LEADERSHIP

Since joining Alliance in 2004, Kathy has shifted the focus of the organization more toward its members by streamlining processes and developing products and services that empower member companies to make more effective use of their time and resources.

For more than 12 years, Kathy has been a member of digitalNOW’s Advisory Board, comprised of some of the most accomplished and respected names in association leadership. The group focuses on best and next practices in the world of association management and exposes organizations to strategic ways in which organizations can use technology solutions to assist associations on their digital transformation journey. She’s also been an active member of Louisiana State University’s Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) for seven years and previously served as president. CIAC actively and passionately works to develop tomorrow’s leaders in the world of construction management by making certain the university-level coursework is in alignment with the needs of those hiring the graduates.

Prior to Alliance, Kathy was Director of the Louisiana Center for Petrochemical Training at the Baton Rouge Community College. Kathy spent 10 years working at the PPG chemical plant in Lake Charles as an operator, lab analyst, instrument specialist and active member of PPG’s emergency squad. In 2004, she was awarded the Alden Andre PTEC Service Award for her contribution to workforce development projects. In 2013, Kathy was presented the Craft Education Champion Award by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance. Most recently, Kathy was recognized as a 2019 Influential Women in Business by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report.

Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics from McNeese State University and is a Certified Association Executive.

Alex’s focus is to ensure all areas of the organization are working collaboratively toward the same goals effectively and efficiently.

Alex spent the past 15 years in higher education. He has been at Nicholls State University the past seven years, serving most recently as the Executive Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs. Alex has a master’s degree in Education Leadership and a doctorate in Education Leadership specializing in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans.

Joelle’s focus is providing customized training and technology services across a variety of sectors and work environments. She will also ensure all of Alliance’s solutions are aligned, making certain that members and customers are set up for success.   

Joelle has over more than 20 years of leadership experience in the construction, petrochemical, telecommunications and retail industries for such companies as the Shaw Group, Cox Communications and Home Depot. She received a bachelor’s degree in business from Louisiana State University and gained credentials as a Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP) from Michigan State University.

Hillary is responsible for developing the overarching marketing strategy for Alliance and elevating the brand to increase demand for our products and services. She has nearly 10 years of strategic communications experience.

Most recently, she served as Division Manager of Health Communications at Well-Ahead Louisiana, the chronic disease prevention and healthcare access initiative of the Department of Health, where she directed the marketing strategy for 12 public health programs.

Hillary earned a master’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University.   

As the VP of Learning Innovation, Sarah is responsible for leading Alliance’s learning strategies, including online and instructor-led learning experiences. Her passion for creating meaningful learning experiences fuels her to challenge the status quo – delivering new, engaging and just-in-time learning to the workforce.

Sarah brings 20 years of learning, development and change management experience to Alliance. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Change Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She also holds a certificate in Human Organization Development from the Adler Graduate School in Minneapolis.

As the Corporate Liaison for Alliance, Renee works directly with the president and CEO, keeping her in touch with ongoing projects and business development, maintaining relationships with members and partners, and representing the organization to the public. She also serves as the board liaison and interacts with all departments and personnel of the company, and manages all volunteers who assist with programs. 

Renee studied business management at Louisiana State University (LSU), is a certified child passenger safety technician, has served as president of the board of DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) and treasurer of the Baton Rouge chapter of Executive Women International, and is an active committee member of the LSU CIAC (Construction Industry Advisory Council).