At the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), we're a team of dedicated professionals with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills. We're here to help the business community as it invests in Baton Rouge's economic future.
Executive & Administration
Adam Knapp
Adam was named president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber in April 2008. A native of Lake Charles, LA, he previously served as the deputy director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Knapp was a key figure in the creation of the entity, which is designed to facilitate the state’s recovery efforts in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to his LRA tenure, he served as economic development advisor to two governors and the policy director for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). At LED, he managed the department’s economic policy initiatives, such as workforce development reform, entrepreneurial development, and risk capital accessibility. He directed the development and advancement of state legislative priorities, including the creation and refinement of important economic incentives, such as the Angel Investor Incentive, the Research and Development Tax Credit, the Film Investor Tax Credits, and the Quality Jobs Program. Under Governors Foster and Blanco, Knapp worked on economic policy and was also a vital part of the team that successfully recruited or retained such companies as Union Tank Car, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, and Albemarle Corporation, among others. Prior to state government, he worked for Accenture, one of the world’s premier technology and management consultancy firms, as an emerging technology consultant. Knapp graduated from Davidson College in 1996 and also studied at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Julius-Maximilians Universität in Würzburg, Germany.
Adam Knapp President & CEO
Karen Brown
p. (225) 381-7148 e. karenb@brac.org
As the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Database Manager, Karen provides executive support for all activities of the CEO, as well as the Board of Directors of BRAC. Additionally, Karen coordinates meeting logistics for the Board and its Executive Committee. Internally, Karen serves as BRAC’s database manager for its primary CRM system, managing new investor billing and tracking committee activities across the organization.
A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Karen moved to Georgia in 1991 where she worked primarily in real estate development as a Development Coordinator and in health care as a Project Specialist and Assistant to the COO and Executive Team. Karen moved back to Baton Rouge in 2016 and, prior to joining BRAC, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at McMains Children’s Developmental Center.
KAREN BROWN Senior Executive Administrator
Anita Byrne
Anita Byrne Leadership Baton Rouge Director
Michael DiResto
p. (225) 381-7137 e. michael@brac.org
As Executive Vice President, Michael oversees the execution of BRAC’s strategic plan as well as management of the organization’s operations and administration. Prior to assuming this role, Michael served as BRAC’s senior vice president of economic competitiveness, leading the organization’s public policy advocacy, strategy, research, and reform activities aimed at advancing the quality of life and economic competitiveness of the Baton Rouge Region.
Prior to joining BRAC in 2013, Michael worked for five years at the Louisiana state government’s Division of Administration, where he served as assistant commissioner for policy and communications. At the Division of Administration, he helped lead the department’s policy, research, legislative relations, and implementation of strategic initiatives, with a focus on fiscal issues and government operations. Prior to that, he served as a senior advisor to then Governor-elect Bobby Jindal’s transition team in the areas of ethics reform, fiscal reform, and government accountability. He also previously worked as senior advisor and strategist for the Louisiana Republican Party. From 1998 through 2007, Michael served as press secretary for the Baton Rouge Area congressional district represented by then-Congressman Richard Baker. Born in New York, he has lived in Baton Rouge since 1996. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Dallas, and is a graduate of BRAC’s Leadership class of 2005.
MICHAEL DIRESTO Executive Vice President
Darrell L. Johnson, Jr.
p. (225) 339-1176 e. darrell@brac.org
A native of New Orleans, Darrell L. Johnson, Jr. serves as Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Programs at BRAC. In this role, Darrell leads BRAC’s diversity and inclusion initiatives including providing business services, advancing corporate and workplace diversity initiatives, and pushing for reinvestment and redevelopment of underserved areas through the efforts of BRAC’s business development and quality of place teams.
Darrell joins BRAC from Louisiana Economic Development, where he served on the Small Business Services team and was responsible for repositioning Louisiana as one of the best places to start, grow, and sustain a business. He also supported and grew the LED Growth Network – an alumni network of over 500 Louisiana-based small businesses that employ over 15,500 full time employees and represent over $3.3 billion in annual sales.
Darrell has also worked within the live event entertainment industry managing new and existing relationships with major stakeholders for the ESSENCE Festival®, such as AT&T, National Urban League, Walmart, Verizon and others. He later worked within the city of New Orleans tourism industry, with the most notable project being the 2017 NBA All-Star Supplier Diversity Program, which focused on creating opportunities for local minority and women-owned businesses to participate in NBA All Star 2017 as suppliers of required goods and services.
