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(DVW-HɱHUVRQ*HQHUDO+RVSLWDODQG WKH(-*+)RXQGDWLRQFRQJUDWXODWH RXU:RPDQRIWKH -DQLFHKDVEHHQDGHGLFDWHGQXUVH OHDGHUDQGSDWLHQWDGYRFDWHIRUWKHSDVW \HDUV+HUKDUGZRUNDQGGHYRWLRQ KHOSHG(-*+EHFRPH/RXLVLDQD¶V¿UVW 1XUVH0DJQHW+RVSLWDODWHVWDPHQWWR WKHRXWVWDQGLQJHQYLURQPHQWRIFDUH VKHKHOSHGWRFUHDWH :H OOEHKHUH &BTU+FGGFSTPO(FOFSBM)PTQJUBM ZZZHMJKRUJ WOY 2004 10/15/04 5:55 PM Page 1 IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE Information Technology is electrons and silicon, data, perform IT contracting and outsourcing, create copper and fiber – and it is rarely perfect when the networks, implement enterprise storage and security switch is turned on. Investments vaporize as critical systems, and provide a full range of off-the-shelf failures materialize. We are the “rocket scientists” who software and hardware tools. We seek to become make it work – Diamond Data Systems. We deliver tailored your consultant and partner – not just sell IT. Our goal IT solutions that impact the bottom line performance of is to enhance the productivity of your firm, reduce our clients in business, government, and scientific risk, and contribute to your bottom line. And because communities. We engineer custom software, integrate we know rocket science, you don’t have to. CONSULTING CUSTOM SOFTWARE CONTRACTING OUTSOURCING DATA INTEGRATION NETWORKS STORAGE SECURITY SOFTWARE SALES HARDWARE 5732 SALMEN STREET SUITE C NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70123 504.729.9100 800.218.9009 [email protected] WOY 2004 10/15/04 6:12 PM Page 2 2004 CityBusiness Women of the Year Congratulates Virginia "Gini" Davis, P.T., M.A. One of CityBusiness’ 2004 Women of the Year Gini Davis founded Crescent City Physical Therapy over twenty-one years ago. Today, it is the city’s largest and most diverse private physical SponsorOne therapy/rehabilitation provider with five outpatient locations in Greater New Orleans. She also pioneered an industrial/occupational/ergonomic Hallema and Ann services division that helps area employers manage the costs of work-related injuries and workers' compensation. Gini donates her time to the community too, serving as training director for the New Orleans Crescent City Classic and as medical liaison for major women's sporting events for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. CCPT, METAIRIE CCPT, CHALMETTE CCPT, WESTBANK 5008 W. Esplanade 405 W. Genie 1331 Barataria Blvd. (504)885-9675 (504)270-9318 (504)328-4575 CCPT, UPTOWN CCPT, EAST N.O. 2633 Napoleon, Suite 615 5555 Bullard, Suite 102 (504)895-0638 (504)246-9896 WOY 2004 10/15/04 6:07 PM Page 3 Women2004 of the Ye a r • Respected Leader Table • Dedicated Executive of Contents • Progressive Citizen Women of the Year honorees 5A Introduction 6A Philomene “Missy” Allain 7A Rita Benson LeBlanc 9A Barbara C. Booth 10A Lally Brennan 11A Kathleen Mix, Vice Chancellor Valerie Cahill 12A for Workforce Development and Education, Delgado Community College Karen Carter 13A Audrey Cerise 14A Hallema Sharif Clyburn 15A Dorothy M. Clyne 16A Sandra Corrigan 17A Elizabeth Coulon 19A Congratulations, Kathleen, Virginia Davis 20A Stephanie Dupuy 21A on being named one of 2004’s Anita Gilford 22A Women of the Year. Dana Meeks Hansel 23A Lane Hindermann 24A Andrea Huseman 25A Your colleagues at Ellen Kempner 26A Delgado Community College Laura Lee Killeen 27A Janice Kishner 28A are proud of you! Dr. Susan Krantz 29A Angelique LaCour 30A Janet E. Larson 31A Diane Lyons 33A Carla Major 34A Marilyn Maloney 35A Lisa Maurer 36A Mary L. Meyer 37A Kathleen Mix 38A Michelle Montz 39A Carole Cukell Neff 41A Dr. J. Coller Ochsner 42A Stephanie Prunty 43A Dr. Felicia Rabito 44A Ann Rogers 45A Gail Roussel 46A Peggy Scott 47A Tara Shaw 48A Jaye Berard Smith 49A Kathryn Smith 50A Carol Solomon 51A Kim Sport 52A Liz Tahir 53A Donna Taylor 54A Fran Villere 55A Ann Wallace 56A Barbara B. Waller 58A Bonnie K. Wibel 59A Carol B. Wise 62A Ellen Yellin 63A Photographer: Cheryl Gerber Published by the NOPG LLC 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 1440, Metairie, La. 70005 504-834-9292; Fax: 504-837-2258. Publisher and president: D. Mark Singletary Editor: Terry O’Connor Junior associate editors: Tommy Santora and Greg LaRose Director of custom publishing and industry reports sales: Ann Bower Herren Art director: Lisa Finnan Production manager: Julie Bernard Advertising coordinator: Heidi Decker WOY 2004 10/15/04 6:00 PM Page 4 Congratulations Philomene ‘Missy’ Allain, RPH, RXM, DDR On being chosen as one of CityBusiness’ 2004 THE NEW ORLEANS HORNETS CONGRATULATE WOMAN OF THE YEAR Barbara Booth Mother, Wife, Hero From your loving family Kayla, Mark, Lucky WOY 2004 10/15/04 6:05 PM Page 5 s Women of theYe a r Honorees 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Phyllis Adams Tonia Aiken Julie Condy Ann Cassagne Anderson Donna K. Alley Philomene “Missy” Allain Jan Boatright Lauren Anderson Sherie Conrad Annie Avery` Dianne Baham Rita Benson LeBlanc Patricia Denechaud Carol Asher Sheila Danzey Trilby Barnes Gaynell Bellizan Barbara C. Booth Maura Donahue Judy Barrasso Judy Dawson Ginger Berrigan Ruth Berggren Lally Brennan Betsy Dresser Diane Barrilleaux Ann Duplessis Dianne Boazman Lolita Burrell Valerie Cahill Lana Duke Suzette Becker Patti Ellish Donnie Marie Booth Jeanette C. Butler Karen Carter Nanci Easterling Elodia Blanco Jean Felts Christine Briede Vanessa Claiborne Audrey Cerise Midge Epstein Julia Bland Patricia Gray Kay Brief Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson Hallema Sharif Clyburn Mignon Faget Cindy Brennan Beverly Gianna Stephanie Bruno Elaine E. Coleman Dorothy M. Clyne Donna Fraiche Maureen Clary Sheilah Auderer Goodson Kimberly Williamson Butler Katherine Conklin Sandra Corrigan Patricia Habeeb Sally Clausen Norma Grace Jane Cooper Lisa Crinel