News Summary
Recent announcements reveal extensive new hires and promotions across various sectors in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Key appointments include leadership roles in marketing, education, finance, and the legal field, demonstrating significant growth within these economies. Positions have been filled at organizations such as Loyola University, Assurance Financial, and law firms like Jones Walker. The changes signal a positive trend in the local business landscape, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and community development.
Baton Rouge and New Orleans Announce Various New Hires and Promotions
The Sales and Marketing Executives of Greater Baton Rouge have announced their board of directors for the upcoming 2025-26 term, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Lisa O’Deay, the assistant vice president of marketing for Campus Federal Credit Union, has been appointed as board president. Other notable board officers include past presidents Kelly Randow from Franklin Direct Mail and Monica Rogers from World’s Finest Chocolate.
In addition to these changes, Loyola University New Orleans has made significant appointments within its academic structure. Shaniece Bickham has been named the director of the School of Communication and Design and will serve as an associate professor of mass communication. Laura Jayne has advanced from director of student services to become the assistant dean of the College of Music and Media. The university has also hired Alan Mills as an assistant professor, overseeing the winds, brass, and percussion program while conducting and teaching music education classes. Furthermore, Jessica DeKleva has been employed as coordinator of music therapy, and Jeffrey Ory has been appointed as an instructor in mass communication.
In the financial sector, Katelyn Hodges has been promoted to compliance manager at Assurance Financial after 13 years with the company; she additionally serves as vice president of the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association. Meanwhile, Josh Jefferson has joined Build Baton Rouge as land bank and real estate counsel, where he will oversee legal matters and manage title clearing work for land transactions. Dexter Alexander has also joined Build Baton Rouge as the new community real estate coordinator to aid in land acquisition and redevelopment efforts.
In human resources, Amy Williams has been appointed assistant vice president and human resources manager at Bank of Zachary, where she will manage all HR functions.
The boards of directors for JD Bancshares and JD Bank have welcomed Carrie Calvin and Preston Castille. Calvin brings a wealth of experience as a CPA specializing in healthcare, retail, and maritime sectors, while Castille is the CEO of Helix Community Schools.
In investment management, Cappy Johnson has been hired as a senior portfolio manager at Delta Financial Advisors, bringing over 20 years of experience to the firm. Similarly, Darren Day has accepted the position of vice president of operations-heavy civil for Diamond D Industries, contributing over 30 years of construction industry experience.
Law firm Jones Walker has expanded its team by welcoming Jay O’Brien as a partner in the litigation practice group. Meanwhile, Baker Donelson has added two associates: Trevor C. Mosby, who specializes in corporate restructuring and Samuel J. Noblin, an expert in financial services transactions.
Blue Williams has also strengthened its legal team with the addition of three new attorneys. W. Christian Edwards and Sara G. Ford have joined as associates in Metairie, while Alexis A. Smith has been hired in Mandeville.
These appointments and promotions across various sectors indicate ongoing growth and development within the local economies of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, highlighting the dynamic nature of the business landscape in these areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Advocate: New Hires
- Wikipedia: Job Search
- Business Report: School Hiring Event
- Google Search: Latest Hiring Events in Baton Rouge
- The Advocate: Jones Walker Hires
- Google Scholar: Employee Hiring Trends
- WAFB: Metro Council Hires Advisor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employment
- WAFB: LSU Hiring Freeze
- Google News: LSU Hiring Freeze
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
