Pastor Eric Williams is a native of New Orleans, Pastor Williams is the devoted husband of Iris J. Williams, proud father of five, and grandfather of ten. He studied Business Management at Delgado Community College and Southern University at New Orleans and was among the first instructors at Darryl S. Brister College and Theological Seminary. Answering his call to ministry in 1995, he was licensed in 1996, ordained in 1997, and in 2007 became Pastor of Beacon Light Baptist Church of Baton Rouge alongside First Lady Iris. Under his leadership, the church has grown and launched impactful ministries. In 2017, he was elevated to Overseer of the Louisiana Southeastern Berith District in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Meghan Pooleis a native of Baton Rouge where she has actively engaged in the volunteer community at church, her children’s schools and the Junior League. She joined the ARC Board in 2021, and is excited to now serve as Vice Chair.

Meghan has a bachelor’s degree from Drury University and a MBA from Louisiana Tech. She works as a District Sales Leader for UCB Pharma. She is married to Lamar, and they are busy with two teenaged boys at home.

Mihir Babbar is a rising senior at Louisiana State University majoring in Biology on the Pre-Medicine track. During his time at LSU, he founded the Red Cross Club of LSU and led the effort to have it recognized as a Purple Organization—one of the most active and engaged student organizations on campus. Under his leadership, the club has grown rapidly and played a pivotal role in the Baton Rouge community, including organizing Sound the Alarm events throughout East Baton Rouge Parish to install smoke alarms and promote fire safety. In addition to his involvement with the Red Cross, he serves as the President of Alpha Epsilon Delta, LSU’s pre-medical honor society.

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

Chase Brown is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Slate Ridge Consulting Group, a boutique advisory firm specializing in tax strategy and compliance, financial operations, business consulting, and organizational governance. He is deeply committed to serving his clients and community and believes that clear strategy and sound financial stewardship are essential to lasting, meaningful impact. Chase represents the Fusion Five young professionals’ group on the board.

Ciera Carter serves as an Assistant Vice President at Unum, where she oversees the organization's Charitable Giving initiatives in Baton Rouge. With over a decade of experience in strategic planning and change management, she brings a strong track record of embedding inclusion into business practices and championing innovative solutions that drive meaningful progress. Passionate about community impact, Ciera is thrilled to join the Board and contribute to the community she proudly calls home. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Ciera earned her bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in 2015, where she was recognized as an HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative. She went on to receive her MBA from Southern University in 2021.

"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. 

Bianca Coats, Registered Dietitian and author of Eating God’s Way, is the founder of the Be Well Foundation and a passionate advocate for chronic disease prevention through healthy cooking and lifestyle education. As Supervisor of Child Nutrition for the Zachary Community School District and a featured voice on KLFY-TV 10, she extends her mission through community outreach, grant writing, wellness programs, and nutritional leadership in collaboration with statewide organizations. Recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 American Cancer Society Honoree and Forty Under 40 by the Southern University Alumni Federation, Bianca also contributes food blogs to regional magazines and inspires others through keynote speaking, ministry leadership, and public health advocacy.  

Charron Comeaux is an experienced and results-driven Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) leader with over 20 years in the refining industry. Proven track record of managing high-risk operations, leading turnaround safety programs, and driving zero-incident performance. Adept at regulatory compliance, contractor safety, emergency response, and cross-functional leadership. Passionate about solving complex problems creatively and aligning safety initiatives with business goals.

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.

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.

Chris LeDee is a Governmental Relations Liaison for Acadian Ambulance and is a member of Acadian’s Emergency Response Operations Team. Chris is a graduate of LSU and has over 25 years’ experience in public safety, specializing in crisis response and management. Chris and his wife reside in the Lafayette area.

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.

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.

Ashley Porche-Tassin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Slate Ridge Consulting Group, a boutique advisory firm specializing in tax strategy and compliance, financial operations, business consulting, and organizational governance. He is deeply committed to serving his clients and community and believes that clear strategy and sound financial stewardship are essential to lasting, meaningful impact. Outside of his professional life, Chase enjoys quality time with friends and loved ones, hiking, running, as well as finding quiet corners of the world to think and recharge.

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.