cases, and the Louisiana Supreme Court appointed him to serve as a judge pro tempore.

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University (bachelor’s in business), LSU (J.D.)

COLLEGE ATHLETE: Starting point guard and captain of the Nicholls State basketball team.

MARY OLIVE PIERSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Widely known as Ollie or MOP, this highprofile defense attorney has made a name for herself as a frequently sassy and sometimes salty lawyer who has never been one to bite her tongue or practice political correctness. Once notably referred to by a plaintiff as a “red-headed barracuda,” her searing oneline media sound bites, her nobody-talkseverybody-walks legal strategy and her loyalty are legendary. She has represented some of the biggest names in the Capital Region, most recently fighting the St. George incorporation on behalf of the city of Baton Rouge. She was one of just seven women in her LSU Law School class.

FUN FACT: From 1978 to 1980, Pierson had a side gig as a meat pie entrepreneur, opening MOP’s Great American Meat Pie Co. on Government Street. She fell in love with the Louisiana delicacy on her frequent trips to Natchitoches.

CLAUDE REYNAUD JR. ATTORNEY BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON

Litigator Claude Reynaud, Jr. has built his career focusing on antitrust and intellectual property, as well as cases involving fiduciary duty disputes. After making partner in 1981, Reynaud went on to become chief general counsel to the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association in 1998. Among other notable cases, Reynaud represented the city of Alexandria in litigation against Cleco over alleged overcharges to the city’s utility, resulting in a $50.7 million settlement for the city in 2014. Part of the effort nearly 20 years ago to revitalize downtown Baton Rouge, Reynaud is now chair of Visit Baton Rouge’s board of directors. He has a history of community service, which includes volunteering with Preserve Louisiana to promote the state’s architectural and cultural history.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – corporate finance), Tulane University (J.D.)

PATRICK RAGAN RICHARD ATTORNEY PHELPS DUNBAR

Attorney Patrick Ragan Richard focuses mainly on corporate transactions, real estate and finance. Transactions can range from acquisitions and mergers to divestitures. He also is involved in matters of corporate governance and organization of large and small companies. Richard represented Popeyes’ largest franchisee in the acquisition of more than 160 restaurants. He was also a critical player in the Nicholson Gateway Project near LSU, facilitating the university’s public-private partnership that paved the way for the development. Richard has been active in the Baton Rouge community, serving on the boards of St. Joseph’s Academy, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

EDUCATION: Vanderbilt (Bachelor’s – biomedical engineering) LSU Law (J.D.)

LEWIS UNGLESBY ATTORNEY

UNGLESBY LAW FIRM

Lewis Unglesby is a larger-than-life character in Baton Rouge law. Through the years, he has been the go-to bulldog for defendants in some of the community’s most prominent criminal cases: Stephen Edwards; former U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr.; bad guy-turnedgovernment informant Barry Seal; former state Sen. Heulette “Clo” Fontenot; former Livingston Parish President Dewey Ratcliff; teamsters business manager Keith Partin; and Rodney Peairs. Restaurateur Al Copeland sought him out when divorcing his wife. A former roughneck and gas station manager who fell in love with the profession watching Perry Mason, he’s won millions of dollars going up against corporations and made enduring case law. His son Lance joined the Napoleon Street firm in 2009.

DO-OVER WISH: “I would need an entire book.”

BATON ROUGE DIRECTION: “We have everything we need but need to get out of the way of progress.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Our home in Woodville, Mississippi.

RAEDTHA VASQUEZ PARTNER

JONES WALKER

Raedtha Vasquez is a legal force in economic development projects and public-private partnerships. Her work as underwriters’ counsel for the $294 million bond sale for the restoration of the Louisiana Superdome in the wake of Hurricane Katrina was awarded Deal of the Year in the Southeast Region by The Bond Buyer. At Jones Walker, she is a partner in the tax practice group, advising clients on commercial transactions, including real estate matters, construction lending, municipal bond transactions and tax increment financing. National retailers involved in significant real estate transactions—acquisitions, development, planning, management, land use, and zoning— as well as colleges and universities addressing infrastructure needs are among her clients.

NONPROFITS: As the daughter of teachers, she has made organizations with an educational mission her focus: She’s currently on the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition board but has also served as chair of Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

RANDY YOUNG ATTORNEY

KEAN MILLER

Randy Young is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller and has more than 25 years of experience in energy and utility regulation litigation. He joined the law firm in 1992 and currently practices primarily in the areas of energy, utility regulation and river pilotage regulation. He also has experience in trucking regulatory matters and telecommunications and environmental litigation.

EDUCATION: University of Southwestern Louisiana (Bachelor’s – agribusiness), LSU (J.D.)

PASSION/HOBBY: “Long road trips west— Wyoming, Montana, Utah; anything outdoors.”

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Stanley Tucci

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS: “Much of my work and focus involves leading a group of industrial companies on electricity supply and policy issues, and efforts to open new electricity supply paths and options for industry and economic development in Louisiana.”

TAYLOR BENNETT OWNER AND CEO MESH

Taylor Bennett started out studying engineering in college, but realized he wanted to pursue advertising and graphic design instead. That epiphany has paid off for him. In 2003, he launched MESH, the strategic marketing agency he leads as the firm’s CEO. Over the past 20 years, MESH has received almost 600 Addys from the American Advertising Federation – Baton Rouge, including eight trophies at this year’s awards ceremony. Some of the firm’s other accolades received under Bennett’s leadership include Telly Awards, the 2016 TORCH Award for Ethics in Business and being named a Best Place to Work. Bennett also prioritizes giving back to the community through the agency by selecting a nonprofit for whom it develops a big project every year.

BR LOVE: “I grew up in Baton Rouge and plan to continue to be parked here no matter how big we grow.”

CRAIG CHUMNEY PRESIDENT

FRANKLIN

Craig Chumney is an innovator in the data and direct mail space and serves as president for Franklin. Referring to himself as the “chief geek,” he is leading Franklin’s race to develop the data side of the company. Chumney joined Franklin in 1996 as vice president when it merged with Digitrans, the data conversion and management company he founded more than a decade earlier. Since then, he’s led Franklin’s efforts to integrate new technologies into the company’s direct-mail marketing, design and data management strategies. In other words, he is taking a company founded in 1922 that for decades made its living off traditional printing and moving it into the digital age. Franklin operates a second directmail facility in Memphis.

EDUCATION: LSU

ANN EDELMAN VICE

PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA

ZEHNDER COMMUNICATIONS

Ann Edelman has worked for Zehnder Communications for the past 17 years and currently serves as vice president of public relations and media. Throughout her career, she has guided local, regional and national clients in growing and protecting their brands through strategic public relations, media relations, crisis communications and event planning in health care, finance, economic development, insurance, consumer products, quick-service restaurants, hospitality, tourism, sports and politics. She is a frequent presenter on crisis communications and is routinely sought for help with tough-news scenarios including legal issues, workplace accidents, regulatory violations, high-profile litigation, diversity issues and natural disasters.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s, M.A.–communication theory)

WALK-UP SONG: Beautiful, by Carole King

ACTRESS IN A MOVIE: “Someone tall and a tad loud”

BEST ADVICE: “Never argue with a fool.”

