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Matt Candler has been scaling companies and coaching people who lead them for 25 years. In 2010, he launched an organization called 4.0 to help entrepreneursbuild better learning spaces and tools; more than 1,500 alumni now serve millions of families in the US. Matt’s been into electrification for 17 years. He started building electric motorcycles in 2006. In 2019, he began serving as an advisor to B2U Storage Solutions, operator of the largest second-life electric car battery power plant in the USA. In 2021, he helped start one of the largest microgrid projects in the US, Together New Orleans’ Community Lighthouse, where 85 houses of faith and non-profits will be equipped with solar and energy storage. Matt mentors founders in the Alabama Power/Techstars EnergyTech fellowship and teaches homeowners and renters how to electrify at My Next Electric.
In a career that spans more than fifty years, Deacon John Moore has endured as one of New Orleans’
most talented and most adaptive performers. “If New Orleans has such a thing as a musical chameleon,
it is certainly Deacon John,” says music writer Jeff Hannusch. A warhorse and model showman, he’s
entertained generations of New Orleanians, playing classic rhythm and blues, rock ’n’ roll, blues,
jazz and gospel. Blessed with a great voice trained in church, he began singing with his first R&B
band in the seventh grade. He learned to play guitar by ear from records and books, and started
playing professionally in 1957 while still in high school. In the 1960s, Deacon, as a guitarist,
began to play on recording sessions with Allen Toussaint, Dave Bartholomew, Harold Battiste, Wardell
Quezergue and Eddie Bo. He became a fixture on all of the top records at Cosimo Matassa’s studio in
the late ’50s and early ’60s, playing on many classic hits: Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-in-Law,” “Tain’t
It the Truth” and “A Certain Girl”; Benny Spellman’s “Lipstick Traces” and “Fortune Teller”; Lee
Dorsey’s “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Ride Your Pony” and “Holy Cow”; Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like
It Is,” “I’m Waiting at the Station” and “Wrong Number”; Chris Kenner’s “Land of 1,000 Dances,” “I
Like It Like That” and “Something You Got”; Robert Parker’s “Barefootin’,”; Smokey Johnson’s “It
Ain’t My Fault,” Willie Tee’s “Teasin’ You” and Professor Longhair’s “Big Chief,” among others.
Deacon, with his band Deacon John & the Ivories, was the first rock’n’roll musician to play with the
New Orleans Symphony in 1970. He has performed at every New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and
his sets are legendary. In the 1980s Deacon’s prowess on the slide guitar eventually landed him a
part in Alan Parker’s movie Angel Heart, and a national television commercial for Miller Beer. In
1990, he and fellow musician George Davis released his first CD, Singer of Song, followed by his
second CD, Deacon John Live at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In 2000, he was inducted
into the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame and taught blues music in the schools throughout the state of
Louisiana. In 2003 Gambit Magazine named Deacon Best Male Performer, Best Rhythm and Blues Artist
and Entertainer of the Year; and Offbeat magazine awarded him Album of the Year (for his third CD,
Deacon John’s Jump Blues), Overall Band of the Year and Best R&B/Funk/Soul Band. At the invitation
of President George W. Bush, he played at the Congressional Ball at the White House in 2005, and in
2006 Deacon was elected the first African-American president of the New Orleans Musicians Union,
Local #174-496. In 2007, he was chosen to sing for the historic inauguration of Louisiana Governor
Bobby Jindal. His many awards and honors include: commemorative envelope from the U.S. Postal
Service and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, and induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of
Fame (2008); Community Arts Award from the Arts Council of New Orleans, and an Asante Legends Award
(2009); Lifetime Achievement Award from Offbeat, Cutting Edge Music Conference’s Lifetime
Achievement Award, and the American Federation of Musicians’ highly coveted Charles Walton Diversity
Advocate Award (2010); Snooks Eaglin Lifetime Achievement for Blues Excellence Award from the New
Orleans Blues Society (2011); Slim Harpo Blues Pioneer Award from the Slim Harpo Music Awards
(2012); and in 2013 he was awarded a star on the Tipitina’s Walk of Fame. Recent awards include
Urban League of Greater New Orleans Award for outstanding achievement and contributions to music and
preserving the arts, and Jazz Playhouse’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Award for outstanding
leadership (2016); New Light Missionary Baptist Church’s Award for dedicated commitment to the state
of Louisiana, Gambit’s Big Easy Entertainment Award for Lifetime Achievement in music (2017); and
recognition by the Times-Picayune’s Tricentennial 300 for 300 Project as one of the 300 people who
make New Orleans New Orleans (2018). In 2019, Deacon John was awarded an honorary doctorate in music
from Loyola University; and in 2021 New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell declared June 23 “Deacon John
Day” in the city.