Darrell received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern University and A&M College and earned a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Darrell L. Johnson, Jr. Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Programs
Belinda Monteverde
p. (225) 381-7153 e. belinda@brac.org
Belinda, a native of Sorrento, is the Senior Staff Accountant for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. She attended Louisiana State University where she earned a B.S in Accounting in 2003. She also has a Masters in Accounting and Financial Management. Belinda’s background consists of working in the following industries: disaster recovery, certification test development and administration, printing, and manufacturing. In her spare time, she likes traveling, walking, reading, bowling and spending time with family and friends.
BELINDA MONTEVERDE Senior Staff Accountant
Jennifer Watson
p. (225) 381-7125 e. jennifer@brac.org
Jennifer holds the position of Operations Manager and Receptionist for BRAC. As operations manager she handles the office’s day-to-day functions and needs, and as receptionist she handles all incoming calls and visitors by directing them to the proper contact. Jennifer, originally from Vivian La., previously worked for Shaw Group Inc./CB&I for 7 years where she held positions such as Medical Services Admin, HR Services Representative and Sr. Administrative Assistant for the Environmental Coastal Group.
JENNIFER WATSON Operations Manager & Receptionist
Achilles Williams
p. (225) 381-7150 e. achilles@brac.org
Achilles, a native of New Orleans, is the Chief Financial Officer for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. He is responsible for the financial planning and financial record keeping of the organization. He attended Southern University where he earned a B.S. in Accounting. Achilles is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Achilles’ background includes serving as an Executive Accountant at the Huntsman subsidiary, Rubicon, LLC. He also served as a Senior Accountant with Hannis T Bourgeois, LLP.
ACHILLES WILLIAMS Chief Financial Officer
Business Development
Russell Richardson
p. (225) 339-1171 e. russell@brac.org
Russell serves as senior vice president of business development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). In this role, he works collaboratively with economic development professionals and the business community to lead and manage economic development efforts in the Capital Region. Prior to this role, he served as the 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.
Russell’s background also includes working in the forest products industry in operations and business development capacities. He owned a timber brokerage company and worked in business development for a regional lumber trade association. Russell received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi.
RUSSELL RICHARDSON Senior V.P. of Business Development
Adelina Lepine
p. (225) 381-7126 e. adelina@brac.org
As the business development executive assistant and programs coordinator, Adelina supports all efforts of the business development team, ensuring projects and programs are delivered on time, on scope and exceed expectations.
Prior to joining BRAC, Adelina served as the director of corporate sales for a local property management and development firm. She has experience, both through internships and her professional career, in non-profit business development and events coordination.
Adelina holds a bachelor’s degree in business administrations with a concentration in hospitality management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
ADELINA LEPINE Executive Assistant & Programs Coordinator
Donnie Miller
p. (225) 381-7136 e. donnie@brac.org
A native of New Orleans, Donnie Miller serves as Director of Business Development for East Baton Rouge at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this capacity, he works collaboratively with parish partners to lead and manage economic development efforts in the Capital Region through identification of new project opportunities.
Prior to this role, he worked in the oil and gas industry in the Woodlands, Texas, managing domestic and international projects. His previous responsibilities include the planning and execution of decommissioning liability assessments and asset retirement obligation projects, evaluating worldwide decommissioning regulations, and generating probabilistic cost models in support of oil companies working in the GOM, Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, India, Brazil, and Africa. Donnie’s previous experience includes time as a Performance Auditor for Louisiana’s Legislative Auditor, and as a Media Manager/Finance Coordinator at Nova Southeastern University.
Donnie received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Louisiana State University, a Master of Science in Leadership and Management, and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
DONNIE MILLER Senior Director of Business Development
Jayson Newell
p. (225) 381-7158 e. jayson@brac.org
Jayson Newell serves as Regional Director of Business Development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this role, Jayson works with officials at the state and local levels on economic development projects across the nine-parish region.
Prior to this role, Jayson worked at Louisiana Economic Development directly supporting their business recruitment efforts. He worked projects related to automotive, chemical/petrochemical, durable goods, forestry, refining and bulk storage industry sectors. Jayson’s previous experience includes time at the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and as a Sales Representative for a national respiratory company.
