Leadership

Kelsey R. Foster, Executive Director

Kelsey’s career has been focused on the intersection of economic policy, public finance, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College, a professional certificate in Public Finance from the University of Chicago, and is working towards a Masters of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. Foster is a resident of Algiers Point and serves as an At-Large board member of Old Algiers Main Street. Kelsey loves catching the sunset on the Algiers levee, riding the Algiers ferry to Mardi Gras parades, and grabbing a beer at the Crown and Anchor Pub.

Diana Powers, Program Manager

Diana Powers (she/they) is a versatile and passionate program manager, bringing extensive experience in non-profit and public sector collaboration to support communities. Originally from inner city Atlanta, she grew up on a community-owned land trust, instilling a lifelong commitment to social and environmental justice. Diana studied Public Policy at Georgia State University and earned her BA in Community Development from Portland State University. She has worked with various public, non-profit and community-based organizations in multiple cities, utilizing education, art, music, and culture as platforms for community resiliency and connection. Diana continuously seeks to improve community services and dismantle systemic barriers. In her spare time, she enjoys nature, traveling, and supporting local live music and arts.

Nehemie Merilien, CSP Fellow 2024

Nehemie Samuel Merilien is a community leader from Port-de-Paix, Haiti, and a board member at RCNS-HAITI, a leading nonprofit organization focused on community development in the North West region of Haiti. With a strong passion for economics, Nehemie is committed to advancing financial education to combat financial illiteracy, a significant barrier to financial inclusion and development in Haiti. As a 2024 Community Solutions Program Fellow, Nehemie will enhance his skills in community assessment, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic planning through community-driven projects such as an Algiers Multifamily Housing study. Nehemie is excited to be in New Orleans, a region rich in culture, mindset, and architecture, and looks forward to applying his experiences to further empower his community in Haiti.

Arta Mehana, CSP Fellow 2024

With expertise in private sector engagement and community development initiatives, Arta specializes in youth development and empowerment. She manages programs that facilitate entry into the labor market through internships, provide career orientation, enhance job readiness skills, and deliver comprehensive entrepreneurship training for young people. During her Community Solutions Program Fellowship, Arta will organize an Algiers Career Fair and deepen her knowledge in designing advanced youth empowerment programs, internships, and youth entrepreneurship.

Executive Committee

president

Robert Royal

The Robert Royal Foundation

First vice-president

Ben Morvant

Crescent Towing

second vice-president

Christe Brewton

LCMC

Head shot of Christe Brewton
Secretary

Erik Garcia

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

Treasurer

John Paul Metzler

Eastman Chemical Company

Board of Directors

Past Presidents

  • Tara Miller, 2023
  • Rachel Shields, 2020-2022
  • Ron Bordelon, 2019
  • Theodore C. Sanders III, 2017-2019
  • Dr. Stanton McNeely III, 2015-2017
  • D'Jaun Hernandez, 2013-2015
  • Christopher Kane, 2010-2013
  • Clayton White, 2007-2010
  • Glenn Orgeron, 2005-2007
  • Tyrone Hubbard, 2003-2005
  • Paul Richard, 2001-2003
  • Elwood Cahill, Jr. 1999-2001
  • Belinda Little-Wood, 1997-1999
  • Dwayne Lockett, 1996-1997
  • Stephen Dickey, 1992-1994
  • Max Rabner, 1991-1992

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