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
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
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
Kary Pope
p. (225) 381-7148 e. kary@brac.org
As the executive assistant, Kary supports the CEO/president, and executive vice president of the organization. Additionally, Kary coordinates the meeting logistics for the BRAC Board of Directors, its Executive Committee, and its Operations Committee. Prior to joining BRAC, Kary served as the executive assistant to the CEO and owner/founder and as the operations manager for an e-commerce company located in Baton Rouge. She has worked as an executive assistant and project assistant with various local and national engineering firms since her arrival in Baton Rouge in 2005.
Kary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
Kary Pope Executive Assistant
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
Britt Bowker
p. (225) 319-5966 e. britt@brac.org
Britt has over 15 years in business development and recruitment experience in the healthcare and financial services industries. Prior to joining BRAC, Britt held multiple executive level roles at Our Lady of the Lake and Assurance Financial, and was instrumental in the development of sales programs, talent acquisition processes and expansion, and drove major account growth. As a Rhodes College graduate and Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, she enjoys being a resource to help foster growth and connections in her community and beyond. Britt spends her time at home with her husband, their three daughters, and their furry child, Berkley, the lab. She is also an avid runner, hiker and skier, and she enjoys yoga and cooking. Britt serves her community by volunteering with homeless youth.
Britt Bowker Director of Recruitment
Joshua Combs
p. (225) 381-7146 e. joshua@brac.org
Joshua Combs serves as BRAC's Manager of Business Development for East Baton Rouge Parish. In this role, Joshua works with officials at the state and local levels on economic development projects in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Joshua brings experience in the development and implementation of organizational processes, and in project and program management to the team. Prior to joining BRAC, Joshua served as the director of small business funding programs at the Urban League of Louisiana, providing funding solutions for disadvantaged small businesses. He also worked as the state applicant liaison for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) where he led the implementation of Hazard Mitigation projects working with federal agencies, local government, and various agencies across the state of Louisiana.
A Baton Rouge native, Joshua graduated from Southern University with a B.S. in Business Management and is slated to graduate with his Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in the fall of 2022.
Joshua Combs Manager of Business Development, East Baton Rouge Parish
Adelina Lepine
p. (225) 381-7126 e. adelina@brac.org
As the Business Development Program Manager, Adelina supports all efforts of the business development team, assists engagement and identification of prospective companies through multiple channels, and ensures 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 years of experience, both through internships and her professional career, in non-profit business development and events coordination.
ADELINA LEPINE Business Development Program Manager
Donnie Miller
p. (225) 381-7136 e. donnie@brac.org
A native of New Orleans, Donnie Miller serves as Senior Director of Business Recruitment, Life Sciences, and Technology at BRAC. In this capacity, he works collaboratively with State and parish partners to lead and manage recruitment efforts in the Capital Region through the identification of new project opportunities.
Prior to his time at BRAC, 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 MILLER Senior Director of Business Recruitment, Life Sciences and Technology
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 is the Business Retention and Expansion manager at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this role, he collaborates with parish partners and businesses to facilitate economic development opportunities within the Capital Region.
Prior to joining BRAC, Casey worked in energy, education, and healthcare. He managed proposal negotiations for international and domestic maritime oil projects in Houston, Texas with an emphasis on local incentives and job retention. Casey later served as an American literature teacher and Assistant Administrator at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge where he was a member of the Diversity Committee and Disciplinary Board and participated in fundraising and recruitment. Then, as a healthcare director, he led community engagement and recovery efforts during COVID-19 and hurricane seasons in southeast Louisiana.
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 Senior Manager of Education and Workforce Policy and Research
Brent Mangum
p. (225) 831-7530 ext. 202 e. brent@brac.org
Brent serves as Manager of Business Internship Partnerships. In this role, Brent focuses on BRAC’s commitment to developing and retaining talent in the nine-parish region. With an emphasis on economic inclusion, Brent builds relationships with local businesses to create talent pipelines with secondary and postsecondary educational institutions in the Capital Region.
Over the course of his career, Brent has served in roles in the alternative energy, education, project management, and customer service fields. Outside of BRAC, he is an active volunteer in non-profit organizations and likes to spend his time outside with his family or backpacking in the mountains.
A native of Leesville, Louisiana, Brent completed a two-year mission in Antofagasta, Chile. He is also a proud LSU alumnus after graduating from the university with a B.A. in Spanish and a Master of Public Administration degree.
Brent Mangum Manager of Internship Business Partnerships
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
Chloe Riviere
p. (225) 381-7164 e. chloe@brac.org
Chloe serves as BRAC’s Manager of Policy and Special Projects. In this role, Chloe is responsible for providing policy research and analysis, project management, and administration for initiatives that advance BRAC’s policy agenda.
CHLOE RIVIERE Manager of Policy and Special Projects
Ronnie Slone
p. (225) 381-7125 e. drive@brac.org
RONNIE SLONE Drive Minority Business Accelerator Facilitator
Davorio Stevenson
p. (225) 339-1176 e. davorio@brac.org
Davorio Stevenson serves as the Manager of Economic Inclusion at BRAC. In this role, he leads BRAC’s economic inclusion initiatives, which include providing access to capital and 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.