JAY JOHNSON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO LAMAR ADVERTISING

Jay Johnson is widely regarded as an expert in working with capital markets and real estate investors, critical to Lamar as it had converted to a REIT five years prior to Johnson’s hiring in 2019. He is a seasoned corporate executive, having held the same titles at DiamondRock Hospitality, where he led all financial activities for the publicly traded lodging real estate investment trust company, including treasury, investor relations, tax, risk management, financial reporting and analysis. Before that, Johnson was at S&P 500 company Host Hotels & Resorts, where he completed more than $14 billion in debt and equity capital transactions in his role as senior vice president and treasurer.

EDUCATION: Morehouse College (Bachelor’s –economics), Harvard Business School (MBA)

STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE: “Two cellphones--one for personal use and one for business. It allows me to unplug from work from time to time.”

ADRIAN OWEN JONES

KENNY NGUYEN CO-FOUNDER AND CEO THREESIXTYEIGHT

Kenny Nguyen is a leader in Baton Rouge’s quest to attract and retain young, educated professionals and also seeks to boost the city’s creative capital through the Assembly Required conference series he co-curates. His advertising and marketing agency provides presentation design, coaching and speechwriting services. In 2012, while still a student, he founded Big Fish Presentations, which went on to publish its book, The Big Fish Experience, through McGraw Hill in 2016. He has been recognized for his work, receiving accolades such as the 2017 Millennial Award for digital media, appearing on the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for advertising and marketing, and being named 2019 Young Businessperson of the Year by Business Report.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: “The chicken-katsu curry at Boru Ramen just hits differently for me.”

PASSION/HOBBY: Working on a cookbook

BEST ADVICE: “Be scrappy, not crappy. There’s a difference.”

CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER/OWNER THREESIXTYEIGHT / LADY JONES CONSULTING

Adrian Owen Jones is chief growth officer and EOS integrator at ThreeSixtyEight, a creative agency based in south Louisiana that’s a three-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Businesses. She is a certified fundraising executive helping organizations catalyze growth by leveraging data, technology and talent. Previously, she was AVP for advancement services at the LSU Foundation, working to build the operations that led to a record $1.5-billion campaign. She has considerable experience driving organizational excellence.

EDUCATION: Oklahoma State University (Bachelor’s – classical studies), LSU (completing MALA, spring 2023)

PASSION/HOBBY: “I adore gardening and cultivating butterflies. This year my home became a certified monarch waystation, and I aim to become a master gardener.”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “When I got accepted into graduate school at LSU. I was never a good student because of my dyslexia.”

STAN LEVY FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO

SASSO

Stan Levy is a marketing and publicity professional who struck out on his own by founding his own creative agency, SASSO, in 2011. As president and CEO, he leads the team and drives the vision of the agency. The agency has locations in New Orleans, Atlanta, Austin and San Diego, in addition to its headquarters in the Capital City. Levy makes giving back to the community one of the pillars of his agency, by supporting local nonprofits like Capital Area United Way, American Cancer Society’s Best Dressed Ball and Boys & Girls Club. He has also served on the Capital Area United Way board for multiple terms. He was selected by Business Report as a 2009 Forty Under 40 honoree.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mass communication)

MUSICAL TASTE: Fan of 1980s music

PROUDEST MOMENT: He beat Peyton Manning in a dance-off when he was 12 years old.

SEAN REILLY CEO

LAMAR ADVERTISING

Sean Reilly has served in various capacities at Lamar Advertising since 1989, succeeding his brother as CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the Baton Rouge-based outdoor advertising company has completed some of the most notable achievements in its 121-year history. Lamar established the industry’s first digital billboard network in 2001, which has grown to more than 4,500 displays and is the largest network in the U.S. Reilly has focused on implementing new technologies like solar panels and 3D printing to keep Lamar ahead of its competition, while also eyeing new markets for organic growth. Lamar also successfully converted to a real estate investment trust (REIT) in 2014. Reilly and the company are also supporters of local and national nonprofits, providing them with billboard support, as well as volunteering and raising funds.

EDUCATION: Harvard University (Bachelor’s, J.D.)

BEST ADVICE: “The golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

BRIAN RODRIGUEZ PRESIDENT GATORWORKS

Brian Rodriguez is founder and president of Gatorworks, a digital marketing agency that focuses on website design, web development, search engine marketing, targeted display and traditional branding. Rodriguez’s career as an entrepreneur and web consultant began at an early age. He founded Gatorworks during his time as an LSU student. Gatorworks has worked with hundreds of clients over the last 16 years—mostly in the health care, education, industrial, retail, home service, food and beverage, business-to-business, and government sectors.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – ISDS)

WALK-UP SONG: Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Napa, California

MUST READ: “Atomic Habits by James Clear is a huge game changer. It had a big impact on me. The other I would recommend is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It has a lot of practical ways to live a better life.”

HUNTER TERRITO

PRESIDENT AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

XDESIGN INC.

Hunter Territo has a background in branding and strategy and a passion for the advertising industry. As majority owner, president and creative director, he leads the Xdesign team from first contact to implementation. He started out as an intern at the firm in 2007 and has worked in every position over the years. In addition to his day job, Territo has also served as an adjunct instructor at LSU, where he taught advertising strategy. He also helped with the Manship School’s digital media initiative to overhaul its course curriculum. Territo is a recipient of the Ralph Sims Award, which honors a lifetime of achievement in advertising education, and the Rising Star Award from the American Advertising Federation of Baton Rouge. Business Report named him to its 2014 Forty Under 40 class.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – graphic design)

STEPHEN ST. CYR OWNER, PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER VIVID INK GRAPHICS

Stephen St. Cyr has had many jobs over the years. He’s been a student, a missionary, a soldier, a computer consultant, a banker, an environmental project manager and a serial entrepreneur. But he’s probably best known as the owner, president and controller of Vivid Ink Graphics, the printing and graphics company he co-founded in 1999. St. Cyr’s company specializes in digital and offset printing services for businesses, organizations and individuals. He has also launched a bench and billboard advertising company, hair salons and laundromats, but now prefers to keep his focus on growing and managing Vivid Ink.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – quantitative business administration, M.S. – finance)

PASSION: His passion for aviation led him to earn his pilot’s license in 2008.

BEST ADVICE: “Always remember that you need to be a great company before you acquire a good company. You can’t buy yourself from good to great.”

TOMMY TALLEY FOUNDER AND CHIEF STORYTELLER

ECHO TANGO

Tommy Talley has described himself as a “hype man,” but he’s also a filmmaker, producer and an entrepreneur with several companies under his belt. His official title is chief storyteller for Echo Tango, the awardwinning creative agency and production studio he co-founded in Baton Rouge. For its work with recognizable brands like 5Gum, Papa John’s and Ethereum, the firm has received many awards, including taking home 12 trophies at this year’s American Advertising Awards ceremony. Talley spent several years producing and working as a freelance camera operator in Los Angeles. His previous company startups include tommysTV and The Bullpen Creative. Business Report selected Talley as a 2014 Forty Under 40 honoree.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – photography)

BY CHANCE: “I had no intention of working in advertising. It just kind of happened.”