Deacon has graced the covers of many local and national newspapers and magazines. He has appeared in
movies and musical theater, and been featured in local and national TV commercials, including
Lincoln Cars, Southern Comfort Whiskey, Snickers Candy, Blue Cross health insurance, Capital One
Bank (“What’s in your wallet?”) and People’s Health Insurance. Deacon has also been in many WYES-TV
documentaries on New Orleans history and culture, most recently New Orleans: The First 300 Years; he
is also in The Last Exorcism Part II (2013). Deacon played “Danny Nelson” in the first season of
HBO’s acclaimed series. Treme. Deacon is the star of the critically acclaimed documentary movie,
Going Back to New Orleans: The Deacon John Film, and live concert DVD and CD, Deacon John’s Jump
Blues.
Dave Goodall helps Entrepreneur-minded leaders align their energy, skills, and business processes to
realize their dreams.
Growing up in his grandfather’s countertop manufacturing plant, he fell in love with the idea of
business at a young age. Gifted with Dyslexia, he realized that he could see things that others
struggle to see. His education in electrical engineering and neuro-linguistic programming allows
Dave to bring an analytical approach to solving your problems. He spent over 20 years in the IT
industry developing tech teams, and delivering product support and change management integration
solutions
Through his IT experience, Dave realized that there were two tracks of challenges in business – the
logistical and the human. With a proven track record of delivering on strategy and knowing that
everything starts with your team, Dave sought to understand the human element of workflow better.
Synthesizing his understanding of NLP based mental and emotional programming and human interaction
into his well-established consulting practice has taken his business to the next level.
Dave is now more sought out than ever. He helps clients tap into their best selves, prioritize
deliverables, improve their sales cycle, and streamline their operations, bringing better work-life
balance, cohesive teams, and multi-seven-figure profits.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Simon is a life consultant specializing in coaching Coaches, CEOs,
Business owners, and Teams throughout sports, business, entrepreneurship, and startup growth as an
added value partner to developing companies and franchises.
As a former collegiate and professional athlete and the son of an experienced professional
athlete/collegiate coach and C-Suite level executive mother, Simon has always been around high-level
and high-functioning groups of individuals that set the expectation of success.
With a winning blue-collar background in athletics and executive coaching, Simon's passion for
leadership and desire to impact people enable him to stay committed to creating a lifestyle of
faith, family, and success. At the same time, he aims to help others be aware of and update the
internal narrative that positively or negatively impacts them, their business, and their family as a
professional problem solver and listener.
Simon is excited to continue his passion for helping people and coaching through his work with
tapmental.
Dr. Mignonne Mary is a national leader in innovative wellness with a focus on disease prevention,
nutritional medicine and Infusion Therapy. The Remedy Room has grown substantially both in size and
in scope and continues to educate, empower and heal as many patients as possible.
Dr. Mignonne Mary graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans and completed her residency in
Internal Medicine at Charity Hospital. She has been in practice since 2001. The Remedy Room is a
continuation of the legacy of her father, Dr. Charles Mary, Jr., a pioneer in the field of Infusion
Vitamin Therapy.
Kevin Phillips has had a long and successful 29-year career in enrollment management and admissions,
serving at four different colleges and universities with increasing levels of responsibility.
Kevin is currently the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at Lees-McRae College in
Banner Elk, NC. Since joining Lees-McRae in September 2019, Kevin has overseen new initiatives that
have led to a significant increase in applications and enrollments for first-year and transfer
students. In this time, Lees-McRae has seen three of its largest four classes ever. In addition, he
is leading a team that is currently developing many new partnerships with the North Carolina
Community College system, including the establishment of Guaranteed Admission Programs and
Program-to-Program Articulation Agreements.