Elizabeth Coulon Connie Jacobs Dr. Elizabeth Terrell Deborah Ducote Keller Shirley Trusty Corey Susan G. D’Antoni Virginia Davis Leslie Rosenthal Jacobs Hobgood Fontham Donna Guinn Klein Kay Dee M. Christine D’Antonio Stephanie Dupuy Alice Kennedy Joni Friedmann Roselyn Koretzky Eugenie Jones Encalarde Sandra Dartus Anita Gilford Ti Martin Joanne Gallinghouse Corvette Kowalski Alethia Gauthier Camilla Q. Davis Dana Meeks Hansel Judy Perry Martinez Brenda Garibaldi Hatfield Jennifer Magee Clem Goldberger Catherine C. Dunn Lane Hindermann Elise McCullough Paulette Hurdlick Barbara Major Patricia Green Carol Etter Andrea Huseman Ruth Ann Menutis Maureen Larkins Laurie Vignaud Marshall Judith Halverson Peggy A. Feldmann Ellen Kempner Siomonia Edwards Milton Gay LeBreton Suzanne Mestayer Barbara Johnson Susan K. Fielkow Laura Lee Killeen Phala Mire Saundra Levy Nancy Morovich Barbara Kaplinsky Deborah Duplechin Harkins Janice Kishner Margaret Montgomery-Richard Londa Martin McCullough Barbara Motley Ruth Kullman Deborah C. Keel Dr. Susan Krantz Karyn Noles Linda Mintz Roberta Musa Sharon Litwin Patricia A. Krebs Angelique LaCour Ruth Owens Judith Miranti Iona Myers Ana Lopez Mary Landrieu Janet E. Larson Sharon Perlis Angela O’Byrne Rickie Nutik Barbara MacPhee Janet E. Leigh Diane Lyons Nellie Stokes Perry Rajender “Raj” Pannu Tina Owen Deborah Mavis A. Kelton Longwell Carla Major Leaudria Polk Kay Priestly Sharon Rodi Marguerite McDonald Charlotte Connick Mabry Marilyn Maloney Kay Priestly Kat Rice Wanda Sigur Cheryl Nickerson Laura K. Maloney Lisa Maurer Jan Ramsey P.K. Scheerle ChiQuita Simms Danette O’Neal Eve Barrie Masinter Mary L. Meyer Marguerite Redwine Eileen Skinner Katherine Harlan Sippola Jimmie Phillips Elsie Mendez Kathleen Mix P.K. Scheerle Bettye Parker Smith Julie Skinner Stokes Catherine Pierson Eileen F. Powers Michelle Montz Flo Schornstein Sherry Walters Ruby Sumler Jane Raiford Tonnette “Toni” Rice Carole Cukell Neff Janet Shea Nancy Bissinger Timm Rhonda Robichaux Deborah B. Rouen Dr. J. Coller Ochsner Kim Sport Ollie Tyler Julie Rodriguez Dionne M. Rousseau Stephanie Prunty Carroll Suggs Pam Wegmann Judy Shano Diane M. Roussel Dr. Felicia Rabito Barbara Turner Windhorst Ann Wills Sandy Shilstone Kim Ryan Ann Rogers Susan Spicer Grace Sheehan Gail Roussel Suzanne Thomas Andrea Thornton Peggy Scott Deborah Villio Keeley Williams Verrett Tara Shaw Kay Wilkins Dawn Wesson Jaye Berard Smith Elizabeth Williams Charlee Williamson Kathryn Smith Carol Solomon Kim Sport Liz Tahir Donna Taylor Fran Villere Ann Wallace Barbara B. Waller Bonnie K. Wibel Carol B. Wise Ellen Yellin WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:41 PM Page 6 Women2004 of theYe a r CityBusiness receives record 106 nominations One is a pharmacist who donated her kidney to her 5-year-old daughter. at St. George’s Episcopal School. She also plays the piano. Despite being born without arms, her daughter now lives the life of a nor- Kim Sport, a volunteer and breast-cancer survivor of three years, mal 11-year-old girl thanks to her mother’s nurturing and encouragement. became a two-time Women of the Year selection. She joins P.K. Sheerle Another is a breast cancer survivor who dedicates her time to raising and Kay Priestly, who have also twice won the award. Each woman has a money for nonprofit organizations. chance next year to enter the CityBusiness Women of the Year Hall of Then there’s the young executive following in her grandfather’s foot- Fame for winning the award three times. steps, looking to one day own a professional football franchise. The world of sports contributed two honorees to this year’s distin- These aren’t your ordinary businesswomen. guished list — Rita Benson LeBlanc, New Orleans Saints finance and CityBusiness received a record 106 nominations for the 2004 Women business executive and the granddaughter of Saints owner Tom of the Year; 50 were selected and recognized for their professional and Benson; and Barbara Booth, the New Orleans Hornets vice president community achievements. of finance and the only female chief financial officer in the National In another first, Philomene “Missy” Allain was named Woman of the Basketball Association. Year, a historic distinction voted on by a five-person Women of the Year Two of New Orleans’ favorite pastimes — politics and fine dining — are alumni panel. also represented. Louisiana state Rep. Karen Carter heads into her second Allain, a pharmacy manager at Walgreens in the French Quarter, con- term in the Legislature, while Lally Brennan spends her days providing tributes most of her community time to I-CAN, the International Child legendary New Orleans culinary experiences at Commander’s Palace. Amputee Network that helps children born with limb defects adapt to a We thank all these women for their continued contributions to the normal lifestyle.The organization also advises families on their challenges. city of New Orleans and we thank the nominators for bringing them to Allain’s daughter, Kayla, was born without arms and her kidneys our attention. failed at the age of 5. Allain donated one of her kidneys to Kayla and it was a perfect match. Tommy Santora and Greg LaRose Allain has since served as the coordinator of I-CAN’s national conven- junior associate editors tion in New Orleans, and Kayla recently received a Headmaster’s Award New Orleans CityBusiness WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:41 PM Page 7 Women of the Year 7A The 2004 Woman of theYear Philomene ‘Missy’ Allain Position: pharmacist/pharmacy manager, Walgreens Family: husband, Mark; daughter, Kayla, 11 Education: bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, Xavier University When Philomene “Missy”Allain began rearing her daughter,Kayla, honoree of the event. who was born without arms, she knew she was in for a challenge. “It