OTEY WHITE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

OTEY WHITE & ASSOCIATES

Otey White is an experienced marketer and advertiser who founded his ad agency more than 30 years ago and has grown it into one of the largest firms in the state. The full-service advertising and public relations firm provides a full range of services to clients, including graphic design, media buying, website design, digital and social media buying, and sports marketing. For his work, White has received multiple awards including the Ralph Sims Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a member of the Manship School of Mass Communication’s board of visitors. Business Report honored White as a Forty Under 40 in 1995.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – journalism)

PASSION: LSU football

GOOD TIMES: White is a member of the famous LSU tailgate crew with the decked-out RV and ceiling fan dangling from a tree at the corner of South Stadium and Nicholson drives.

BO WHITE

FOUNDER AND CEO

CLICK HERE DIGITAL

Bo White has been a tech entrepreneur, digital marketer and an automotive consultant, but he is best known for being the founder of Click Here Digital, launching the company in his LSU dorm room. The agency boasts several hundred digital marketing clients, including law firms, hospitals and automobile dealerships. Click Here offers digital marketing services, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, social media, connected TV, and display and video online advertising. It is also a certified Google and Facebook partner. White has also owned and then sold several other digital businesses over his career.

EDUCATION: LSU (computer and information sciences)

BEST ADVICE: “If you build a community within your organization, people will want to be a part of it.”

JOHN WILLIAMS FOUNDER, CEO AND STRATEGIST JCW CREATIVE

John Williams first became interested in multimedia storytelling when he picked up a camera at the age of 13. He continued to develop that interest, accumulating experience in strategic marketing and data analytics along the way. In 2012, while a sophomore at LSU, Williams founded JCW Creative. In a few short years, he’s grown the full-service marketing agency into a firm with a staff of 28 team members. Williams and his team provide video production, web development and design, graphic design, photography, marketing, and branding services. Some of JCW Creative’s clients have included Walk-On’s, Port of New Orleans, BREC, Medifast Louisiana and LSU athletics. Williams prioritizes developing a unique company culture that values caring for others, executing plans and pursuing constant growth.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – mass communication)

ROBERT WISE OWNER AND CEO ITINSPIRED

Robert Wise is an IT professional who has been working with computers for more than 20 years. After progressing up the ranks of the profession, he struck out on his own and founded ITinspired in 2013. The firm specializes in IT project management, consulting, network and server architecture and administration, and security. Wise is a member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge Ancient Athletes Society. He donates his time to nonprofit causes like the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Junior Achievement of Greater Baton Rouge & Acadiana, and through the virtual volunteering platform Nepris Inc.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – ISDS)

SCHOOL SPIRIT: Wise is a former LSU cheerleader and Mike the Tiger mascot.

HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing and archery, among many others

TREY BEALL PRESIDENT GULF COAST OFFICE PRODUCTS

Trey Beall has seen the office equipment industry change a lot in the 25 years he has been at Gulf Coast Office Products. Copiers are now networked printers, scanners and fax machines, in addition to their traditional role of making simple copies. As president of the company, Beall has had to stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant to his clients’ needs. The 46-year-old company has grown 350% over the past six years and is the largest locally owned copier distributor in Louisiana. It serves organizations in the health care, banking, petrochemical, law, industrial and accounting sectors. Beall has donated his time to attend a lunch and learn event at the Dunham School, where he spent time meeting and discussing sales and marketing career paths with students.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – general studies)

FAVORITE BUSINESS LUNCH: J. Alexander’s HARDEST LEADERSHIP LESSON: “No one is going to do it for you.”

JANET BRITTON GENERAL COUNSEL AND EVP OF HUMAN RESOURCES REV

Janet Britton is responsible for providing strategic leadership and guidance through complex business, legal and regulatory issues at Rev, where she serves as general counsel and executive vice president. Britton has been in the telecommunications sector for 27 years, 23 of which have been at Rev. Her previous position was staff attorney for the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Britton was recently appointed to the Broadband for Everyone in Louisiana Commission and the Louisiana Information Technology & Communications Resiliency Task Force and has served with the Louisiana Telecommunications Association, the Ascension Chamber of Commerce and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Assisting in launching a wireless product … from zero to launch in less than four months.”

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: “Anywhere where I am surrounded by Cajun French speakers.”

JOSH DESCANT CEO REV

Josh Descant has extensive experience building teams and achieving strategic clarity, operational improvement and cultural change in fast-paced business environments. He is the CEO of Rev, a position he has held since 2020, where he is responsible for more than 400 employees who service over 60,000 residential and business customers. Descant’s previous leadership positions at the company include president, executive vice president of product development and marketing, and director of information services. Last year, he led the rebranding of three businesses—RTC, Eatel and Vision Communications—under the unified flag of Rev. Descant is a member of USTelecom’s leadership committee, Ascension Chamber of Commerce, and The Committee of 100 for Economic Development Inc., representing the Capital Region. He served in the Marine Corps for eight years.

HOW HE UNWINDS: By catching up on blogs and news and by reading anything that teaches him something new.

CALVIN FABRE FOUNDER, CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER AND SOFTWARE ENGINEER ENVOC

Calvin Fabre started out writing software code in his garage and then studied computer science in college. Now, he is sharing his decades of carefully honed skills and experience with clients across the Gulf Coast. In 1997, he founded Envoc, an award-winning digital marketing and software development firm. Headquartered in Baton Rouge and with an office in Hammond, Fabre leads a team that provides complex software design, mobile and web app hosting and support, e-commerce, identity management and verification, HIPAA- and PCI-certified software development, hosting, and live support. Envoc may be best known for creating LA Wallet, the first app-based digital driver’s license in the U.S. that is considered equivalent to a physical license or ID. It has 1.5 million unique users and added the ability to display concealed handgun permits in late 2022.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – computer science)

JASON LASSEIGNE PRESIDENT SPARKHOUND

Jason Lasseigne was not an early player in the Capital Region’s emerging tech sector in the early 2000s, but he went on to become an industry leader while working his way up the ranks at Sparkhound. He is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the multistate company that specializes in solving business challenges through technology. He also works with the CEO to shape the company’s strategic vision. Lasseigne previously held executive positions at Equifax, TraceSecurity and Envoc.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – ISDS-MIS)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: “I have really become a fan of BLDG 5. All of their boards are excellent, and, more importantly, consistent. Also, the vibe in the restaurant is completely unique for Baton Rouge.”

PASSION/HOBBY: “I’m an avid golfer. I will play pretty much any opportunity I can. I’m not very good, but always trying to get better.”

CHAD LEMAIRE CHAIR AND CEO CMA TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Chad LeMaire has been leading teams of IT professionals for more than 30 years. He has been CEO of CMA Technology Solutions since 2003 and, more recently, assumed the role of chair. One of the largest firms in the Capital Region, LeMaire’s staff of over 60 employees provides IT consulting, virtualization, cloud hosting and backup, disaster recovery, wireless networking and video surveillance, among other services. He joined the 39-year-old firm in 1997 in the role of executive vice president of sales and marketing and was promoted to president and CEO five years later. The impact of LeMaire’s leadership was instrumental in CMA being recognized as one of 2020’s Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge. Business Report ranked the firm No. 7 on its list of technology consultants and IT services firms and No. 77 on its list of The Top 100 Private Companies in 2023.