Prior to arriving at Lees-McRae, Kevin served as the Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment
Management at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. With his previous roles there as both the
Director of Undergraduate Admissions and the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, he
experienced tremendous application and enrollment growth that saw full-time undergraduate enrollment
rise from under 2,000 to over 5,000 today. The last three enrolling classes at the university were
the three largest in its nearly 100-year history. These three classes were also the most
academically talented and were enrolled while decreasing the overall discount rate.
In 2018, Kevin oversaw significant growth of incoming graduate and international students as well.
Spring international graduate enrollments at the University of New Haven increased from 123 to 201
over the previous year, and incoming domestic graduate enrolling credit hours increased by nearly
1,000. He was responsible for redesigning enrollment communication plans, significantly increasing
the number of campus visitors, implementing a career progression plan for admission employees, and
enrolling the second largest number of incoming transfer students at all private colleges and
universities in New England.
Kevin started his career as an admissions counselor and assistant men’s basketball coach in 1994 at
Sacred Heart University. During his time there, applications and enrollments nearly tripled, and the
University moved its athletic programs from NCAA Division 2 to NCAA Division 1.
A former college basketball player, Kevin is widely known as an innovator and forward thinker. He
has significant expertise in event planning, marketing, quality service initiatives, public
speaking, financial aid leveraging, social media strategies, athletics, and Esports. With a team
approach, he has helped to develop numerous successful enrollment management professionals over the
years. He is a member of NACAC, NAFSA, NAGAP, and AIRC.
Michael has a long career as Entrepreneur, CEO, and Consultant. As an early adopter of the “
Experience Economy”, he is passionate about connecting People, Place, and Experiences. He retired as
CEO (titled as Chief Applications Innovator) at Enriching Spaces, an Inc. 500 award winner. There he
consulted, created, and delivered to Corporate organizations, like Procter & Gamble, Macys, and DHL,
as well as to Higher Ed, and Healthcare. Working with the likes of Herman Miller, his company
designed award winning facilities and environments for clients, that best supported their Culture,
Vision, Brand, and Performance. Using the mantra of “Space and Place is a Message…What message do
you want to send?” The Focus was on consciously building the elements and experiences that
reinforced and nurtured improved engagement with teams, customers, and suppliers.
At his newest venture, Daring Pairings, We uniquely connect wine (or other “Romanticised
Consumable”) & experiences to bring people together, inspiring memorable moments & enriching life’s
journey. The goal; “To Discover ways to have more memorable and delightful moments that make life
more rewarding, enjoyable and connected.” Vaulting into this new career, Michael has attained CSW,
West, and Court of Master Sommelier distinctions. It is his belief that things like wine are the
“new social media” connective tissue, that better connects people at more intimate ways and develops
those memorable moments.
Although Collin is not originally from New Orleans, she feels that she is ‘OF’ New Orleans. She
graduated from Tulane’s AB Freeman School of Business in 2004. After 6+ years living abroad
post-Katrina, she was thrilled to come home in 2010.
As a working artist in New Orleans, her passion has always been helping other artists create more
sustainable creative careers. It synthesizes her creative pursuits, business knowledge, and desire
to do good for New Orleans.
After a chance meeting with Cat Todd regarding a platform for New Orleans artists, Where Ya Art Works
was born (formerly known as Where Y'Art).
Collin's personal interests lie in preserving and furthering the culture of New Orleans and other
entrepreneurial visual artist creative communities, and how local artwork can transform communities
into synergistic partnerships between artists and commercial projects.
Collin is also a board member of Feed the Second Line, and deeply committed to the work they do to
support culture bearers in our community.
Chef Nina Compton is the Chef/Owner of award-winning Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro (BABs)
in New Orleans where she combines her love for French and Italian cuisine with the flavors of the
Carribean where she was born and raised.
Winner of James Beard Award for “Best Chef South” in 2018 and one of Food & Wine magazine’s "Best
New Chefs 2017", Nina Compton is Chef/Owner of award-winning restaurant Compère Lapin in New
Orleans’ Warehouse District. Her second restaurant venture, Bywater American Bistro (BABs), is
located in New Orleans’ “Sliver by the River” Bywater neighborhood.
Born and raised in St. Lucia, Nina grew up with the flavors and beauty of the Caribbean. Upon
completion of secondary school in England, she returned home where she decided to pursue her dream
of becoming a chef. Her wary but supportive parents arranged an internship with a friend’s hotel in
Jamaica where she fell in love with the creativity and camaraderie of the kitchen. Leaving the cozy,
warm winters of the Caribbean, Nina chose to move to chilly Hyde Park, NY to study at The Culinary
Institute of America.