gave me more inspiration to get through it all — to raise the What Allain didn’t know was that the challenge lay in keeping money,to get across the finish line thinking about her and Kayla, up with the little girl’s energy. thinking about what they’ve gone through — I can definitely walk Today, Kayla is 11 and as active as any other fifth-grader, for a couple hours. That was nothing compared to what they perhaps more so. She maintains high grades, plays piano, have to go through.” cheerleads and sings in the middle-school chorus. Kayla’s Allain’s latest endeavors include organizing a free informa- indifference to her own disability may be attributed to the fact tional session for diabetics at the main branch of the New her mother is also energetic and active within the community. Orleans Public Library and helping Kayla learn to roller skate. Joanne Hilton, who nominated Allain for “Women of the “The thing that impresses me most about Missy is how well Year,” met Allain through her godchild, who befriended Kayla adjusted Kayla is,” said Margie Fell, a secretary at St. George’s when both were at Newcomb Nursery.The friendship has since and long time friend of Allain’s. “Kayla has so many difficulties, extended to include the adults as well as the children. but she’s the nicest kid around.” Kayla is now a successful student at St. George’s Episcopal By trade, Allain works as the pharmacy manager at Walgreens’ School in New Orleans. French Quarter location. Allain has been a Walgreens’ employee for “To see the way Missy handles her child and the abilities her 17 years. The French Quarter location is an environment she says is child has, it gives all parents an idea of what’s possible for their very enjoyable.“Everybody’s friendly.People who live in the Quarter own children,” said Hilton. come there, and tourists. So it’s a really friendly atmosphere. ... I like Allain contributes time to the International Child Amputee the interaction with people and being able to help them.” Network, a group that provides information and support to fami- Allain also helps prepare college students for careers in phar- lies with children having limb defects. She has also worked with macy by contributing to the Xavier mentorship program, where the Children’s Miracle Network, the New Orleans Epilepsy students job shadow pharmacy professionals. Foundation and New Orleans Council on Aging. “It’s a way to expose students to the great opportunities in For mother and daughter alike, it seems that one challenge pharmacy,” said Coti Gayles, director of the program at Xavier. would just lead to one more opportunity.For instance, when Kayla Gayles said Allain was one of the first volunteers for the program. was 5, her kidneys failed due to a condition called dysplasia. While “She’s a positive influence for the students she works with,” her child was being treated at Children’s Hospital, Allain met a Gayles said. “Some of the volunteers I had to kind of persuade child there who had leukemia. Coincidentally, she volunteered to them to do this but Missy jumped right into it,willing to be a pos- raise money by participating in a “Team in Training” fund-raiser itive influence and role model.” for a leukemia society and later learned the little girl would be an — Faith Dawson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:41 PM Page 8 Congratulations Carol Solomon on Your Selection as a CityBusiness Woman of the Year! Tenet Choices salutes Carol A. Solomon as one of CityBusiness’ Women of the Year for 2004. Ms. Carol Solomon believes everyone deserves quality, affordable — dependable — healthcare. Her compassionate attitude supports the culture of caring demonstrated to our 300 employees and nearly 40,000 members. She has built the company to accommodate the individual needs and personal service seniors want from a health insurance company. Her leadership has developed Tenet Choices into the largest Medicare Advantage health plan in the area, with annual revenues close to $320 million. Through Ms. Solomon’s vision,Tenet Choices is committed to building a stronger, healthier community. Because our physicians and employees are a part of this community,Tenet Choices offers a unique perspective to its members.That’s why we support the things that make New Orleans unique... like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Hornets. For your leadership, innovation and caring nature, thank you Ms. Carol A. Solomon. We are proud to work with such a dynamic business leader. Proudly honors 2004 WOMAN the of YEAR Lisa Maurer Celebrating women everywhere The Smart Business Decision. New Orleans 643 Magazine Street | New Orleans, LA 70130 | Phone: (504) 586-1200 | Fax: (504) 596-2800 New Orleans • Baton Rouge • Houston • Jackson • Cleveland • Monroe • Dallas • Albany www.mcglinchey.com WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:41 PM Page 9 Women of the Year 9A Women of theYear Rita Benson LeBlanc Position: finance and business executive, New Orleans Saints; director of marketing and special events, New Orleans Voodoo Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in AgriBusiness, Texas A&M University Growing up in the family business conjures up some “I recognized that for some people there is a pressure familiar images: Youngsters climbing on a footstool to to be in that role and the interest may not be there,” reach the cash register and grandparents passing along LeBlanc said about becoming the next Saints team secret recipes to their progeny. owner. “For me it could never happen fast enough or I For Rita Benson LeBlanc,childhood memories include could never learn enough.” behemoths shrouded in black and gold and scores of LeBlanc said her internships exposed her to places she motorized metal machines in all shapes and sizes. always wanted to explore. But now that she is back in New As the