News Summary
Baton Rouge’s healthcare and business sectors are experiencing significant leadership changes, including the appointment of Dr. Russel Hirsch as the new chief of cardiology at Manning Family Children’s Hospital. Local companies are also seeing promotions and new appointments, such as Jody Caraccioli becoming CEO of Neighbors Federal Credit Union and new leaders at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. These transitions reflect a broader shift in leadership dynamics across the region, impacting various industries and community initiatives.
Baton Rouge – A significant leadership change is underway in the healthcare and business sectors as Manning Family Children’s Hospital announces the appointment of Dr. Russel Hirsch as the new chief of cardiology and co-director of the Heart Center, effective January. This move comes alongside various promotions and appointments among local business leaders across industries, presenting a shift in the region’s leadership dynamics.
Dr. Hirsch, who has been a faculty member at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 23 years, will also take on the role of professor of pediatrics and division head of cardiology in the Department of Pediatrics at LSU Health New Orleans. His extensive experience includes directing cardiac catheterization and the pulmonary hypertension service at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since 2007. Dr. Hirsch holds a robust educational background, having completed his pediatric residency, chief residency, and pediatric cardiology training at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by interventional cardiology training at the University of Michigan. His transition to Manning Family Children’s Hospital marks a new chapter in his professional journey.
In related news, local business sectors have seen several leadership changes. Taj Odem and Justin Vlosich have been promoted to senior communications coordinators at Gambel Communications. Their advancement highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its communication strategies and strengthening its leadership team.
Additionally, Jody Caraccioli has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Neighbors Federal Credit Union, effective January 2027. Caraccioli, who has served as the chief financial officer of Neighbors since 2008, brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously held the role of chief financial officer for KeyPoint Federal Credit Union. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Millsaps College and an executive master’s in business administration from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Furthermore, Shane P. LaCombe has joined Plaquemine Bank and Trust Co. as executive vice president in charge of commercial lending, leveraging 34 years of banking experience focused on commercial and consumer lending. Meanwhile, John Graff has been appointed as the director of project management at Kean Miller, possessing nearly 30 years of experience in diverse industries, including financial services and technology.
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber announced a new leadership team for its Business Investment division. Jayson Newell has taken on the role of senior vice president of business investment, succeeding Russell Richardson, who is now the president and CEO of the St. Tammany Economic Development Corp. Newell, who has been with BRAC since 2018, previously worked as a project manager at Louisiana Economic Development. Robby Abboud and Anthony Bodin have also been appointed to vice president positions for process industries and technology, respectively. Janet Galati joins as vice president of business investment for energy, with a background in economic development from Jefferson Parish and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Adelina Lepine is now the director of compliance and operations at BRAC, where she has worked for over six years.
In community news, the Louisiana NAACP State Conference is set to hold its 83rd annual Convention & Leadership Conference in Baton Rouge from October 2-4, focusing on various socio-economic issues. Journalist Roland Martin is lined up as the guest speaker for the Freedom Fund Banquet on October 4, adding a notable highlight to the event.
LSU’s proposed $428 million arena project remains on course despite recent controversies surrounding the Oak View Group, the chosen developer. The Metro Council has unanimously approved new taxes within LSU’s economic development district, including a 1% sales and use tax and a 1% hotel occupancy tax, which will facilitate the funding for the project.
Additionally, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s first Economic Inclusion Symposium is scheduled for August 18, aiming to enhance economic diversity in the region. Applications for the Leadership Baton Rouge class of 2026 remain open until September 30, with a tuition fee of $1,950, encouraging local leaders to engage in community development.
Lastly, the Baton Rouge Business Report is accepting nominations for the 2026 edition of the Capital Region 500, which serves as a guide to influential leaders across various sectors in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WBRZ: Louisiana State NAACP Conference
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Business Report: LSU Arena Leaders
- Google Search: Leadership conferences
- The Advocate: Leadership Baton Rouge Class Openings
- Google Scholar: Leadership Development
- 225 Baton Rouge: Influential Leaders in Capital Region
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Leadership
- Philanthropy: Intergenerational Leadership
- Google News: Leadership Changes
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