EMILY LIPPOLD GUMMER

Board President

Emily Lippold Gummer is a registered patent attorney and partner with Carver Darden, LLC specializing in intellectual property matters.

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LOIS SIMPSON

Board Co-Vice President

Lois Simpson, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, served as the Executive Director of the Advocacy Center of Louisiana.

DAVID EMOND

Board Co-Vice President

David is a social entrepreneur, educator, and youth advocate who has spent the past decade working to create a more equitable ecosystem of opportunity for New Orleans youth.

ANDREW BRAUN

Board Treasurer

With over 35 years devoted to trying lawsuits and defending his clients in a wide variety of litigation, Andy has earned a stellar reputation among his peers and with his clients for his candid approach and seasoned understanding of the law. 

BRYANT YORK

Board Treasurer

Bryant York is an attorney at the law firm of Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann LLC. He moved to New Orleans in 2011 from New York, where he had been practicing law at the international headquarters of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. 

MEAGHAN CLARK

Board Member

Meaghan Clark runs her own marketing and communications consultancy business, working with a wide range of clients from the manufacturing, medical, health and wellness industries.

DARRYL DURHAM

Board Member

Darryl Durham is the Director of Arts and Community Engagement for Anna’s Place NOLA, and is a native of Greensboro, NC.

JANE FINNEY HAAS

Board Member

New Orleans native Jane Finney Haas’ father grew up in the French Quarter, so neighboring Gallery Circle, Le Petit Theatre and NORD were the stages she frequented in childhood.

GREGORY JOHNSON

Board Member

Gregory Johnson recently retired to New Orleans after a long career in the
professional and academic theatre.

Todd LaGrange

Board Member

Todd LaGrange, having already attended a few NOLA Project productions, was better introduced to the ensemble via his son's involvement in the High School Summer Intensive program. 

KARA LARSON

Board Member

Kara Anne Larson is an attorney at Winston & Bergeron, a law practice devoted to civil and criminal appeals, including post-conviction relief.

DAVID MILLER

Board Member

David Miller is the President & Principal of Renaissance Property Group, specializing in the development of affordable housing communities using an array of tax-advantaged financing programs.

KAREN CARVIN SHACHAT

Board Member

Karen Carvin Shachat began her career in advertising working with local ad agencies in New Orleans followed by a move to New York to work with some of the top national agencies, (Benton & Bowles, Ted Bates and Ally & Gargano). 

RON THOMPSON

Board Member

Ron Thompson’s experience in the advertising business came during the “MadMen” era. His account management has been extensive in the fields of packaged goods, hospitality, medical, and energy. 

FREDA PAZ

Board Member

Freda Paz is a graduate of LSU with a Bachelors degree of Fine Arts, Graphic Design. She is a seasoned graphic designer with a reputation for excellence and a passion for good design. 

ALEX TURVY

Board Member

Alex Turvy is the Director of School Operations for KIPP Leadership, where he leads a team that is responsible for overseeing daily school operations/logistics, enrollment, facility maintenance, finance, and food service for a K-8 school that serves 900 students.

DALE WILLIAMS

Board Member

Dale Williams is a swimming coach at Holy Cross High School, a water aerobics instructor, and an internationally ranked masters swimmer.