Manship Media CFO to preside over regional economic development board
Baton Rouge, La. (December 23, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today announced that Ralph Bender will serve as chair of the board for the organization in 2021. Bender is the Chief Finance Officer of Manship Media.
“Ralph has been an active leader for BRAC, providing counsel to many of the organization’s committees and providing a positive voice for economic development in the Capital Region,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “2021 will be an important year for recovery following the continued economic effects of the pandemic. Ralph’s energy and dedication to his community will be a great asset as we navigate those waters and as we set the stage for our new five-year strategic plan.”
Prior to joining Manship Media, Bender spent a number of years in public accounting with both a national and a regional firm. He has served the community in a variety of roles, including Society of Louisiana CPAs chairman, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge treasurer, International Newspaper Financial Executives Association president, Capital Area United Way chairman and interim CEO, plus more.
“Like so many of you, I love the Baton Rouge Area, its rich traditions, and the warmth and caring members of our community,” said Bender. “As we face the challenges of the future together, it is one of the greatest honors of my life to be associated with BRAC and its incredible staff and board, as it, along with BRAC’s many public and private partners, work to guide our area’s growth and the well-being and quality of life of all of our area’s citizens.”
Bender succeeds Flynn Foster, president and CEO of Guaranty Corporation and Guaranty Media, who served as BRAC board chair in 2020.
The full 2021 board can be viewed at brac.org.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at www.brac.org.
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