EDUCATION: McNeese State University (Bachelor’s –mass communications)

CHARLES MASTERS SENIOR PARTNER/CLIENT SERVICE LEADER IBM

From the IBM building in Baton Rouge, Charles Masters oversees six client centers across North America, from Monroe to Calgary. His team of 2,500 IBMers, as they are known, serves more than 300 clients. He arrived in February 2019, at a time when the firm was having trouble meeting its hiring requirements as part of its incentive package from the state of Louisiana. It has since done so. Masters opened the doors to the taxpayerfunded building, allowing reporters their first glimpse inside. Moving into the 525 Lafayette apartment complex next to IBM, he has embraced his new Louisiana home, telling businesspeople upon his arrival that now was the time to “change the world” through technology, and that Baton Rouge is the “right place” to do it. He also recently hosted a teambuilding crawfish boil in the parking garage.

BEHIND THE SCENES: “We’re literally solving the most complicated things out there. The cool things you see IBM is doing on TV … those are the kinds of things we’re doing.”

DONALD MONISTERE CEO AND PRESIDENT GENERAL INFORMATICS

Hammond native Donald Monistere is a seasoned tech executive who is looking to further accelerate the already fast-paced growth of General Informatics. As president and CEO, he is focusing on the firm’s dayto-day operations as it continues to expand into new markets. Monistere’s most recent experience prior to General Informatics was at tech firms ibml, C Spire, TekLinks and Vista Information Systems, spanning from 1993 to 2020 and where he held roles as CEO, COO and vice president. He also began writing books on the side, publishing Enhanced Life Performance: Achieving the Best Version of Self in 2017 and followed that with the second book in the series, Achieving Success as an Executive, in 2020.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – management), Aspen University (MBA)

BEST ADVICE: “If you’re sitting at a table and everyone looks, thinks and acts like you, sit at another table.”

ERIN MONROE WESLEY

MARKET VICE PRESIDENT, GREATER LOUISIANA COX COMMUNICATIONS

Erin Monroe oversees operations and leads 750 employees across the Baton Rouge and Lafayette markets in her role as market vice president for Greater Louisiana at Cox Communications. She is an attorney and corporate executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in advocacy, policy development, media and community relations. Prior to arriving at Cox in 2019, she was executive vice president and COO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and then went on to serve as special counsel to Gov. John Bel Edwards. Monroe is actively involved in many local nonprofit organizations, including the Woman’s Hospital Foundation, City Year Baton Rouge, Center for Planning Excellence, Junior League of Baton Rouge and The Links Incorporated.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – business administration), Southern University Law Center (J.D.)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT AND DISH: Black & Gold Roll at Tsunami Baton Rouge

PAUL POKORNEY OWNER ADVANCED OFFICE SYSTEMS

After working in the business technology industry for six years in Orlando, Florida, Paul Pokorney established Advanced Office Systems when he got the opportunity to start his own company. He thought Baton Rouge would be a good fit because Louisiana was experiencing growth in the oil and gas industry. Even though the economy was in decline and interest rates were at an all-time high, his gamble paid off. Originally a copier company, Advanced Office Systems has evolved into a managed services provider specializing in IT solutions, print management and document imaging services. Pokorney’s outfit also provides office equipment and medical billing services. It hasn’t just expanded its offerings, but also its footprint with the additions of locations in New Orleans and Alexandria.

FUN FACT: A family-owned company since it opened its doors over 40 years ago, Pokorney’s two sons have also joined the company to continue that tradition.

MATT SLACK PRINCIPAL 60KPI INVESTMENTS

Matt Slack is best known as the former CEO and founder of audio-visual and video conferencing services provider AV Solutions. But he has exited the company and is now focusing primarily on 60KPI Investments, a company he founded in 2020. Slack learned the audio-visual trade while running sound for bands and church events, as well as working for an AV integration firm. He holds certifications from organizations like NSCA, Avixa, Creston Electronics, Extron and Polycom, among others. Slack trained and served as a missionary in Atlanta from 1999 to 2001. He champions organizations and causes that serve children, family or entrepreneurial needs, often with JudeoChristian values.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: The shawarma at Albasha

PASSIONS: Team and solo cavern scuba diving, mountain biking, cycling and doing bike maintenance.

PADMA VATSAVAI

CEO

VINFORMATIX

Padma Vatsavai wasn’t concerned about the state of Baton Rouge’s tech sector in the early 2000s, or about the fact she wasn’t connected in a “who you know” city, or that women weren’t seen as tech players, or that she was a mother to two children. She knew that she was driven, smart and determined to start her own business. Which she did in 2008, launching Vinformatix, a software development firm providing technological solutions to improve medical administration and research, business processes and public sector initiatives. She’s now a leading voice in the region’s tech sector. Vatsavai is president of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Foundation board and a member of the Baton Rouge General Foundation board.

EDUCATION: Andhra University (Bachelor’s –computer science), Cleveland State University (M.S. – computer science), Harvard Business School Executive Education (entrepreneurial strategy)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Herb brick chicken at Sullivan’s Steakhouse

SEAN SULLIVAN

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, MARKETING AND STRATEGY TRANSFORMYX

Sean Sullivan is a senior technology leader who specializes in business development, cross-functional team management and product development. He is senior vice president of sales, marketing and strategy for Transformyx. Sullivan holds the same position at Atlanta-based Lockstep Technology Group, which acquired Transformyx in 2022. He is responsible for leading the post-acquisition integration of the software-as-a-service companies. The other priorities of his position are the development and launch of new content and technology products spanning business-to-business data solutions, enterprise software and businessto-client mobile applications, as well as building inside and field sales from the ground up. Sullivan has worked on the tech side of companies in the media, entertainment and education industries.

PERSONAL SLOGAN: “Innovation by ideation, collaboration and grit.”

SHAWN USHER FOUNDER AND CEO SPARKHOUND

Shawn Usher has a results-driven approach to helping businesses solve their technology problems through technology and leadership. He applies that philosophy to Sparkhound, which he founded in 1998. Focusing the company’s solutions in three key areas— managed IT infrastructure, digital automation and contact center operations—Sparkhound works with mid-market companies that need to improve their use of technology to become more efficient, reduce overhead and positively impact their bottom line. Usher is also active in the community, serving on the boards of Iberia Bank and the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum, as well as on the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business dean’s advisory council and the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System’s CEO tech committee.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – quantitative business analysis, MBA)

BEST ADVICE: “Hire the best people. My job gets a lot easier and I look like a genius with the right people on my team.”

MOHIT VIJ

CEO

365 LABS

Mo Vij describes himself as a serial entrepreneur, a business leader, an inventor and a real estate developer. As the founder and CEO of 365Labs, he is building technology to power public safety for the next 20 years. In 2022, his company was ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing software companies in America. Today, 365Labs’ products are being used by public safety agencies across the U.S. and in more than a dozen countries.

EDUCATION: LSU (M.S. – computer science, M.S. –industrial engineering)

DO-OVER WISH: “Re-spell my name with a Meaux instead of Mo.”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Watching LSU-Oregon game on a cruise ship deck on a giant screen with all our employees and their families, a group of some 200-plus people celebrating the 10th anniversary of our company. … To see such happiness among those who helped build the story of our company was truly magical.”

“Hire the best people. My job gets a lot easier and I look like a genius with the right people on my team.”

SHAWN USHER

BEST ADVICE

LIVING LEGENDS

DIANE ALLEN FOUNDER DIANE

ALLEN & ASSOCIATES

Diane Allen in 1976 was the first woman to start a Baton Rouge ad agency, with the help of her co-founder and creative director Al McDuff. While its initial client niche was the industrial sector, the firm’s relationship with jeweler Lee Michael Berg helped put both companies on the map. DAA’s accounts have included some of the Capital Region’s biggest businesses, such as Raising Cane’s and Window World of Baton Rouge. Allen was the second woman to be president of the Advertising Federation of Greater Baton Rouge and received the E.A. Pete Goldsby Award from the American Advertising Federation in 1991. She was a driving force behind the advertising work and fundraising that went into the creation of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

EDUCATION: LSU

BEST ADVICE: “Be nice to those you meet on the way up. They’re the same folks you will meet on the way down.”

WILLIAM “BILL” BALHOFF DIRECTOR POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

Bill Balhoff joined Postlethwaite & Netterville in 1976 and was named a director in 1986. As its former managing director and CEO, he has been instrumental in helping P&N grow into the largest Louisiana-based accounting firm. His colleagues credit his influence in creating an accounting and consulting practice with deep talent and a diverse skill set. Balhoff is active with the International Federation of Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has been named among the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in the accounting profession by both Accounting Today and CPA Magazine and served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Orange Beach and New York City

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Spicy shrimp at Ruth’s Chris

LEE MICHAEL BERG FOUNDER LEE MICHAEL’S

FINE JEWELRY

Lee Michael Berg moved to Baton Rouge in 1978 to open his first jewelry store. Over the next 38 years he would build Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry into a business empire, expanding into markets across the state and neighboring states. Berg passed the business reins to his sons in 2016. Before taking the entrepreneurial plunge, Berg was a senior vice president for Zales. Berg has always prioritized giving back to the community, serving on nonprofit boards for hospitals, industry associations and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, among others. He received the American Gem Society’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Business Report’s 2005 Businessperson of the Year.

BUSINESS ADVICE: “In order to appreciate success, you need to understand failure.”

WHERE IT BEGAN: Lee Michael’s first location was in Cortana Mall.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY: “I got more out of it than I gave.”

JIM BERNHARD FOUNDER AND PARTNER BERNHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Jim Bernhard started The Shaw Group in 1987 and grew the company into one of the world’s largest energy services firms, a Fortune 500 company with over $6 billion in revenue and more than 25,000 employees offering a broad range of services across the spectrum of the energy industry. After CB&I acquired Shaw for $3 billion in 2013, Bernhard stepped down as CEO and started BCP, which seeks to build the value of its portfolio companies by leveraging the leadership team’s experience in acquiring, operating and growing service and infrastructure businesses.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – construction management)

POLITICS: Bernhard is the former chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party and has flirted with running for governor but never taken the plunge.

CHARITY: He and his wife, Dana, founded Every Kid a King, a foundation to help provide children with better educational and health care opportunities.

SKIP BERTMAN

FORMER COACH AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

LSU

Skip Bertman is a legendary figure in the pantheon of LSU sports, having achieved great success as a baseball coach and athletic director. During his tenure at LSU, Bertman led the Tigers to five national championships, earning induction into both the College Baseball Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He was also the head coach of the U.S. Olympic baseball team, leading the team to a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Prior to his coaching career, he played baseball for the Miami Hurricanes and the U.S. national baseball team. Bertman has been the subject of a book, Skip Bertman: My Story, and an ESPN documentary, The Walk Off, which chronicled his final season as LSU’s coach in 2001.

EDUCATION: University of Miami (Bachelor’s –health and physical education, M.A.)

DAN BORNÉ SPORTS

ANNOUNCER/ FORMER PRESIDENT

LSU/LOUISIANA CHEMICAL ASSOCIATION

Dan Borné was president of the Louisiana Chemical Association and the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance for 28 years, stepping down in 2016 to be replaced by his longtime “wingman,” Greg Bowser. He was the leading voice for the chemical industry, promoting one of the pillars of the Capital Region’s economy and pushing back against any criticism. But for most Louisiana residents, he is much better known as the voice of the LSU Tigers, serving as the public address announcer for football games in Tiger Stadium and basketball contests at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Sports fans don’t usually cheer the weather report, but that’s exactly what happens in Tiger Stadium when he declares, “Chance of rain—never!”

EDUCATION: Nicholls State (undergrad), LSU (Master’s – journalism)

ORIGIN STORY: He wrote a letter asking to replace retiring Tiger Stadium announcer Sid Crocker. No one else asked and he got the job.

D-D BREAUX RETIRED GYMNASTICS COACH LSU

D-D Breaux was often referred to as the “dean of coaches” at LSU. She retired after 43 seasons as leader of the LSU gymnastics program, making her the longest-tenured coach at any school of any sport in Southeastern Conference history. The program had more than 800 wins under her leadership and placed among the top-10 teams nationally 31 times with program-best second-place finishes in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Thanks largely to her success and advocacy, the Tigers went from training in a corner of the Carl Maddox Field House to using one of the best gymnastics training facilities in the world. Football is king, but gymnastics has at times rivaled baseball and outdrawn basketball among the most popular spectator sports on campus.

EDUCATION: LSU

PARTING WORDS: “LSU gymnastics is one of the best and most powerful programs in the country with, most importantly, the most incredible fan support.”

JOHN DAVIES

FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES REALTY TRUST

Few people have made a more visible impactful contribution to Baton Rouge than John Davies, who during his tenure leading BRAF—the Capital Region’s most influential nongovernmental organization—pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into projects across the area. BRAF granted more than $550 million to local nonprofits and community projects while also acting as a think tank for pushing big ideas and key social initiatives. Significant community projects bearing BRAF’s fingerprints include revitalizing downtown Baton Rouge, the IBM office project, creating the Water Campus, New Schools for Baton Rouge, the Bridge Center for Hope and creating the plan to restore the LSU and City Park lakes. Davies remains chair of the Wilbur Marvin Foundation, working with Commercial Properties to finish the Water Campus buildout.

PARTING WORDS: “My work for the foundation is my life’s work.”

JOSEPH “JAY” CAMPBELL FORMER CEO ASSOCIATED GROCERS

Associated Grocers was organized in 1950 with 17 member stores and over the years developed a campus of warehouse and administrative buildings, including over 670,000 square feet of grocery and perishable warehouse space. AG has more than 650 fulltime employees and annual sales of over $800 million. Jay Campbell joined the company in 1972 and was president and CEO for 20 years, stepping down from those positions in 2015 to serve a roughly two-year stint as executive chair. These days, Campbell does consulting and corporate board service. He chairs the Capital Area Road and Bridge District, which is pushing for the longawaited new Mississippi River bridge in the Capital Region.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting), LSU Law (J.D.)