Originally from Ridgeland, MS, Jayson graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with both a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Economic Development.
JAYSON NEWELL Senior Director of Business Development
CASEY O’BANION
p. (225) 381-7144 e. casey@brac.org
CASEY O’BANION Business Retention and Expansion Manager
Policy
BRACE B. “TREY” GODFREY, III
p. (225) 381-7147 e. trey@brac.org
Trey serves as the senior vice president of policy at BRAC. In this role, he 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. Additionally, Trey leads strategic coalition building for regional initiatives, including those related to education, workforce, transportation, quality of place, entrepreneurship and small businesses, criminal justice, and others.
A two-time Tulane University graduate, Trey brings a background in consulting, development, organization management, government relations, and entrepreneurship to the organization. During his time at development firm Cyntreniks, he helped develop the Kress Building and Hotel Indigo in downtown Baton Rouge, and engaged in political and legislative advocacy for the company’s projects.
Prior to his current role at BRAC, Trey served as the executive director of 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge. At the 100 Black Men, Trey expanded its membership and mission, including launching programs related to economic development, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and education. He has wide experience in public speaking and community and civic engagement. Trey's late father, Brace Godfrey, Jr., was the chair of BRAC’s Board of Directors in 2002.
BRACE B. “TREY” GODFREY, III Senior Vice President of Policy
Tonnisha Ellis
p. (225) 381-7132 e. tonnisha@brac.org
Tonnisha Ellis Policy and Research Project Manager
Caila Miceli
p. (225) 339-1164 e. caila@brac.org
As Policy and Research Project Manager, Caila acts as staff lead for BRAC’s Quality of Place initiatives that advance organizational objectives, support community partners, and inform stakeholders.
Previously, Caila tackled community engagement efforts with locally-based nonprofit organization Brave Heart Children In Need, working with local businesses and government agencies to better serve youth in the foster care system throughout the state.
A native of Baton Rouge, Caila holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Louisiana State University and a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech. Community-oriented, Caila is an alum of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, Barton Leadership, and LANO’s Community Leaders. She has served as Co-Chair on Forum 225’s Civic and Service committees, joining as a board member in 2022.
CAILA MICELI Policy and Research Project Manager
David Zoller
p. (225) 339-1172 e. david@brac.org
DAVID ZOLLER Manager of Governmental Affairs
Business Intelligence
Andrew Fitzgerald
p. (225) 339-1166 e. andrew@brac.org
ANDREW FITZGERALD Senior Vice President of Business Intelligence
Jake Polansky
p. (225) 381-7145 e. jake@brac.org
Jake Polansky Economic Research and Policy Analyst
Chris Spalatin
p. (225) 381-7133 e. christophers@brac.org
As the Manager of Small Business Services, Chris Spalatin is responsible for providing personalized assistance and connections to the existing ecosystem of services and programs to the small business community of the nine-parish Capital Region.
Prior to joining BRAC, Chris worked on startups in Hawaii and California with an emphasis on inventory management and workplace culture geared towards sustainable growth. Upon arrival in Louisiana, he turned his focus to community engagement and helped a startup company distribute meals to children on the National School Lunch program while schools were closed due to COVID-19.
CHRIS SPALATIN Manager of Small Business Services
Investor Development & Relations
Emilia Gilbert Henry
p. (225) 381-7141 e. emi@brac.org
As senior vice president of investor development, Emilia ‘Emi’ Gilbert Henry oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts and cultivates relationships in support of BRAC’s five-year strategic plan, Think Bigger.
Prior to joining BRAC, Emi served as the senior director of development for the LSU College of Science. In that role she led the development activities of the college and worked with leadership to foster private, philanthropic support and to build partnerships with alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations.
Originally from Rockford, Illinois, Emi came to Baton Rouge to attend LSU and earned a bachelor of arts in public relations from the Manship School. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and in addition to her work in fundraising, her previous positions have included managing large scale programs and events, training, and IT support.