Graduating in 2001 from America’s finest culinary school, Nina began her professional journey at
Daniel in New York City, working and continuing her culinary education alongside world renowned
chef/restaurateur Daniel Boulud and his team.
After moving to Miami, she continued to work with the best, joining the crews of Norman Van Aken at
the original/iconic Norman’s then Philippe Ruiz at Palme d’Or at the historic Biltmore Hotel.
Eventually Nina moved to Casa Casuarina, a private club and boutique hotel in Miami Beach where she
rose from Sous Chef to Executive Chef of the small yet highly acclaimed property.
With the excitement of the 2008 reopening of the refurbished Fontainebleau Miami Beach, combined
with the chance to work with Scott Conant at Scarpetta, Nina leapt at the chance to join the
pre-opening team as Sous Chef and went on to be appointed Chef de Cuisine, where she earned raves
and accolades. During a star turn on BRAVO’s acclaimed cooking competition show, Top Chef New
Orleans, on which she was a finalist and fan favorite, Nina fell in love with the Crescent City. An
opportunity with Provenance Hotels lured Nina to New Orleans where she opened her first solo
restaurant, Compère Lapin, at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in the Warehouse District.
Since opening in June 2015, Compère Lapin has received critical acclaim including Eater National's
"Best Restaurants in America 2017"; a rave review in The New York Times, and Top 10 Winner of
Playboy's Best New Bars in America 2016. At Compère Lapin, the talented toque creates robust dishes
that meld the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing and love for French and Italian cuisine, while
highlighting the Gulf and Louisiana’s beautiful indigenous ingredients.
Compton’s highly anticipated Bywater American Bistro – which opened in March 2018 – features
contemporary American fare, showcasing the chef’s culinary craftmanship while focusing on seasonal
ingredient-driven cuisine in a casual, convivial setting.
A woman of many hats, Nina Compton also serves as the Culinary Ambassador of St. Lucia.
Dr. Girgrah is the Chief Wellness Officer at Ochsner Health. He leads the efforts of the Office of Professional Well-Being (OPW) at Ochsner Health which is charged with improving the professional fulfillment of their employed physicians and APPs focusing on enhanced practice efficiency and personal and team resilience and building an organizational culture that promotes provider well-being. Dr. Girgrah received both his medical degree and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He has specialist certification in both gastroenterology and internal medicine with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is a practicing transplant hepatologist and also serves at the Medical Director of Liver Transplantation at Ochsner Health.
Jeff Schiffman brings 16 years of enrollment management, marketing, and communication experience to
support his partners at EAB. As a Senior Strategic Leader, Jeff supports our Enroll360 partners by
providing a diverse array of guidance for senior leaders and as well as mentorship for newer staff
members. Jeff also serves as support to our Greenlight Equity Collaborative partners and is
passionate about inclusion, access, and diversity in the enrollment management world.
Prior to arriving at EAB, Jeff spent his entire career on the college admission side as Director of
Admission at Tulane University. His one year hiatus from higher ed was as the Vice President of
Communication at a community foundation where he gained valuable insight into the nonprofit world.
In his free time, Jeff is passionate about serving his community and serves on the board of a number
of local nonprofit organizations, You can also find him on the Peloton leaderboard at @Schiffmania
and teaching indoor cycling on Tulane's campus.
Dr. Ibrahim (Abe) Baggili is a first generation Arab American. He is a Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Louisiana State University and the founder of the BiT Lab (Baggili Truth Lab) where he holds a joint appointment between the Division of Computer Science & Engineering and the Center for Computation and Technology. He has won numerous awards including CT Civil Medal of Merit, CT 40 under 40, and is a fellow of the European Alliance for Innovation. Prior to that he was the director of the Connecticut Institute of Technology and Elder Family Endowed Chair of Computer Science & Cybersecurity at the Tagliatela College of Engineering at the University of New Haven. He received his BSc, MSc and PhD all from Purdue University where he worked as a researcher in CERIAS. Work with his students has uncovered vulnerabilities that impact over a billion people worldwide and has been featured in news and TV outlets in over 20 languages. To learn more about the BiT Lab, you can visit https://csc.lsu.edu/~baggili.