DON DAIGLE RETIRED VICE PRESIDENT EXXONMOBIL

Don Daigle worked 43 years for ExxonMobil, rising high in the corporate structure, living in a host of cities and traveling the world before retiring in 2006. Of those who have overseen operations at the Baton Rouge refinery, it is believed that he went on to rise the highest on the company’s corporate ladder. After living in Virginia for a period of time, he and his wife returned home to settle in Baton Rouge, a city he says is the best place they have ever lived. He is the former board chair for Our Lady of the Lake and has served on boards for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Legatus, an organization of Catholic business executives, and has helped to raise money for LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

EDUCATION: LSU (engineering)

JOHN ENGQUIST EXECUTIVE CHAIR AND FORMER CEO H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES

John Engquist has spent his entire career at a company his father started as a one-location crane distributor. He bought out his father in 1995, took it public in 2006, and grew it—through organic growth and acquisition— into a billion-dollar company and some 2,400 employees across 95 locations. Much of the financial growth can be attributed to his decision to invest in the company’s rental component, growing the fleet to roughly 40,000 machines. Engquist himself and companies he backed have developed numerous real estate projects, including the Americana TND in Zachary and Rouzan in Southdowns. Engquist, a major financial donor and adviser to BRAF, serves as a director on the boards of a number of private companies as well as on the boards of the LSU Foundation, Our Lady of the Lake and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

EDUCATION: LSU (dropped out, but somehow managed)

ART FAVRE BOARD CHAIR PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS

Art Favre co-founded Performance Contractors in 1979, growing the small nonunion shop into a Gulf South power, building refineries, power plants and other major industrial facilities across the region and nation. Falling in love with construction as a child, Favre began his professional career as an estimator for an industrial contractor. A philanthropist who backs causes supporting health care, medical research, education and America’s veterans, he was honored by Louisiana Public Broadcasting as a 2022 Louisiana Living Legend for his business and charitable works. The Mississippi native, owns The Wharf, a growing mixed-use development in Orange Beach, Alabama.

ALL-STAR CLASS: Favre was among the very first graduates of LSU’s construction management program. His classmates included future MMR Group President James “Pepper” Rutland, ISC CEO Eddie Rispone, Buquet & LeBlanc President Bill Firesheets and Turner Industries executive Frank Jeanmard

JOHN FOLSE CHEF JOHN FOLSE & CO.

John Folse is an award-winning chef who has been a leading figure in the Capital Region’s culinary scene for more than 50 years. He is an ambassador of south Louisiana cuisine, serving Cajun and Creole fare around the world. Folse is a prolific presence in the media, writing cookbooks, hosting cooking shows, and making numerous other public appearances. He is the founder, CEO and executive chef of Chef John Folse & Co., based in Gonzalez. Folse was named a 2021 Hall of Fame Laureate by Business Report.

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University

BEST ADVICE: “Risk is the tariff paid to leave the shores of predictable misery. Never be afraid to take risks. It’s the foundation of success.”

FIRST EVER: Folse was the first non-Italian chef to prepare a Vatican state dinner in Rome.

PROUDEST MOMENT: In 1994, Nicholls State University named the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute in his honor.

CORDELL HAYMON

RETIRED CEO

PSC GROUP

Cordell Haymon is an attorney and businessman who might be best known for his community service to the Baton Rouge community over the years. He served in multiple executive positions at PSC Group, the company his father founded in 1952, before retiring in 2019. Haymon has served on the boards of many philanthropic organizations over the years including BRAF, Teach for America South Louisiana and the Center for Planning Excellence, as well as on the LSU Foundation National Board. He is also a former president of the Louisiana State Law Institute and Baton Rouge Bar Association.

EDUCATION: University of Houston (Bachelor in economics), LSU (J.D.)

PASSIONS: Hunting, fishing and appreciating nature

ARTS PATRON: Haymon and his wife, Ava, made a gift to fund the endowed chair in music therapy at LSU.

TERI FONTENOT CEO EMERITUS WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

Teri Fontenot served as president and CEO of Woman’s Hospital for more than 23 years, making her the facility’s longest-tenured leader. Under her leadership, Woman’s has grown into the largest birthing and neonatal intensive care unit in the state. She spearheaded initiatives like opening the hospital’s $340 million replacement campus, the relocation of Birth Center of Baton Rouge to Woman’s, and established Woman’s as the region’s only specialized breast and gynecologic cancer facility. Fontenot has served on the boards of the American Hospital Association, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and National Institutes of Health. She was named Business Report’s 2013 Businessperson of the Year.

EDUCATION: University of Mississippi (Bachelor’s –accounting), Northeast Louisiana University (MBA)

PASSION: An animal welfare advocate, Fontenot served on the Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge’s board of directors for nearly a decade.

LANE GRIGSBY CHAIRMAN EMERITUS CAJUN INDUSTRIES

Contractor and philanthropist Lane Grigsby founded the heavy civil, mechanical and deep-foundation construction company known today as Cajun Industries in 1973. For building the contracting company into one of south Louisiana’s leading industrial contractors, Business Report named him a Hall of Fame laureate in 2015. He chaired the company until 2016, when he sold his majority interest and accepted the title of chairman emeritus. Through the Boo Grigsby Foundation, which he founded in 2007, he advocates for local causes like K-12 education, medical research and fundraising, and civic organizations like BRAF and the Knock Knock Children’s Museum. Grigsby is also a major financial player on the state political scene, heavily backing pro-business positions and Republican candidates.

EDUCATION: U.S. Military Academy, LSU (Bachelor’s – civil engineering)

BEST ADVICE: “Always figure a way around ‘no.’”

JERRY JOLLY PARTNER (RETIRED)

KPMG

During his 38 years at KPMG, Jerry Jolly worked as a partner in three different offices (Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston) and held positions with national and international responsibility. Since retiring in 2012, he works as a sole proprietor in a tax consulting practice, primarily focusing on private companies and their owners, particularly in the areas of governance, succession and estate planning, philanthropy and overall tax planning. Serving on scores of boards over the years, Jolly has been a giant presence on the accounting and community front.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

LOCAL FARE: Grilled oysters at Mansurs

MENTOR & IMPACT: “I worked at McDonald’s in high school and college and got to know Charlie Valluzzo very well. He taught me the value of working hard to achieve your goals but always keep faith and family at the center of your life. He is a great model for generosity, which he exhibited to his employees and the community at large.”

CHARLES LAMAR FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT CHARLES LAMAR FAMILY FOUNDATION

Charles Lamar is an attorney, businessman and a major philanthropist for causes affecting the Baton Rouge community. He founded the Charles Lamar Family Foundation in 2000 for his family to provide financial support to emerging and expanding nonprofit organizations. The foundation primarily funds causes related to arts and culture, animal welfare, conservation and preservation, disaster relief, education, medicine, and social services. Lamar is a former director, secretary and general counsel for Lamar Advertising as well as chair and CEO of Woodlawn Investments Inc. He has given his time to serve on nonprofit boards like the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Alzheimer’s Services of Greater Baton Rouge and BRAF. He also established the Lamar Visiting Scholars program at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication.

EDUCATION: Harvard University, Tufts University and Boston University Law School

John Roy, Vice President of Operations

The Valluzzo family opened their first McDonald's on Plank Road and from there set their sights on growing great leadership and a great team. Amid growth, leaders emerged and rose from within. Lawerence Hawkins and John Roy have been instrumental to that growth by being focused on people, family, and community.