grandchild of Tom Benson, LeBlanc was Orleans, she has come to appreciate the city’s character immersed in the diverse worlds of professional football and people even more. and auto dealerships. That grounding has led the 27-year- “Everyone is very friendly,” she said. “The South is still old to a series of jobs that have prepared her to eventually a wonderful, friendly place.” take over the reins of the New Orleans Saints. Since the NFL requires its member teams to be “It just seemed natural since birth,” she said. “I just involved in their communities, LeBlanc is eager to find always knew I wanted to be a part of it all — the team, the ways in which the Saints can give back to the people who dealerships, everything we’re that we’re involved with — have supported them over the years. The NFL, in turn, and make it grow.” has recognized the franchise for its efforts, placing it LeBlanc’s career in sports entertainment began in 1998 among the league’s top teams in terms of community with a series of internships with the National Football involvement, LeBlanc said. League. Her stops included NFL headquarters in New “You have to have interaction with your fans beyond the York, the NFL Properties Publishing Group in Los football field,”she said.“I’ve worked in all the different sides Angeles and NFL Films in Mount Laurel, N.J. She has of an organization and there are people who feel all you have spent the last four years with the Saints and was recently to do is win on the field. I see the overall big picture that given a share of team ownership by Benson, who said his everyone has to be successful in their interactions with the granddaughter was the only family member to show a real fans, the sponsors, to keep us on that exemplary level.” interest in working with the team. — Greg LaRose WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:41 PM Page 10 10A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Barbara C. Booth Position: vice president of finance, New Orleans Hornets Family: daughter, Heather 15 Education: bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration, Berry College Seeing the number of zeros on the paychecks of the never forget. “We wanted to do everything to get off on the New Orleans Hornets’ stars would mesmerize most of right foot and the city’s reaction has been phenomenal.” us, and even though it’s a small part of the job, it pro- Her dedication was instrumental in the Hornets vides a thrill for the team’s chief financial officer. relocation, and she reaped the rewards of the team’s “Writing the checks is unbelievable,” says Barbara seamless transition. In January 2003, she was promot- Booth, the Hornets’ vice president of finance. “It’s ed to her current job becoming the only female chief amazing to see what some of these players are paid.” financial officer in the NBA. Today, she oversees all Booth began working with the Hornets’ financial Hornets’ financial and accounting functions, financial operations department on a contractual basis in 1999 reporting, banking relationships, insurance, employee when her boss, Ray Woolridge, bought a minority benefit plans and human resources. interest in the National Basketball Association fran- Booth said it feels good to be the only woman in her chise and was placed in charge of establishing the position in the NBA. “It’s a heavily male-dominated team’s financial operations in New Orleans during the industry but I think I fit right in,” she says. move from Charlotte, N.C. Booth, a certified public accountant, was chief finan- “The relocation from Charlotte to New Orleans was cial officer for Charlotte-based Big Play Entertainment, like starting a new business,” Booth said. Atlanta based-Space Master International and a senior Instead of enjoying the unique aspects of life in staff auditor in the Atlanta office of Arthur Young & New Orleans, Booth’s indoctrination was filled with Co. prior to joining the Hornets. laying the groundwork for the team’s successful tran- Away from balancing the Hornets’ books, Booth is sition to a new home. “We worked 18-hour days on a involved in school, church and community activities, regular basis and had a few where we worked 30- and enjoys tennis and golf, skiing and spending time hours straight.” with her daughter, Heather. She said the experience was a lot of fun and one she will — Chris Price WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 11 Women of the Year 11A Women of theYear Lally Brennan Position: managing partner, Commander’s Palace and Café Adelaide Family: single Education: attended Southern Methodist University When Lally Brennan is asked.“What do you do for a living?” aging partner at Commander’s Palace. She responds, “I make memories.” When not in the restaurant, Brennan said she is “The restaurant industry is not a 9 to 5 job; I’m attending meetings and events to keep up-to-date on always working but I love what I do. It’s a lifestyle of the restaurant industry. meeting people every day, hearing their stories, spend- “The customers should get what they want. New ing time with them and making sure they enjoy their Orleans is blessed with so many great restaurants, and dining experience.” part of your job is keeping up with the competition Lally, one of eight third-generation Brennans active- around you,” she said. Outside of her restaurant career, ly involved in the restaurant industry, serves as manag- Brennan said she is most proud of her charitable work ing partner of Commander’s Palace and Café Adelaide. with Prevent Child Abuse. Brennan didn’t always know she would end up in “You have to give as much time back as you can to the family business. She pursued a career in retail out charities that touch your heart, and children touch my of college. heart,” she said. “My family wanted all of us to go off and do different Brennan is also involved in Grace House and has things, and if we decided we wanted to be involved in aided the Audubon Institute, Longue Vue House and the restaurant business, then we could come back,” she Gardens and the Contemporary Arts Center and was said. “I got involved in retail, but one day my father the co-founder of New Orleans’ Les Dames des asked me to come back and I couldn’t say no to him. Escoffier, which promotes women’s achievement in the Apples don’t fall far from a tree and when you grow up culinary profession. and hear something all of your life, it’s instilled in you “It’s so important to give back to the community; our in a sense.” community has done so much for us,” she said. “This is In 1979, Brennan was part of the Mr. B’s team home for me and my family, and we want to be in New when the restaurant opened in the French Quarter, Orleans and continue to help it be a special place.” and then in 1982, she began her 22-year stint as man- — Tommy Santora WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 12 12A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Valerie Cahill Position: vice president, American Construction Management Services Family: single Education: attended Newcomb College Those who know Valerie Cahill’s story could say she cre- “He said he formed the company here because of the ates her own opportunities. contacts I introduced him to and the volume of business To hear her tell the story of how she became vice presi- that resulted, which was quite significant,” Cahill said. “As dent of American Construction Management Services well, (the metro area) pleased him more than the many Inc., she modestly credits a chance meeting on an airplane. other cities he had and continues to do business in. But Cahill actually played a major role in forming the “I knew that he and his team could fulfill a vital need of company she helps run. building owners and litigators, and I wanted to be a part of About four years ago while flying to a business meet- that progress and growth. The rest is history.” ing in Texas, she struck up a conversation with Dwaine ACMS, a construction consulting firm that specializes Foster, a Texas businessman. At the time, Cahill was in providing reports and expert testimony in commercial working as a senior account executive for a major construction litigation, is branching out into Central telecommunications company. America and Europe, Cahill said. On the plane ride, Cahill listened as Foster described Her responsibilities are numerous, including market- his work as a construction consultant specializing in dam- ing, public relations, preparing estimates and document- aged buildings. She began thinking about her friends in ing damages. New Orleans who owned commercial buildings, and “it She said her background in sales combined with a life- occurred to me I would be doing my friends ... an enor- long interest in real estate make her well suited for her mous favor to introduce them to this dynamic ‘human position. She said she believes in the power of positive resource,’” she said. thinking, which can develop “an attitude of gratitude.” Cahill, recognizing a golden opportunity, set up meet- Cahill is the founder and vice chairwoman of New ings between Foster and New Orleans area building own- Orleans Homeless Pets. She also serves on the Junior ers. Out of those meetings, Foster started ACMS in 2000, League, Women’s Professional Council, Urban Land and business in the metro area was bustling enough to jus- Institute, Commercial Real Estate Women, the World tify making Jefferson the company’s headquarters rather Trade Center of New Orleans and Committee of 21. than Texas, Cahill said. — Deon Roberts WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 13 Women of the Year 13A Women of theYear Karen Carter Position: Louisiana state representative, District 93 Family: single Education: Mercy Academy; bachelor’s degree in international business/marketing, Howard University; J.D., Tulane Law School When state Rep. Charles DeWitt, D-Alexandria, asked board to terminate the superintendent by requiring a two- the House Ways and Means Committee to pass a half- thirds vote of the elected members of the board. The dis- cent sales tax increase as a “temporary bridge” to later cordant relationship between Orleans Parish Schools reform, state Rep. Karen Carter, D-New Orleans, was Superintendent Anthony Amato and dissenting School ready with a response. Board members led Carter to champion the measure. “If this is a bridge,I’d better take a boat or swim,”she said. In April, Carter was appointed chair of the House Known for taking strong stances against taxing lower- Insurance Committee.In that position,she fought for con- income people, helping welfare reform and lending sup- traceptive insurance coverage for women but the House port to the Orleans Parish School System, Carter began killed the bill in May. her second term and fifth year as representative for District On the welfare reform stage, Carter has promoted fam- 93 in January. ily stability and eased welfare recipients’ transitions from Carter was named to the “100 to watch” list for state welfare to work by securing more state funds. and local Democrats by the New Democrats Online In addition to holding public office, Carter has an inde- Leadership Council and has also received the Orleans pendent practice as a bond lawyer. Parish Legislator of the Year award from the Alliance for “Working for yourself gives you some flexibility to take cer- Good Government. tain cases you want to and fight for average people,” she said. “I like the legislative process, and everything that I’m Carter has also done community work with Dryades fighting for I’m trying to make a difference in people’s YMCA, where inner-city, low-income children have an lives,” she said. “There’s a real need in any community for option to