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 Executive Assistant & Database Manager
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
Rachel P. Delamain
p. (225) 381-7146 e. rachel.pierson@brac.org
Rachel serves as director of business development (consultant recruitment) by driving business attraction initiatives and working with state and local officials, utilities, and community foundations to communicate strengths and resources to companies and consultants seeking locations for new facilities within the nine-parish Capital Region. Originally from Bossier City, LA, Rachel earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from Louisiana Tech University. Prior to working at BRAC, Rachel was an account executive at KTAL News Channel 6-NBC in Shreveport, LA. Rachel is also a graduate of Donaldson Real Estate School and is EDFP certified. She is among North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2015, a distinction conferred by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that works with economic developers and location consultants. Recipients of this prestigious recognition are nominated by their colleagues in economic development and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation, and success in building the communities they serve.
RACHEL P. DELAMAIN Director of Business Development (Consultant Recruitment)
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 Director of Business Development (City of BR & EBR Parish)
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 Regional Director of Business Development
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
CAILA MICELI Manager of Policy and Special Projects
Elizabeth Walker
p. (225) 381-7128 e. elizabeth@brac.org
As the Policy and Research Project Manager, Elizabeth Walker provides leadership on initiatives and policies, project management, research analysis and administration for initiatives that advance BRAC’s annual policy agenda. Elizabeth acts as the staff lead for BRAC’s Quality of Place Committee in addition to focusing on transportation, workforce development, education, crime, health care and other economic competitiveness factors.
Prior to joining BRAC, Elizabeth served as the Assistant Curator of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and Content Developer/Project Manager at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, a museum exhibition design firm headquartered in New York, NY. There, she worked on major projects including the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, WA and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, CA.
A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Elizabeth earned her master’s degree in Art & Museum Studies from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. While in graduate school, she completed an internship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. At the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, Elizabeth studied the Asian art market. She earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Birmingham-Southern College, during which time she studied economics at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
ELIZABETH WALKER Policy & 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 Mahaffey
p. (225) 339-1169 e. michelle.mahaffey@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 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
Kelly Bienn
p. (225) 339-1168 e. kelly@brac.org
As senior vice president of marketing, Kelly is responsible for the development and execution of BRAC’s marketing communications strategy in support of the organization’s regional economic development efforts. In this capacity, she directs BRAC’s communications, events and talent development.
Kelly previously served as director of marketing for BRAC, and spent five years managing departmental marketing for LSU Executive Education and the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute. Kelly moved from Maryland to attend LSU, where she received a bachelor’s degree in public relations and an MBA. She is active in the Baton Rouge community and is the 2016 president of Forum 35.
KELLY BIENN Senior V.P. 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
Camryn Curtis
p. (225) 385-7102 e. camryn@brac.org
As the marketing intern at BRAC, Camryn assists the marketing team in developing marketing material while also managing social media accounts and writing content for BRAC’s blog.
Camryn is a recent graduate of Louisiana State University. She earned a B.A. in Mass Communication with a focus in public relations and a minor in business administration. She is currently pursuing an MBA online through LSU Shreveport. Camryn previously interned in the communications department of LSU Libraries.
Camryn Curtis Marketing Intern
Katie Fontenot
p. (225) 381-7135 e. katie@brac.org
As the Director of Events, Katie coordinates all BRAC’s events, including: Monthly Lunches, 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.