Lawerence's leadership style focuses on inspiring and developing a strong work ethictraining the "x's and o's" comes along the way. Hawk's investment in future leaders starts by pushing for daily growth: be better than yesterday.

Leading for John means more than giving directions. It means entrusting responsibility and decision making. The individual learns to be a part of the team and the team forms a unitproduction and growth all follow. John encourages their understanding by "doing it first, master it, then show others."

valluzzocompanies.com

Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama

Lawerence Hawkins, Vice President of Operations

Valluzzo Companies Valluzzo Companies

RICHARD LIPSEY CHAIRMAN LIPSEY’S

Richard Lipsey’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have helped him grow a local, family-owned sporting goods store into one of the largest independently owned gun distributors in the U.S. His prowess as a dealmaker has also earned him the reputation as one of the Capital City’s most important civic voices. Lipsey has been heavily involved in the Capital Area United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Baton Rouge Rotary and Istrouma Area Council, as well as chairing the Board of Regents and helping to rename and reorganize Tiger Athletic Foundation. In recognition of his community service, he’s received accolades like the Anti-Defamation League’s Humanitarian Award, the Golden Deeds Award and was inducted into Business Report’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

EDUCATION: LSU, Harvard Business School

PASSIONS: Wildlife conservation and collecting duck decoys and antique guns ROLFE

MCCOLLISTER JR.

CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT

Rolfe McCollister Jr. is best known as the founder of the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report but he’s also a driving force in politics, playing key behind-the-scenes roles with two governors—Buddy Roemer and Bobby Jindal—and twice serving on the LSU Board of Supervisors. Also active in nonprofits, he’s served on scores of organizational boards and entrepreneurial efforts. His 40-year career with Business Report also saw the company launch 225 magazine, 10/12 Industry Report and numerous online newsletters, including Daily Report. There was also the acquisition of InRegister magazine. He is also a co-founder of two community banks—The Business Bank, which sold to Bancorp South, and b1Bank, where McCollister continues to serve on the board.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – general studies)

PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Clint Eastwood

BEST ADVICE: “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

C.C. LOCKWOOD WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

Wildlife photographer C.C. Lockwood has been documenting Louisiana wetlands since the 1970s. His work has earned him acclaim and a host of awards over the course of his 50-year career including the Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography and the Louisiana Legend Award from Louisiana Public Broadcasting. He was also named Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. His work has been featured in Smithsonian Magazine and National Geographic, and he’s published more than 10 books. His photo Flat Lake Sunset was chosen by the U.S. Postal Service as Louisiana’s commemorative bicentennial stamp in 2011. Lockwood co-founded the nonprofit organizations The Clean Team and Baton Rouge Audubon Society.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – finance)

DESTINATION OF CHOICE: Time on a houseboat

BEST ADVICE: “Confusion in a crowd is healed by solitude in a swamp.”

MATT MCKAY CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO ALL STAR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Over the years, Matt McKay has grown All Star Automotive Group from the single dealership he started with John Noland in 1987 into a portfolio of dealerships in Greater Baton Rouge and Alexandria. He became the sole owner of All Star in 2008, and the company has sold vehicles from manufacturers Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Toyota and Volvo at its locations. In addition to sales, the automotive group also includes five collision repair centers and a parts warehouse. McKay has been an active philanthropist in the community, supporting causes like The Ascension Fund, Scholastic Read and Rise program, McKay Academic Center for Excellence, The Emerge Center, THRIVE and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

BEST ADVICE: “Joe Dean Sr. once told me: ‘[There is] no fertilizer like the farmer’s footsteps.’”

FRANK MCARTHUR RETIRED THE BENEFITS SOLUTIONS GROUP

Frank McArthur sold The Benefits Solutions Group to National Financial Partners in 2008. McArthur was also a partner in McArthur Sanchez Associates, a life insurance and estate planning firm for more than 40 years. Since moving to Baton Rouge in 1978, McArthur has served on the boards of more than 20 nonprofit organizations including the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Woman’s Hospital, Louisiana United Methodist Foundation, Louisiana Public Broadcasting Foundation for Excellence, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation.

EDUCATION: Vanderbilt University (Bachelor’s)

LOCAL FARE: Jubans’ Hallelujah Crab

PROUDEST MOMENT: “Receiving the Brotherhood & Sisterhood Award as it recognized not just the work I have done civically, philanthropically, and in the Methodist Church, but also speaks to my personal commitment to racial equality in the Baton Rouge community.”

JAKE NETTERVILLE

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE

Jake Netterville is best known for his work at the firm that bears his name, Postlethwaite & Netterville, where he was appointed managing partner in 1977. Under his leadership, P&N was chosen for the high-profile assignment of auditing claims from BP’s 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Netterville has dedicated his time to a number of local organizations, like the LSU Dean’s Advisory Council, Tiger Athletic Foundation, East Baton Rouge Mortgage Finance Authority and Society of Louisiana CPAs. He was named Business Report’s 2019 Hall of Fame laureate.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – accounting)

PASSION: An avid golfer, Netterville has played historic courses like St. Andrews and Augusta National.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: He says his greatest professional accomplishment was serving as board chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the highest office that can be attained in the accounting profession.

JOHN NOLAND RETIRED FOUNDER ALL STAR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Few people have had greater impact on Baton Rouge—albeit often behind the scenes—than John Noland, who has been a philanthropic force behind the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and many of its initiatives. Recruited by John Davies to serve as BRAF’s first president and CEO, Noland was critical in the establishment of the East Baton Rouge Parish Redevelopment Authority. Trained as an attorney, Noland turned his sights toward the business landscape, launching All Star Automotive Group with his business partner, Matt McKay, in 1987. After expanding the company’s portfolio of dealerships, Noland exited the group in 2008. Along with McKay and Lindsey Landreneau, he developed some 700 houses in Jefferson Crossing and Manchac Place. A member of St. James Episcopal Church, he helped create the St. James Place retirement community. Noland was a 2014 Business Hall of Fame laureate.

EDUCATION: University of North Carolina, LSU (J.D.)

DONNA SAURAGE OWNER COMMUNITY COFFEE

Donna Saurage has been with Community Coffee for more than 60 years, playing an essential role in growing the business even before she was earning a paycheck. Today, she is the sole owner of the more than 100-year-old company. Saurage previously served as vice chair of Community Coffee’s board of directors, overseeing the company’s growth and expansion into new markets. She has been involved in numerous community service organizations including Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Woman’s Hospital and the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, as well as chairing the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. Business Report named her to the Baton Rouge Business Hall of Fame and she was a member of the 2019 class of Influential Women in Business.

PHILANTHROPY: She helped launch the New Schools for Baton Rouge community partnership and played a key role in the creation of the Community Cash for Schools program.

KEVIN REILLY JR. EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIR LAMAR ADVERTISING

Kevin Reilly Jr. has been a leading figure at Lamar Advertising Co. since 1978, when he first joined the family-owned company. Past roles at Lamar include CEO, president and outdoor division president. During his career, he’s seen the company become publicly traded, complete significant acquisitions and add new technologies like digital signage to its arsenal of advertising offerings. Reilly gives back to his industry and community, through his service as past chair of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and on the boards of local nonprofits such as The Water Institute, The Nature Conservancy in Louisiana and The Wilbur Marvin Foundation.