public school systems. leadership.It’s important for people elected to office to not “I like community work because it gives me a chance to just take public positions, but really make a difference.” get out there and see what I need to fight for,” she said. In June, Carter pushed through House Bill 1659, which “My agenda is for the betterment of the masses of the com- empowers the superintendent of any school system in acad- munity, and I’m willing to take challenges and risks that emic crisis to act without his school board’s approval in help people.” most areas. The law also limits the authority of the school — Tommy Santora WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 14 14A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Audrey Cerise Position: president and chief executive officer, ASI Federal Credit Union Family: sons Charles, 46, Frederick, 42, and John, 41; daughters Elizabeth, 45, Helene, 43, and Mary, 39 Education: attended Loyola University New Orleans; certified credit union executive The story behind Audrey Cerise’s impressive career as a growth has come from mergers with other credit unions credit union chief begins with a series of interrupted plans. that were affiliated with local businesses that closed during Cerise attended Loyola University in the mid-1950s, the 1980s. ASI also added about seven low-income com- majoring in medical technology, but left after two years to munities to its field of membership. get married.As her family grew to include six children,she At a planning seminar last year, ASI executives decided said, “I wanted nothing more than to be a mom and a to adopt the Southwest Airlines slogan “Go nuts!” as a housewife.” way to motivate employees.The concept,Cerise said,is all But after her marriage ended, she took a part-time about “having fun, doing for the community, respecting job at the Louisiana Public Health Workers Credit each other.” One of the company’s favorite community Union. When the manager resigned several months projects is Habitat for Humanity. later, she was persuaded to stay on “temporarily” until Cerise also devotes personal time to the Girls a replacement could be found. She ended up staying Hope/Boys Hope organization, which she says “takes 10 years before moving on to run ASI Federal Credit children who otherwise would not have a shot at a good Union in 1979. education and gives them that opportunity.” Under her leadership, ASI grew from five employees to “I’ve seen children get into that organization and 217, from a single branch to 14, and from $5 million in watched them as they graduated from college,” she said. assets to nearly $200 million. Cerise said her greatest success has been raising her Originally formed to give Avondale Shipyard employ- children. “I couldn’t be any prouder than I am of all my ees access to emergency funds, ASI had a total of 5,000 kids,” she said. members when Cerise took over. Realizing the company In her leisure, Cerise enjoys playing bridge and spend- could not survive relying solely on this membership base, ing time with her 14 grandchildren. she decided to expand. “Every Saturday, you can find me at a soccer game, a Today,the credit union has more than 70,000 members softball game or a baseball game somewhere,” she said. who work for some 400 different employers. Much of that — Sonya Stinson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 15 Women of the Year 15A Women of theYear Hallema Sharif Clyburn Position: senior account executive, Ehrhardt Group Family: husband, Floyd Clyburn; daughter, Jelani Bauman, 14; son, Floyd Jr., 3; step-daughter, Dasia Clyburn, 22. Education: bachelor’s degree in mass communications, Xavier University Rare is the parent who takes on a full-time job to spend clients and staying behind the scenes. Since then, she has more time with her family but that’s exactly what hap- worked in marketing, public relations and event planning pened to Hallema Sharif Clyburn. She gave up running for media giants such as Black Entertainment Television her own business as an independent media and ABC. specialist/public relations consultant, which entailed lots Even though Clyburn is now busy with the demands of out-of-town travel and an unpredictable schedule, for of a career in which her areas of expertise include the a position at the Ehrhardt Group, where she has been medical, technology, entertainment and business fields, employed since August. she still finds time to volunteer in the community. A “I was ready for more structure,” she said. member of several industry organizations, including the The New Orleans native and Xavier University graduate Public Relations Society of America, Press Club of New had certainly built up an impressive résumé. She worked Orleans and the National Black Media Coalition, every summer since she was 17, never taking any significant Clyburn also contributes time to the YWCA, specifical- time off to explore life outside of the working world. She ly its “Parenting on Purpose” program, which teaches graduated from Xavier with a bachelor’s degree in mass parenting skills to young people. She was named a communications, and eventually her work in communica- YWCA Role Model in 2003. She said she especially tions took her all over the United States to jobs in govern- enjoys working with programs that help young people. ment, television, entertainment and other fields. Yet she felt “There’s so many positive things going on here,” she the city of New Orleans pull her back into its orbit. said. “I want to reach out to high school and college stu- Clyburn said she considers it a blessing to have worked dents — pass the torch.” in so many industries and cities,but New Orleans’culture, In the next year, Clyburn looks forward to completing a people and family-oriented environment cemented her master’s degree in marketing from the University