William "Bill" DiPaola  

Vice Chairman

Chief Operating Officer & Franchise Industry Leader

With 27 years of restaurant and executive leadership experience, Bill DiPaola is a thought-leader among restaurant and franchise executives. Bill is the current Chief Operating Officer for Franchising of Ballard Brands, LLC, a company of more than 200 units both nationally and internationally. Bill previously served as President and COO of award-winning Dat Dog Enterprises and Chief Development Officer for Rotolo’s Craft & Crust, a 35-unit fast casual chain throughout the Gulf South.   

Bill is a published author and industry thought-leader who has been featured in and interviewed for multiple publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Huffington Post. Bill sits on multiple industry boards of directors and is a recipient of the “New and Notable” 2017 award in Biz New Orleans Magazine and "People to Watch" 2017 in New Orleans Magazine. Bill has also been on the forefront of change and political action in the restaurant and franchising industries, including meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus to put forth initiatives to create opportunities for minority business owners in franchising.

Gina Milligan

Secretary

Senior Investigator & Financial Director of Chair Couture, LLC

Gina Milligan serves as a Senior Investigator for a national medical insurance company and is the co-owner and financial director of Chair Couture, LLC, a luxury chair rental company catering to New Orleans and the surrounding areas. With expertise in both event planning and financial management, Gina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and is a lifelong resident of Algiers, New Orleans. Gina is passionate about all things Mardi Gras, enjoys cooking, savoring local New Orleans cuisine, and collecting magnets from her travels.

Marques Colston  

Advisor

Entrepreneur, Executive Coach & Former NFL Player

Inspired by his NFL career and his experience as an owner, partner, investor, and advisor to dozens of companies, Marques Colston founded Marques Colston Enterprises, a professional development services company that empowers organizations and growth-minded athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives to unlock professional creativity and possibility. He is a licensed financial advisor and has launched Venture Investing and Entrepreneurship for Professional Athletes, an executive education program at Columbia Business School for current and former professional athletes. Marques is also an adjunct professor at the University of New Orleans, a Super Bowl champion, and an inductee in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the Sports Halls of Fame in Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

Francie Davenport

Director

Associate Director, Alumni Engagement / Alumni Communications Lead at the University of New Orleans 

Francie Davenport is a creative, resourceful, results-oriented professional with 25+ years of marketing and communication experience in high-profile organizations. A skilled negotiator and consensus-builder, she leads and inspires teams in delivering innovative, data-driven campaigns and projects that exceed goals. 

She currently serves as the alumni communications lead for the UNO Foundation. During her 6-year tenure at UNO, she has created a robust multi-channel alumni outreach program from the ground up, resulting in record email, social media, networking, event and website engagement numbers and a 42% growth in membership. She previously served as director of marketing for Loyola University New Orleans. 

Before 2012, Francie spent 17 years in Washington, DC where she launched her marketing career at USA Today and later spent 10 years with the American Diabetes Association's national office in partnership marketing, multimedia production, integrated marketing and e-commerce. She created and grew a new revenue stream for the association with digital and pop-up conference store sales of ADA-branded apparel, merchandise, publications and gifts. 

Originally from Tupelo and later Jackson, Mississippi, Francie holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. She loves her adopted home of New Orleans and enjoys local festivals, live music, travel, rearranging furniture and spending quality time with friends and her two crazy cats, Lily and Sophie.

Dr. King Imani

Director

Strategic HR & Operations Leader

A highly strategic, results-driven, and collaborative professional with a robust background in Human Resource Management, Strategy, and Operations Management. Expertise spans multi-site management, hiring and recruiting, data analytics, employee engagement, training and development, compensation and benefits, payroll administration, and employee relations. Passionate about promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with extensive knowledge of labor law, compliance, and reporting standards.

Proficient in workforce planning, forecasting, organizational development, and talent management, as well as change management and ethical considerations. Skilled in KPI/metrics analysis, revenue generation, brand-building strategies, and market penetration. Adept at implementing systems and databases, business consulting, and territory management.

Highly capable in manipulating and analyzing large data sets, including macro and micro datasets, as well as raw data. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to draft contracts, conduct contract reviews, and lead negotiations. Recognized for excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a talent for prioritizing, delegating tasks, and making sound decisions under pressure while fostering a focused and productive environment.

Cortlin Johnson

Director

Owner and Chief Operational Officer of Ellis Johnson

Cortlin Ellis Johnson, the owner of Ellis Johnson Company, holds a degree in Psychology and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is skilled in Educational Psychology and Educational Administration, and Operational Management. His skill expertise includes areas within School Management, Best Practices in Behavioral Sciences, Community Outreach and Organizational Strategic Planning.

Cortlin brings expert knowledge in the development and growth of student achievement within the school/ community, business endeavors, and political/ social interactions. He has worked with organizations to develop and cultivate intergenerational relationships; promote services to political, social, and non-profit institutions; management of small and large budgets, report financial statuses and interaction at the corporate, local and board levels of agencies.

