AEDF Announcements
November 6, 2025 – Canal Ferry Terminal Signage Celebration
Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation had the honor of celebrating and presenting our new sign at the Canal Ferry Terminal. We are very proud to bring acknowledgement and recognition to the West Bank through this signage. Many local New Orleanians already know the beauty of our town, Algiers, but now we can share it with all.
Esteemed pillars of our community joined us in celebrating our sign. Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., State Representative Delisha Boyd, Chuck Toney, Chief of Staff for Councilman Freddie King, and CEO of RTA, Lona Hankins, along with our board AEDF members, Erik Garcia, Krista Pouncy-Dyson, and Carla Shorty, all did us the honor of sharing what this sign and ferry meant to them.
Special thanks to former AEDF Executive Director Kelsey Foster for initiating this achievement, and a thanks to Interim Executive Director, LaVerne Toombs for continuing the work and making this all possible.
Honorable mention to the RTA staff for working with us to set up the celebration and running the operation so smoothly.
Please go visit the sign for yourself on the corner of Convention Center Blvd and Canal, or just a ways up at the Canal Ferry Terminal. While you’re at it, take a ride to the West Bank, often considered the best bank.
July 21, 2025 – LaVerne Toombs Appointed as Interim Executive Director
The Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of LaVerne Toombs as Interim Executive Director. A seasoned leader in community and economic development, Ms. Toombs brings over two decades of experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, and strategic fundraising to this role.
Ms. Toombs has held senior leadership positions across Louisiana, including serving as Executive Director of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. She is also the founder of Right 4U, LLC, a consulting firm supporting nonprofits and public sector organizations with fund development and organizational strategy.
“LaVerne is a proven changemaker whose deep roots in Louisiana and impressive leadership record make her an ideal fit to lead AEDF through this period of transition,” said Ben Morvant, AEDF Vice President. “We are confident she will help us maintain momentum and continue serving the Algiers community with excellence.”
As Interim Executive Director, Ms. Toombs will oversee key programs, community engagement initiatives, day-to-day organizational management, and fundraising strategies while supporting the AEDF Board of Directors in the search for permanent leadership.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation for the next three months. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors for this opportunity. I look forward to utilizing every skill, talent, and experience I have to advance the organization’s mission and vision and serve the Algiers community with purpose and passion.”
We are still accepting applications for the permanent Executive Director position through March 1, 2026 and encourage interested candidates to apply. More information about the position and how to apply can be found at algierseconomic.com/careers-at-aedf