Catherine Todd is a native New Orleanian. It was at Auburn University where she began taking design
classes and studied great designers like Saul Bass, Paul Rand and Milton Glaser. Through their work,
she discovered how art has the ability to move people, spread ideas, transform and communicate
universally. She graduated with a BFA in graphic design, moved back to New Orleans and worked for H
agency, a boutique design firm then got a job at what was then MCMedia (now Renaissance Publishing)
worked her way up from a designer to art director of the short lived publication, “New Orleans
Sports Extra”. Katrina hit then she moved to Atlanta and got a job as a senior designer for Pure Red
Creative. It was there she cut her chops as a designer, art director and creative strategist. She
was a part of the creative team behind campaigns, as well as branding work and catalog design for
major organizations like Mudpie, Duane Reade, Longs Drugs, West Marine, etc… She learned how a
creative business operates. What worked and what does not. How she could use her skill set to start
her own business. After five plus years in ATL, she moved to Columbus Georgia, where she started her
own freelance branding and design business, Mama Roux Studio. Her clients included Turn Services and
Associated Terminals, French Quarter Fest, Fancy the Agency, Pure Red Creative, as well as plenty of
local New Orleans musicians. After 7 years away, she finally found her way back to New Orleans. She
continued to run Mama Roux Studio into the first few years of starting Where Y’Art Works.
In December of 2022, Where y’Art Works celebrated its 9th Anniversary! Originally started as an
online marketplace for local artists to sell their work in 2014, the team grew from two to a team of
six women working together as a full-service art consulting company that connects organizations and
individuals with local artists.
Tony Zanders is an award-winning software entrepreneur and library technology executive, currently
serving as the founder and CEO of Skilltype — a software platform for information professionals and
their teams to analyze, develop, and share expertise. Prior to Skilltype, Zanders served as the
inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence at the Boston University Libraries, advised the senior
leadership team on talent and the future of work. For nine years, he held executive roles at EBSCO
and Ex Libris, where he consulted library leaders across six continents on technology strategy.
Tony is a frequent speaker and writer in library and higher education communities. Zanders is an
honors graduate from Washington and Jefferson College, where he double majored in English and
Philosophy, and was awarded the college’s Young Alumni Award in 2015. A proud native of New Orleans,
Louisiana, he currently lives in Louisiana with his wife and children.
A Seattle, Washington native, Ben Olin is currently the General Manager at Noelle, a thriving Luxury Lifestyle hotel in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. He is a true hotelier and hospitalian, with a passion for people, serving his team members, hotel guests, and growing real estate value. After graduating from the Hospitality School of Business at Washington State University, Ben built his twenty-year hotel career through progressive leadership opportunities within Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, HEI Hotels and now with Makeready, a startup hospitality company based in Dallas, Texas. Along with building a robust hotel management resume, Ben has held corporate roles leading guest service platforms, college recruiting, company culture, and leadership development initiatives. Ben’s north star is coaching and teaching and currently oversees the Leadership Development and Guest Service Training program for the Makeready portfolio. This passion for teaching developed through his years of competing at a high-level in team sports, along with his college and post college internships and management training opportunities. Understanding the value of effective coaching and mentorship, Ben has turned his career passion towards this initiative. When not reviewing a P&L or leading a guest service class, you’ll find Ben coaching one of his three boys on the sports field, or on the golf course, finding fairways and greens.
Originally from Erie, PA, Sean Dunn is a former Scout/Sniper of the U.S. Marine Corps who continues to support and advance the Military and First Responder communities. He has worked as a Business Developer for over 15 years in the Arts, Entertainment, and Hospitality sectors. He is passionate about resourcing Veterans and their families through charitable organizations and pro bono opportunities. He is committed to raising the standard of care for those who serve our country domestically and abroad.
Gerard Ramos is the Co-Founder of Revelry Labs, Revelry Venture Partners, and ROAM.
With over two decades of company-building experience, Gerard has held multiple ops, tech, and
product advisory and leadership roles in budding startups in Silicon Valley, London, and New York.
He was an early employee and played an instrumental part in developing the online and technology
infrastructure at Zappos (acquired by Amazon) and Williams Sonoma. Gerard is also an active angel
investor and philanthropist in the New Orleans community. His passion for travel and the outdoors
has led to ROAM where he’s transforming outdoor recreation hospitality.