Currently, Cortlin is the Chief Operational Officer of Ellis Johnson, a company which focuses on the transformation and building of properties within the Greater New Orleans area and its surrounding communities. Previously, Cortlin served in the capacities of Disciplinarian/Operational Manager at Edna Karr High School.  He was the sponsor of the Student Council at Edna Karr.

Marguerite Oestreicher

Director

Executive Director, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity

A former business development analyst, ad agency executive, magazine publisher, and art gallery owner, Marguerite Oestreicher took a unique and circuitous path into nonprofit management. While this doesn’t sound like a likely resume for a nonprofit housing leader, she credits every life experience she’s had as helpful and relevant to where she is today.

At a young age, Marguerite accompanied her father on a genetics research trip to the Mississippi Delta, where he conducted interviews with sharecropper families about sickle cell anemia. This early exposure to abject poverty—something she didn’t fully understand at the time—left an impression on young Marguerite that would influence her future.

Later, during Hurricane Katrina, Marguerite lost her home like thousands of others, triggering a reset of priorities and purpose.

“Recognizing our mutual dependence on one another and on access to contacts and opportunities made me want to effect change and make a positive impact,” she says. She went back to school to study nonprofit management and never looked back. Despite the pandemic, Marguerite and her team are focused on building a stronger future for the city they all love. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity will be introducing new ways to build and new programs later this year.

Luke O'Neal III

Director

Owner & CEO of O'Imagination: Creative Design and Print & Minuteman Press of Jefferson

Luke O’Neal is the driving force behind O'Imagination, where he combines a collaborative approach, innovative ideas, and a dedicated team to deliver exceptional promotional solutions. With a vast selection of custom items, Luke works closely with clients to create products that leave a lasting impact long after their events have concluded.

Known for his attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Luke provides tailored promotional services that align with each organization’s unique needs and branding goals. His mission is to ensure his clients are not only remembered by their audience but also build lasting relationships that keep them coming back. Through his work, Luke has established himself as a trusted partner in helping businesses enhance their brand presence and achieve success.

Dr. Jahquille Ross

Director

Chief of Talent, New Schools of New Orleans

A change agent in the field of education! I am a true definition of a lifelong learner. I love working with children & adults to provide opportunities for growth. I embrace change with an open mindset & constantly fond innovative ways to overcome challenges.

Romero Stewart

Director

Assistant Principal & Educational Leader

Romero Stewart serves as the Assistant Principal of Academics, Culture & Operations at InspireNOLA Charter Schools, where he leverages a unique blend of military precision and educational expertise to create enriching academic environments. Drawing on his leadership experience from his time with the US Army's 205th EN BN, Romero brings a strong foundation in structure, discipline, and strategic planning to the school setting.

His ability to merge military leadership with academic administration has enabled Romero and his team to address complex educational challenges with confidence and innovation. Together, they have implemented strategies that enhance both student engagement and staff performance, underscoring Romero’s dedication to excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of secondary education.

Rich Vath 

Director

Director of Research and Advancement, University of System

Rich Vath, a native of New Orleans and a passionate advocate for education and economic mobility for all, currently serves as Director of Research & Advancement for the University of Louisiana System. Prior to joining the system, he worked for many years in progressive leadership roles in medical education at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.

His commitment to civic engagement includes serving on the Advisory Board for the Ochsner Discovery School in Baton Rouge, President of his Baton Rouge neighborhood civic association, and Advancement Chair for his son’s BSA Scout Troop. Among his many accomplishments, Rich is especially proud of his work as a graduate research assistant at the University of Michigan, where he and his team collaborated with Detroit public schools on a middle-school science education reform effort. Through this initiative, the collaborative helped improve student outcomes across the community, enabling Detroit students to outperform their peers statewide. This transformative experience underscored the power of coalition-building and perseverance in driving systemic change.

Rich is currently completing an EdD in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, and he was a Fellow in the LeadershipBR Class of 2024. His passion lies in developing and retaining talent within Louisiana and its communities, with a focus on uplifting historically disenfranchised populations. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for these communities to participate fully in industrial sectors and beyond.

His dedication to this mission aligns with his continued support of the Coalition for Inclusive Leadership and Innovation (CILI), where he seeks to expand its impact and foster meaningful change.

Cedric Watts

Director

President of The Watts Group

10+ years of experience in Business Consulting & Project Management servicing Nonprofits & Businesses internationally. Cedric’s skill set encompassing Business Operations, Coaching, & Executive Services. In addition to a strong business development background Cedric has a Master of Management (MS) focused in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

Kwame Salter  

Past Chairman

HR Executive, Author

Kwame Salter is an experienced HR Executive with skills in career development, coaching, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his illustrious career, Kwame has worked for Kraft Foods and Concordia University, Chicago, and he is the author of Striving While Black: A Playbook For The Seriously Ambitious. Kwame holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison.