Director
Stacey Simmons has a Ph.D. in urban development from the University
of New Orleans’ College of Urban and Public Affairs. Dr.
Simmons was the Assistant Director for Special Projects at LSU’s
Center for Computation & Technology where she oversaw the Public
Relations, Strategic Planning, and Education departments. Prior
to her tenure at LSU she spent fifteen years in the film and television
industry in Los Angeles and New Orleans. She produced programming
for the NFL, Live Entertainment, Liquid Entertainment, WB, NBC, and
several independent development companies. She produced an Emmy-award
winning television special, Tribe TV, and is the Director and co-founder
of the Red Stick International Animation Festival.
Mayor-President, East Baton Rouge City-Parish
Melvin “Kip” Holden has the distinction of being the
first African-American Mayor-President in East Baton Rouge Parish.
A New Orleans native, Holden attended high school in Baton Rouge,
graduating from Scotlandville High School. He went on to graduate
from LSU with a BA in Journalism and to receive both a Masters degree
in Journalism and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University.
Holden’s 20 year political career prior to his election as
Mayor-President was one of solid advancement. He began as an EBR Parish
Metro-Councilman (1984-88). In 1988 he ran for the Louisiana legislature
and was elected to the House of Representatives where he served through
2001. Following his term as Representative, Holden successfully ran
for the Louisiana Senate, a position he held until 2004 when he ran
for Mayor-President and beat the incumbent, Bobby Simpson. He was
inaugurated in January, 2005.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development
President and CEO, Baton Rouge Area Foundation
John Davies has served as president and CEO of
the Baton Rouge Area Foundation since June 1988. During that time,
the Foundation has worked with donors to provide more than $160 million
in grants and reach nearly $500 million in assets. In the past decade,
the Foundation has spearheaded pivotal projects, including downtown
and inner-city revitalization, and hurricane recovery efforts.
Executive Vice President, Baton Rouge Area Foundation
He joined the Baton
Rouge Area Foundation in June 2003. Prior to joining the
Foundation, Mr. Spain served as Managing Director of the
Powell Group for eight years and as the station manager
for WBRZ for 23 years.
He has led civic organizations, including the Baton Rouge
Area Chamber. For the Foundation, John leads civic projects,
which recently have
included health care reform and land use planning.
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