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Carlos Gooden (he/him/his) began his career in admissions 15 years ago as a
student tour guide at The University of Toledo. Since then, he has served in a wide range of
professional roles overseeing strategic recruitment planning, travel outreach, event planning, and
orientation at the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Gooden has worked at a variety of
institutions from large public universities, to private universities, a Catholic university, and a
Historically Black College and University in admissions and marketing roles. He currently serves as
the Executive Director of Graduate Business Programs at the University of Houston-Downtown where he
oversees admissions for three graduate programs.
Dr. Gooden holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Toledo. Most recently he
completed his Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of New Orleans where he
researched admissions policies and access at urban, public institutions.
Aaron Dirks is a transformative entrepreneur and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and interests in the Renewable Energy, Hospitality, Medical Device, and Logistics industries. He leads his portfolio of entrepreneurial endeavors through his role as Founder and CEO of Dirks Companies, LLC that serves as his holding enterprise and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. His primary focus is to help and grow Social Entrepreneurial endeavors wherever possible.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Aaron has made his way around the world and back to Louisiana through an exciting journey. Aaron graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1996 and served for ten years in the Army. After concluding his active duty service in 2001 and completing his MBA, Aaron returned to Louisiana to pursue private business. At the age of 26, he bought an engineering firm in Baton Rouge and his entrepreneurial drive has not stopped since. He joined Merrill Lynch in the fall of 2002 and grew a successful private wealth management practice before forming his own Private Wealth Advisory firm, Dirks Capital, a precursor to Dirks Companies.
Upon graduating from Loyola University New Orleans, Robert LeBlanc started a record label, Renaissance Records, that evolved into an event planning and guerrilla marketing firm called The Renaissance Initiative. His first hospitality project was music venue Republic New Orleans, with hotel bars LePhare and Loa New Orleans following shortly thereafter. LeBlanc opened his first restaurant, Sylvain, in October 2010. In 2014, he created LeBLANC+SMITH, which is a boutique hospitality portfolio committed to creating excellent 21st Century Southern hospitality experiences to enable all people to live joyful, balanced and fulfilling lives. LeBLANC+SMITH now also includes The Will & The Way, Barrel Proof, Barracuda Taco Bar, Anna’s and boutique hotel The Chloe. Robert is married to Danielle Webb and has two sons, Bear and Will and calls Uptown New Orleans home.
Patrick currently resides in Ponchatoula, LA with his wife of over 27 years, and their 3 children. He is a native of Meraux, LA.
His career includes over 35 years of Hospitality Service working in some of the highest ranked hotels in the world. He currently serves as a Hotel General Manager for the Drury Plaza New Orleans, and served previously as the F&B Director of the Loews New Orleans and the Royal Sonesta. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans.
He has a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration from the University of New Orleans, 1991 and a M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama, 2020.
In addition, in 2015 he established Dettwiller Consulting as the result of multiple requests for guidance from past employers, teachers, and colleagues in both academia and hospitality. Drawing from years of teaching Louisiana ProStart Teachers the essentials of Hotel and Restaurant operations, assisting small restaurants in menu design and pricing, and lecturing at UNO, his energetic presentations grew to much more.
Motivational Seminars have become the cornerstone of Dettwiller Consulting. “Hospitality Life – Using the Skills of Hospitality to Aid in Creating A Bully-free Environment,” taught students the basics in creating acquaintances and finding commonality. The newest presentation and book, “The Three Rules of Life” incorporates some of these teachings in three easy to follow rules that cover everything, and we mean Everything!
Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, Founder and CEO: As Founder/Executive Director of Son of a Saint, Bivian "Sonny" Lee III has dedicated his life to enhancing the lives of fatherless boys. Prior to founding the Son of a Saint, Sonny served as chief aide to Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. He was previously the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA Baseball Team and Director of the New Orleans Jazz Institute.
Sonny graduated with honors from St. Augustine High School and later earned a degree in Marketing and Management from the University of New Orleans. In 2022, he earned his Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (EMNA) from the University of Notre Dame. A TEDx speaker on community service, decision-making and the importance of education, Sonny's nonprofit work has been highlighted on CNN, Al Jazeera America, NPR and local television stations and newspapers.