Davorio joins BRAC from the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) Investment team, where he was Director of Investment Operations of its $25 Billion pension plan. His previous experience includes positions at The Hershey Corporation, CBRE’s Valuation and Advisory Group, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Davorio is an investment professional with interests in private equity, real asset valuation, corporate finance, economics, and institutional investing.
Davorio is a proud graduate of both Louisiana State University and Southern University, holding a B.S. in Accounting from Southern and an M.S. in Finance from LSU.
Davorio Stevenson Manager of Economic Inclusion
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
As Senior Vice President of Business Intelligence, Andrew leads BRAC’s research team, supporting the data and analysis needs of the organization. In terms of economic development, the team performs economic impact modeling, demographic research, and workforce benchmarking to help make the business case for the Capital Regions to companies looking for new markets. On the policy side, the team provides robust data to support the positions BRAC takes in its effort to ensure the state and region embrace pro-growth policies.
Previously, Andrew served in several research roles at BRAC since joining the organization in 2015.
ANDREW FITZGERALD Senior Vice President of Business Intelligence
Jake Polansky
e. lea@brac.org
Lea Disimone is BRAC's Policy and Research Analyst Intern. As an intern, she supports the Business Intelligence team by collecting and analyzing data, preparing graphs and reports, and developing specific presentations for Baton Rouge and other organizations. Lea is a senior at Louisiana State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Trade and Finance. She also enjoys singing, playing piano, and creating video essays in her free time.
Lea Disimone Policy and Research Analyst Intern
Jake Polansky
p. (225) 381-7145 e. jake@brac.org
Jake Polansky Manager of Economic and Policy Research
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
Delashawn Bordeaux
p. (225) 385-7102 e. delashawn@brac.org
Delashawn Bordeaux is the Manager of Investor Development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this capacity, she works to increase internal lead development and uses BRAC's strategy and implementation to help secure, support, and retain investors.
Prior to joining BRAC, Delashawn founded and currently operates Speak Our Truth, a nonprofit organization created to remove the stigma of speaking out against sexual abuse in the African-American community. A native of Fort Worth, TX, Delashawn is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at Southern University in Business Management with a concentration in human resources.
Delashawn Bordeaux Manager of Investor Development
Michelle Lejeune
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
Grace Moody
p. (225) 381-7134 e. grace@brac.org
Grace Moody is the manager of investor relations for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she is primarily responsible for managing investor lead development and investor communications as they relate to engaging, retaining, and increasing BRAC’s investor base.
Grace Moody Manager of Investor Relations
Marketing
Melissa Bouligny Carter
p. (225) 339-1168 e. melissac@brac.org
Melissa Bouligny Carter is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In this capacity, she develops and executes BRAC's organizational messaging, manages regional advertising across digital and traditional media in the Baton Rouge metro area, and supports BRAC's internal and external marketing needs.
Prior to joining BRAC, Melissa worked at Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, where she served as Director of Brand Marketing. Her previous responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the marketing strategy and implementation for restaurants across six states, increasing brand awareness, expanding the restaurant into new markets, and facilitating relationships with agency partners and vendors. Melissa's previous experience includes time as the Regional Director of Marketing for the Southeast Region at Raising Cane's, and Marketing Project Manager for Gap Inc. HQ's Old Navy Division.
Melissa received a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
MELISSA BOULIGNY CARTER Senior Vice President of Marketing
Morgan Almeida
p. (225) 381-7128 e. morgan@brac.org
Morgan Almeida Senior Director of Communications
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
Analise Gonzalez
p. (225) 381-7125 e. analise@brac.org
Analise Gonzalez is BRAC's marketing and communications intern. As the intern, she assists with project planning, content development, and database management. A Texas native, Analise is a rising senior at Louisiana State University pursuing her bachelor's degree in Business Management. In her free time, she volunteers and leads with the Young Life college organization.
Analise Gonzalez Marketing Intern
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. She leads the artistic development of original designs marketing and promotional pieces, including print, digital, and television; collateral materials; and internal and external corporate publications.
Christy comes to BRAC from LSU’s Center for Academic Success, where she was the communications coordinator from 2013 to 2016, 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 Senior Art Director
Lindsey Russ
p. (225) 381-7135 e. lindsey@brac.org
Lindsey Russ is the Director of Events for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she strategizes, organizes, and implements all BRAC’s internal and external events including Signature Speaker Events, Shareholders Meetings, and the Economic Development Summit.
Lindsey comes to BRAC from the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Pelican Chapter where she served as Director of Member Services. Lindsey oversaw several different programs, including more than 25 general membership events a year, sponsorship programs, construction awards program and banquet, the annual ABC of Louisiana convention, and the young professionals' committee's events. Lindsey brings over 10 years of experience in sales and event coordinating and planning to the team.
Lindsey, a New Orleans native, currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her two young children and husband. A graduate of Louisiana State University, she majored in Communication Studies with a focus on Sociology. Lindsey currently serves as a member of the Baton Rouge Events Association (BREA) and sits on the Special Events Fundraising Committee for the Capital Area CASA Association.
LINDSEY RUSS Director of Events
Maggi Spurlock
p. (225) 381-7140 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.
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.