EMILIA G. HENRY Senior V.P. of Investor Development
Michelle Lejuene
p. (225) 339-1169 e. michelle.lejeune@brac.org
As the director of investment development, Michelle is responsible for acting as a liaison between the organization and investors, maintaining the integrity of the membership database, supporting the member retention efforts of the organization, and educating new businesses on their involvement with BRAC. Michelle graduated from Louisiana State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business and minor in personal investing.
Michelle Mahaffey LeJeune Director of Investor Development
Chloe Riviere
p. (225) 381-7164 e. chloe@brac.org
Chloe serves as BRAC's Manager of Investor Development. In this role, Chloe is responsible for investor acquisition and retention. She also manages the organization's database to engage investors in BRAC's work leading economic development in the nine-parish Capital Region.
Prior to joining BRAC, Chloe interned at Cheerful Hearts Foundation in Ghana, West Africa and at Public Financial Management Group Consulting in New Orleans.
Chloe holds a Master of Science in International Development from Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK and bachelor's degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Louisiana State University. While at LSU, Chloe was recognized as a member of the Tiger Twelve Class of 2018.
CHLOE RIVIERE Manager of Investor Development
Marketing
Morgan Almeida
p. (225) 381-7128 e. morgan@brac.org
As the director of marketing, Morgan develops and executes marketing strategies for BRAC and its initiatives, while also positioning the Baton Rouge Area as a favorable location for talent and business investment.
Morgan previously served as a marketing strategist at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, where she led marketing strategy for the system's 1,000+ employed provider network across Louisiana and Mississippi. And before that, she worked on the BRAC marketing team for four years.
A graduate of Louisiana State University, Morgan earned her B.S. in management. Now, in her spare time, Morgan serves on the board of directors for Forum 225 and Red Magnolia Theatre Company.
Morgan Almeida Director of Marketing
Kelsey Anderson
p. (225) 339-1174 e. Kelsey@brac.org
Kelsey Anderson is the Marketing Coordinator for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.
Before joining BRAC, Kelsey worked as the marketing manager for Aramark at Southern University and A & M College putting on student engagement events and coordinating with the university’s administration to better serve the student body.
Kelsey Anderson Marketing Coordinator
Katie Fontenot
p. (225) 381-7135 e. katie@brac.org
As the Director of Events, Katie coordinates all BRAC’s events, including: Signature Speaker Events, Shareholders Meetings, Economic Development Summit, in addition to other events.
Katie previously oversaw outreach efforts, planning and executing events for the School of Veterinary Medicine at LSU. Prior to her position at LSU, she relocated from Indiana where she initially held a position as Event Manager with Whitelodging, a hospitality management company. In addition, she also held various hospitality positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts at the W Hotel Chicago Lakeshore. A graduate of Purdue University Northwest, Katie received her B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
KATIE FONTENOT Director of Events
Christy O’Neal
p. (225) 381-7151 e. christy@brac.org
As the in-house art director for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Christy communicates visually the organization’s brand identity and messaging. Christy comes to BRAC from LSU’s Center for Academic Success, where she was the communications coordinator since 2013, designing and implementing marketing materials for print and digital platforms and managing the user experience of the department website. Prior to her tenure at LSU, Christy served for nine years as marketing manager/graphic designer for a credit union. A graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Christy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing; she also earned a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Digital Design from Tulane University.
CHRISTY O’NEAL Art Director
Maggi Spurlock
p. (225) 339-7140 e. maggi@brac.org
Maggi Spurlock is the Director of Talent Development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she leads all aspects of BRAC’s talent development program, including talent attraction and orientation. She works in partnership with employers to provide services that complement existing human resources recruitment practices. Additionally, she manages special events and programs designed to assist newcomers in becoming acclimated in the Baton Rouge Area. She also oversees BRAC’s quality of life bi-weekly newsletter, Live Capitalized.
Maggi comes to BRAC from LSU’s First Year Experience office, where she served as the Senior Program Coordinator since 2009. During that time she oversaw the development of the Student Veterans Office, Welcome Week, Commuter Programming and Faculty and Staff engagement opportunities. Additional responsibilities included managing large scale programs and events, marketing, social media and leadership training.
A Baton Rouge native, Maggi holds BA’s in History and English from Louisiana State University. In her spare time, Maggi commits her service efforts to chairing the Missions Committee at Broadmoor Baptist Church placing an emphasis on supporting local, state, and global groups which prioritize education efforts.