Greg Ulland is a seasoned professional with a passion for teamwork, coaching, and teaching. He brings a wealth of experience and success to his pursuits, having won 9 Ohio State Championships in volleyball. Greg's dedication to excellence and his commitment to developing new and innovative approaches to education are evident in his work as a founding member of the Synnovation Lab at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, OH. This modern school within a school focuses on personalization, community, and authentic learning, reflecting Greg's belief in the importance of empowering students to take control of their own education. With his extensive experience, deep understanding of the field, and unwavering commitment to helping others reach their full potential, Greg is a true asset to any organization he is a part of.
Short bio, just facts, between Audrey Mae and William P, Sr, many-many-many-many moons 🌚 ago, in the month of June, baby boy, Scott Jr, 4th oldest grandson, here I am, as I am, Mom's passed on, Pop's still kicking
Shout out to #1 cousin, D-G-Scott, words to say, I give you my roses 🌹 🌹, blessings in abundance, with all appreciation to family and friends, feel the love 💜, it's genuine, if you don't know-now you #know, love is the answer, no matter the question
Life's joys, suffering/struggles, hurts and pains, karma, good or bad, guilty as charged, down slop or up hill climb, what's happening, happens now !, live your rewards
No bitterness, feelings legit, smiles confirmed and only good news, good vibes, cherishing, motivating, nourishing and glowing specifically in the means and name of love 💜, how awesome, living the #WOW !
Laura Bellucci, a history nerd, concept creator, bartender, and event coordinator, has been thriving in events & hospitality for over 15 years. She moved to New Orleans in 2013 to pursue bartending, and has since worked from high end to high volume throughout the city, at spots like SoBou, The Southern Food and Beverage Museum, Donostia Supper Club, and Belle Epoque at the Old Absinthe House. In 2022, she moved to Chattanooga and now works as the Events and Operations Coordinator for The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit focused on accessibility, technology, and entrepreneurship and still dabbles in private absinthe events.
If Christian Pendleton, the General Manager of Brennan's, seems to have a well developed air of order, ability, and discipline, he comes by it honestly: a military child, he spent most of his childhood in Korea, Turkey, and on stateside bases. Graduating from military academy, he joined the Army and served with the elite 1st Ranger Battalion in Special Operations, a community that enforced the importance of details -- in drills such as jumping out of airplanes and fast-roping out of helicopters. "There is probably not a better learning ground, teaching facility, or leadership opportunity than the military," he points out. That said, he must admit that the fine dining field is not so far behind.
Leaving the Army with the rank of sergeant, Pendleton entered the hospitality industry, where his finely honed military skills and a degree in Business Management ensured that he progressed steadily up the ranks. His first fine dining service experience was at IndeBleu in Washington, DC, whose GM, Jay Coldren, had come from the famed Inn at Little Washington; in his first opportunity in restaurant management, Pendleton made his way from captain to director of service. After a few years, he was approached by Per Se, in New York, and leapt at the chance to work for the renowned Thomas Keller. Duty to family, however, meant returning to the Washington area to care for his ailing mother; when she recovered, he teamed up with chef Barton Seaver as opening GM of Hook, in Georgetown. "Barton was such an important mentor," says Pendleton. "He taught me about being a good steward of the planet, and how organic sustainability plays into the guest experience." Pendleton then spent a year in Florida helping friends to open a large and complex property, before returning to DC.
It was then that he began working with Ashok Bajaj, the legendary Washington restaurateur whose Knightsbridge Restaurant Group includes some of the most notable and popular tables in DC. Pendleton opened the acclaimed Bibiana, serving as its GM for two years; then as Group General Manager of the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group for over three years, he oversaw various re-modelings and openings, perfecting his management technique under the guidance of a master. "Ashok is always nominated Restaurateur of the Year, and wins the title as often as is decently possible," notes his protégé, adding, "He's an inspiration to his staff, myself included, even now."
Pendleton received a call from New Orleans. "I loved my work, but anyone in this industry with any ambition would recognize the unique opportunity to be on the opening team of Brennan’s – it is an offer that does not come every day so I threw my hat right in ring," he recalls. From that moment, everything was fast and furious, with every day-off in Washington spent in New Orleans. "Ralph Brennan has a phenomenal reputation as a great restaurateur, and has surrounded himself with an amazing team. It's an exciting honor to be a part of it, and a start of a new era for Brennan's," says Pendleton.
