Connie Bolen is the Vice President, Private Banker at Hancock Whitney Bank in Baton Rouge. Connie has 18 years’ experience in the financial services industry and works with a team of specialists to help clients navigate through complex estate planning matters, business exit strategies and retirement planning.  Connie lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Nile, and their three young children.

Eric Williams has over 35 years working in the public and private sector. For the past 16 years he has served as the Senior Pastor/Teacher of Beacon Light of Baton Rouge with over 1500 members. Williams is a native New Orleanian and has been a resident in Livingston Parish along with his wife Iris for over 17 years. Pastor Williams is a proud father of 2 daughters, 2 sons a son in law, 5 grandchildren and 2 dogs! Above all, Pastor Williams has a genuine heart and love for people and it is his desire to see the people of God blessed beyond measure.

Katie Bernhardt has served as the chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party since September 2020. She is an LSU Law School graduate and a mother of four. She and her husband Ramon John Fonseca Jr. operate Standard Law in Lafayette.

Jonathan Blake is an attorney at Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah, and Perkins LLP. "I love Jesus, my wife, and good food!"

"I am proud to have served the Red Cross since 2018. I have been in healthcare administration since 2008, currently Vice President of Operations at The Pierite Group." Brady and his wife enjoy their time jogging, traveling, and spending time with family on their off time. 

Clay Chutz is retired from Louisiana State Police with thirty years of service. He is from St Helena parish.

Sean Ellis is a Communications Manager at BASF where he manages site and community relations for manufacturing sites in BASF’s Southeastern United States Communications Hub which includes Geismar, Louisiana, BASF’s largest North American site, as well as sites in Georgia and South Carolina. A native of Houma, Louisiana and graduate of Nicholls State University, he has 10 years of experience in the media, crisis communications, public relations, public information, public affairs, government relations and community outreach.

Danny Ford is a managing partner at Louisiana Lobbying Solutions, a public relations and government affairs firm that specializes in State government. He is an avid fisher and patron of music. Originally from New Llano Louisiana, he and his wife Blanche live in Baton Rouge.

Emily Hamner is the Executive Director of the Pinhook Foundation in Lafayette. Emily has been involved in the Lafayette non-profit community for 15 years and serves on many boards and advisory councils in Lafayette.  Emily enjoys travel, photography, gardening and spending time with friends.

Ryan K. Haynie is a partner with the Baton Rouge-based Haynie and Associates, a government relations and lobbying firm founded 42 years ago by his father and namesake.  Born in Lafayette, Ryan graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Ryan is an active member of several organization and Boards and also writes, publishes, and markets the “Grass Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature.” He and his wife Alana Robert reside in Baton Rouge with their two children.

Lt. Gen. Russel Honore’ is retired from the US Army after 37 years and is a highly decorated soldier and strong advocate for the Red Cross. Honore' is a business consultant, public speaker, and disaster preparedness expert. He attended Southern University during undergrad and received his M.A. from Troy State. Honore' is a native of Lakeland, Louisiana. He and his wife Beverly live in Baton Rouge, and they have four grown children.

Donnie Jarreau is a lifelong Baton Rouge area resident, married to Barbara Parsons Jarreau and proud father to six children. Donnie serves as President of Jarreau Real Estate, a commercial development company that owns and operates a $200M retail real estate-based portfolio, and is greatly involved in the fitness and wellness industries, co-founding both Regymen Fitness and The Covery. 

Shawn Leake is the Vice President of Accounting at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and Certified Public Accountant. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, and graduate of LSU, she loves the LSU Tigers and spending time with husband, Jeremy, and two children.

Maria Aguilar Ortiz brings her passion for community service and her expertise as a Legal Assistant for The Southwest Louisiana Law Center. As a daughter of Honduran immigrants, Maria grew up with a strong foundation in empathy and compassion, values instilled by her parents despite their limited means. A wife and mother of three, Maria actively engages in activities that support and uplift the community through workshops, outreach, and liaison efforts. She also cherishes time spent with her family and is committed to lifelong learning. Maria’s dedication to making a positive impact reflects her belief that true fulfillment comes from selflessness, kindness, and building stronger communities.

Vincent Pierre is a dedicated board member with a strong background in public service and community engagement. He currently serves as the Municipal and Constituent Services Advisor for the Lafayette Consolidated Government, a position he has held since January 2024.Prior to this role, Vincent represented District 44 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2012 to 2024, where he was known for his commitment to his constituents and active participation in legislative processes.

Meghan Poole is a native and resident of Baton Rouge who joined the Board in 2020. She works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and is an active Junior League member. Meghan received her undergrad degree from Drury University and MBA from LA Tech.  She enjoys spending her quality free time with husband, Lamar and their two sons. 

Coming soon

Sharon is the Administrative Assistant at The TJC group, a local consulting firm that facilitates solutions that build knowledge, trust and understanding to all their clients. Sharon has over 8 years of experience as a paramedic and has always had an intense desire to help and serve others. Sharon resides in Baton Rouge with her husband, Robert, and their 3 children. Sharon and her Husband also faithfully serve as Ministers at their church.

Sharon has elected to become a member of our Disaster Services & Response Committee which comes as no surprise considering her experience and service as a paramedic.

Nancy Sylvester has built a career in public risk management. In her position at Arthur J. Gallagher, she plays a key role in the company’s unique approach to public sector risk issues. Her expertise has attracted notice; in 2013, Sylvester was named a Power Broker by Risk & Insurance magazine. Nancy is a graduate of McNeese State University.

Chandler Vidrine, MPA is the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Vidrine has extensive experience advocating for underserved and underrepresented  communities, effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, and higher education policies. He is a proud product of Ville Platte, LA, and Louisiana’s chief advocate for Native Americans.

Jack Whitehead began as a volunteer in 1986 when he graduated from LSU Law School.  As a Louisiana Bar Association leader, he has focused on the American Red Cross for the last 12 years where he serves as a catalyst blending the Red Cross mission so more groups, families and organization help “quell the storm” when the need arises. His Law Firm is across the country on high stakes litigation and federal labor law matters. Jack is also a registered lobbyist for a select group of clients who need to reach into State and Federal Government.