EDUCATION: Harvard University (Bachelor’s)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT/DISH: Three-flavor whole fish at Thai Kitchen

BEST ADVICE: “Leave people, places and organizations better off than you found them.”

JAMES “JIM” ROLAND CEO AND FOUNDER WINDOW WORLD OF BATON ROUGE

Jim Roland is best known as the founder of Window World of Baton Rouge, which has been the No. 1 franchisee in the Window World system since 2006. He started the company in 2002 and has grown it into the fifth-largest exterior remodeling contractor in the U.S. and No. 1 in unit sales of windows. His prior experiences running Magnetite Corp. and Roland and DiGiulio Construction provided him with a business acumen that allowed his latest business to quickly expand in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston. This year, Business Report named Roland a Business Hall of Fame laureate.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – economics)

HOBBIES: Expedition hunting, whitewater rafting and mountain climbing.

BEST ADVICE: “This may not be the job you’re going to have for the rest of your life, and that’s fine. But you’re here. Do the very best you can, and maybe you’ll learn something that’ll become useful somewhere else.”

PEGGY SCOTT

BOARD CHAIR CLECO

Peggy Scott has been a member of the board for Central Louisiana Electric Co-Op since 2016, currently serving as board chair. She served for a time as chairperson and interim CEO of Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC. Scott previously served as executive vice president, COO and CFO for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Before that, she was an office managing partner with Deloitte and has held senior executive positions. Scott has received several accolades for her work, including being named one of the 10 Outstanding Young Women of America, Wall Street Journal’s national financial executive of the year, and was inducted into the American Institute of CPAs Hall of Fame. Business Report named her a Business Hall of Fame laureate in 2020.

EDUCATION: LSU, Tulane University (MBA)

PASSION: Fast cars and traveling to Washington, D.C., with her grandchildren

BEST ADVICE: “The impossible just takes a little longer.”

“This may not be the job you’re going to have for the rest of your life, and that’s fine. But you’re here. Do the very best you can, and maybe you’ll learn something that’ll become useful somewhere else.”

JIM ROLAND

HANS STERNBERG PRESIDENT HIGHFLYER HUMAN RESOURCES LLC

Hans Sternberg has a long and rich list of business accomplishments to his name. He’s best known for Goudchaux’s on Main Street, the family business he took over as owner in 1965. Once the longest retail store in the world, it was an institution in the community until it was sold to a national retailer in 1992. More recent endeavors include Highflyer Human Resources, an HR management software and training company, and two entities he launched and later sold, Starmount Life Insurance Co. and AlwaysCare Benefits. Involved in many charities through the years, Sternberg is an active member of the Jewish community. Business Report named him its 1987 Executive of the Year and, in 2011, named Sternberg a Business Hall of Fame laureate.

EDUCATION: Princeton University

AUTHOR: Sternberg wrote We Were Merchants, an autobiography about his family’s emigration from Nazi German and his successes in business.

CHARLES VALLUZZO

FOUNDER

MCBR MANAGEMENT CO.

Along with his father, Charles “Charlie” Valluzzo introduced McDonald’s to the Capital City in the 1960s. From opening the first location on Plank Road, he grew his empire into 75 locations across two states. In 2018, Valluzzo decided it was time to retire, and sold his company, McBR Management, to an ownership group in Lafayette. Over his 60year career, he also gave back generously to the community. Valluzzo has served on the boards of Alzheimer’s Services, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation, Commercial Properties Realty Trust, Safety Council of the Louisiana Capital Area, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and many others. He has been inducted into the Special Olympics Louisiana Hall of Fame and Catholic High School Hall of Fame for his contributions to both organizations. Business Report named him 1995 Businessperson of the Year and inducted him into the Business Hall of Fame in 2008.

EDUCATION: Western Michigan University

NEWTON THOMAS FOUNDER AND OWNER THE NEWTRON GROUP

Newton Thomas has grown The Newtron Group into one of the largest privately owned specialty electrical construction companies in the nation. He founded the company in 1973, which started as a union industrial instrumentation contractor. The company now has offices across the Southeast and West Coast. Its portfolio of subsidiary companies includes Triad Electric & Controls, Newtron Mechanical, Newtron Heat Trace, Com-Net Services and Newtron Electrical Services. Thomas has served on the boards of Premier Bank, Baton Rouge Water Co., Baton Rouge Marine Institute and on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the LSU College of Engineering. The Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants named Newtron Group the 1989 Free Enterprise Company of the Year in Louisiana, and Business Report honored the company as its 1990 Company of the Year.

EDUCATION: LSU (Bachelor’s – electrical engineering), Harvard Business School

MIKE WAMPOLD

CHAIR AND CEO

WAMPOLD COMPANIES

Mike Wampold has remade the Baton Rouge landscape through his 40-plus years in development, construction, renovation, ownership and management of real estate holdings. He oversees strategic corporate planning, corporate financing and new project development. Some of his most notable Baton Rouge development projects include Shaw Plaza office building, Crescent at University Lake Condominiums, Bayonne at Southshore Apartments, I & II City Plaza office buildings, the Renaissance and Watermark hotels, and the 1,800-acre mixed-use development Harveston. Wampold has been a member and director of industry and civic organizations like Baton Rouge Business Bank, Tiger Athletic Foundation, the Baton Rouge Good Growth Coalition, BREC Foundation, Woman’s Hospital and the LSU Foundation. He was Business Report’s 2001 Businessperson of the Year.

EDUCATION: LSU

ROLAND TOUPS EXECUTIVE CHAIR TURNER INDUSTRIES GROUP

Roland Toups played a significant role in the growth and influence of Turner Industries, the company he managed until stepping away in 2022 to pass the mantle to his son, Stephen. Business Report ranked Turner Industries No. 3 on its most recent list of the Top 100 Private Companies. A major contractor with ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge operations, the company is viewed by industry groups as one of the top contractors in the world. Toups also spearheaded construction of a workforce training facility. Toups was a long-serving member of the Louisiana Board of Regents (1997- 2011), and he’s also a supporter of Catholic organizations and a major contributor to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Business Report named Toups a Business Hall of Fame laureate in 2007, and he received the Ed Steimel Achievement Award in 2017 from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

EDUCATION: Georgia Tech

BOBBY YARBOROUGH

CEO

MANDA FINE MEATS

Bobby Yarborough is a third-generation owner of Manda Fine Meats, which produces and sells Louisiana-style meats and sausages. He took over as CEO of the 76-year-old meat processing company in 1997. Manda’s products include smoked sausages, andouille, boudin, hog head cheese and deli meats. The company’s success ranks it No. 85 on Business Report’s most recent list of the Top 100 private companies. Business Report also recognized Yarborough as its 2009 Businessperson of the Year and as a Business Hall of Fame laureate in 2017. As a philanthropist, Yarborough has donated his time and efforts to nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Baton Rouge, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and YMCA of the Capital Area.

EDUCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University (Bachelor’s – marketing)

PASSION: “I enjoy working with and helping others get to a place they’re trying to get to.”

BEST ADVICE: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

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