His prior exposure to New Orleans consisted of a few brief tourist visits was no impediment. In fact, coming in at the re-birth of an iconic institution, he sees his broad perspective as an 'outsider' as a distinct advantage, sharing in the reverence for Brennan's, without being blinded by its reputation. His perspective is enhanced with the laissez-faire attitude streaming in from the locals who, in turn, have an infectious effect on his uniformed character. His seasoned perfection is the foundation, but his overwhelmingly optimistic and congenial attitude finds a place in his every word. "This establishment has a special place in the hearts of the people here. They're so enthralled by the sincere care of the restoration, and by the respect that Chef Slade Rushing shows for the familiar favorites on his new menu." That, he says, is the challenge: "We have an amazing institution, served by a wonderfully talented team, and maintaining the status quo is not good enough. As we honor the history of Brennan's, we'll have to bring it forward, always striving to impress and delight our patrons, whether they've come from across the globe or right here in our backyard. My ambition for Brennan's is that it be the very best restaurant -- not just in the city, but in the country."
Under Christian’s leadership, Brennan’s has earned a plethora of local, regional and national awards and recognition. Highlights include “Restaurant of the Year” – New Orleans Magazine; Top 50 “Best Restaurants in the World” – Condé Nast Traveler; “South’s Top 10 Restaurants” – Southern Living Magazine; “#1 Best Place for Brunch in New Orleans” – Eater.com; Two Awards of Excellence” from Wine Spectator Magazine; and four “Best Chef South Finalist Awards” for Brennan’s Chef Slade Rushing from the James Beard Foundation.
Meanwhile, Pendleton has fallen head-over-heels with his newly adopted city, raring to experience all the traditions, rituals, seasons, and celebrations for which it is known. What completed his journey is having his wife, two step sons (one whom attended LSU), and toddler daughter experiencing the evolution of his career with him in New Orleans.
Pendleton speaks glowingly of the opportunities he's had to learn from great mentors, and hopes that one day, others may think of him with the same regard. He especially treasures the advice he received from Ella Brennan, the restaurant's very first GM in 1955, whom he spent some precious moments with at the grand re-opening. "I asked her what the keys were to making Brennan's great," he recalls. "She said, 'Hospitality is the only word that matters. Everything else follows.' That might sound simple, but she delivered that single sentence with such care and love. She had given me the key." Rest assured that Pendleton will take it to heart.
Mindy Nunez Airhart is the President and CEO of SSE Steel Fabrication, an AISC-certified structural steel fabrication contractor in St. Bernard, Louisiana. In addition to her professional duties, Ms. Airhart serves as Immediate Past Chairwoman of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. She is also an outgoing Chairwoman of the St. Bernard Parish Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the boards of directors of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, and the First Planning District of the Louisiana Workforce Development Board. Her company, SSE Steel Fabrication (formerly known as Southern Services & Equipment, Inc.), was recognized as a Louisiana Growth Leader by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) in 2022, and was also selected to the 2022 “LSU100”, a list of the 100 fastest-growing LSU graduate-owned or LSU graduate-led businesses in the world. SSE Steel Fabrication was also named to the “Inc. 5000”, which is Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, for two consecutive years. Ms. Airhart was selected to the 2022 and 2023 class of Biz New Orleans magazine’s “New Orleans 500”, a collection of profiles of influential, involved and inspiring greater New Orleans executives. She was also named to the 2021 New Orleans CityBusiness “Excellence in Construction and Real Estate” class and the 2020 New Orleans CityBusiness “Women of the Year” cohort. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and resides Uptown with her husband and two children.
Kevin R. George is the Superintendent of the LSU Laboratory School located on the campus of Louisiana State University. He has served in various roles throughout his 24 year educational career including classroom teacher, principal, chief of accountability, CEO of a Charter Management Organization and Superintendent of a traditional school system. He is a founding member of the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy and is a member of the first cohort of the Southern Education Foundation’s Racial Equity Leadership Network. He earned a BS and M.Ed. from Nicholls State University where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity and also Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. He is a member of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club and founding member of the Houma-Thibodaux Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. He is a Baton Rouge resident and has been married for 25 years and has a son and two daughters.
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