of decision to spend more time here. Phoenix and to finding more challenges in her new posi- During her career, Clyburn spent seven years in televi- tion with the Ehrhardt Group. sion but discovered that she preferred working with — Faith Dawson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 16 16A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Dorothy M. Clyne Position: vice president and manager, wealth management, AmSouth Bank New Orleans Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in history, St. Mary’s Dominican College As a bank wealth manager, Dorothy Clyne says the most and manager in the wealth management division at interesting aspect of her job is the variety. AmSouth Bank. “Because we have clients from so many different indus- In 2003, Clyne was named a YWCA Role Model in tries, I tend to learn a little bit about how lots of business- recognition of her extensive community service, which es operate,” she said. includes membership on the boards of Goodwill The most important part of her job, Clyne said, is her Industries of South Louisiana, the Louisiana State relationship with her clients.Her goal is “to develop a good Museum Foundation and Longue Vue House and personal rapport, but more importantly to provide good Gardens. Clyne also is a member of the Ochsner Clinic customer service. That means being responsible, being Foundation’s Cancer Board of Counselors and an execu- available, living up to your word and making sure you do tive member of the Alliance for Good Government. This everything you can to make something work for a client.” year she is on the committee for the annual Goodwill Born on New York’s Long Island, Clyne grew up in Industries fund-raiser Rolling Down the River, which fea- Houston and San Antonio and came to New Orleans in tures music, a silent auction and other activities aboard a 1979 to attend college at St. Mary’s Dominican College. A Mississippi riverboat. history major, she entered the banking field at a time when In her spare time, Clyne enjoys attending antique auc- many banks were eagerly recruiting liberal arts graduates. tions — “I always love to look,” she said — with a special Clyne’s first job out of college was as a trust officer at interest in 18th and 19th century English furniture. But First National Bank of Jefferson Parish, where she spent after moving recently to the Warehouse District, with its five years. She then went to First National Bank of more contemporary flavor, she also developed an eye for Commerce, where she advanced to vice president for modern pieces. private financial services. After Bank One acquired First Clyne maintains a connection to her college major by NBC, she spent two years under the bank’s new owner- reading a good history book now and then and she has ship as vice president and wealth manager. Since 2001, worked on several New Orleans political campaigns. she has been in her current position as vice president — Sonya Stinson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 17 Women of the Year 17A Women of theYear Sandra Corrigan Position: vice president, Regis Realty I; Louisiana real estate commissioner Family: husband, Kevin Corrigan; daughter, Shannon, 19; son Michael, 15 Education: certification from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors Sandra Corrigan has completed two-thirds of her enjoyed every minute of it,” she said. “Every transac- appointment as a Louisiana Real Estate commissioner, tion I do — I do about 50 to 60 a year — is entirely dif- and she said the position has given her a fresh per- ferent from the last one. I don’t remember a time when spective on real estate in Louisiana — not bad for I’ve ever been bored.” someone who had already been in the business for Corrigan has collected top sales awards and more than 20 years. received honors from her peers, including the New “The Real Estate Commission is the group that regu- Orleans and Jefferson boards of Realtors. In 1995, lates the real estate industry in Louisiana,” she Corrigan took the reins as president of the 3,000- explained. “We help to protect the public; we review and member New Orleans Metropolitan Association of evaluate laws and rules to make sure they’re adequate.” Realtors. At that time the organization was only a year Gov. Mike Foster appointed Corrigan to the com- old, the result of a merger between the New Orleans mission. This year, she acts as its secretary. and Jefferson groups. During her “day job,” Corrigan works as senior vice She helped steer the nascent organization and the president of Regis Realty I in New Orleans, where she MLS expanded to include the North Shore during her supervises more than 1.3 million square feet of office tenure. space in three downtown buildings and facilitates all Corrigan is also a member of the Society of third-party transactions, representing tenants and Industrial and Office Realtors, an affiliation she has had landlords. for more than 15 years. In 1997, she served as presi- If it sounds tough, it is. But Corrigan, born in Lake dent of its Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama chapter. Charles and raised in New Orleans, said her job satis- In her free time, Corrigan volunteers with several the- faction outweighs any challenge it presents. ater organizations and Jefferson Parish Little League. “The great thing about my career is that I’ve — Faith Dawson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 18 energy e \'en-Ľe r-je\ the capacity to work We don’t just work to provide communities with natural gas service. We also work to improve their quality of life. “Congratulating the Honorees for www.atmosenergy.com Women of the Year!” NO NEW ORLEANS PG PUBLISHING GROUP We extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s WOMEN OF THE YEAR winners! You’re all superstars to us! WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 19 Women of the Year 19A Women of theYear Elizabeth Coulon Position: co-owner, Louisiana Casting Database LLC Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in communications, University of New Orleans At age 26, Elizabeth Coulon spied a niche in the state’s then, they have established a core of people interested newly hatching film industry that was ripe for develop- in film work and have helped those people understand ment. With her partner, Timothee Hammond, Coulon the film industry — for example, that each production founded Louisiana Casting, an “incubator” project day can last from 12 to 16 hours. through which Coulon and Hammond help Louisiana “Because we’re local we understand the look of local New film projects find extras among local citizens. Orleans people,” Coulon added. “We did ‘The Skeleton “We’re a casting company,” said Coulon. “Production Key’— where they wanted ‘bayou faces.’...If you’re not from companies come in town and they hire us to cast featured here,you don’t really know what bayou faces are.We can stay extras and stand-ins for their films. We work closely with away from the cliches....We’ll go where we need to go to find producers and directors to deliver the right look; each the right type of people.”But,she said,Louisiana is special in company is different.” that its residents offer a variety of looks. Louisiana Casting also maintains an Internet data- Coulon cites the tax incentives that production com- base with names and profiles of aspiring extras, a step panies receive for filming in Louisiana as crucial to the up from the reams of paper with stapled Polaroid por- success of her company. If there were no incentives, traits for actors’ files. Louisiana would attract far fewer films, she said. But for The project snowballed from the partners’ work the extras, the project is a labor of love. experience in the casting office of the Ray Charles “People just do it — I mean, it’s fun. They’re obvi- movie, “Ray.” Though she was no longer officially affil- ously not doing it for the money; as far as extras go, you iated with a specific movie project, Coulon said that don’t get paid all that much,” she said. film’s extras continued to approach her about addition- Louisiana Casting is housed in the Nims Center al work. So in August 2003, she and Hammond orga- Studios at the Robert E. Nims Center for Entertainment nized the leftover files from the movie; which served as Arts and Multimedia Technology in Harahan. the beginning of the Louisiana Casting office. Since — Faith Dawson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:37 PM Page 20 20A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Virginia ‘Gini’ Davis Position: president/owner, Crescent City Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation Services Inc. Family: son, Bret Davis, 35; granddaughter, Avery, 8 Education: bachelor’s degree in physical education, University of California at Los Angeles; master’s in health science, Ball State University; certificate in physical therapy, U.S. Army Medical Field Service School Gini Davis followed a winding career path before starting Crescent City Classic. She writes a training guide for the 10- a business in New Orleans.After serving as a captain in the kilometer race each year and offers fitness tips through vari- U.S.Army during the Vietnam era,she worked 15 years in ous media outlets. Her volunteer efforts have helped numer- the physical therapy profession around the country before ous runners train for the event since its inception in 1979. settling in the Crescent City. “The Classic is one of the ways that people can start “New Orleans has been a really wonderful place,” she with some exercise on an easy plan over a number of said. “As a native Californian, this has been a place I really months with a goal,” said Davis. never thought I would have ended up, but it’s been a great After participating in a radio broadcast at the starting place for me to have a business.” line of the 2004 Crescent City Classic,Davis walked in the Davis established Crescent City Physical Therapy over race for the first time. In doing so, she was exposed to a 21 years ago, and the business has grown into one of the new stratum of exercise enthusiast. area’s largest therapy practices with five outpatient loca- “Those people in the back are having a great time,” tions in the Greater New Orleans area. She also owns a she said. rehabilitation supply company and a shoe company, Davis views the Crescent City Classic as a prime Perfect Fit Shoes, catering to women who are looking for opportunity for New Orleanians to begin an exercise comfort and style. regiment. She encourages walkers to cover a six-mile Davis has also extended CCPT offerings to encompass distance (nearly the length of the CCC) once a week prevention, wellness and fitness services such as Pilates, and shorter distances twice a week. Davis believes personal training and therapeutic massage. everyone could still partake in the guilty pleasures “We’re part of a profession that has something to offer New Orleans has to offer in moderation if they stuck to everybody, from newborns ... until you’re close to death,” such a routine. said Davis. “It’s wonderful to see people discover or rediscover As an advocate of exercise and an avid runner, Davis’ later on in their life that they can do this,” she said. name is well known among regular participants in the — Greg LaRose WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 21 Women of the Year 21A Women of theYear Stephanie Dupuy Position: director of the New Orleans Office of Film and Video Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in communications, Loyola University; master’s in drama-communications, University of New Orleans; Ph.D. in art history, film history and intellectual history, University of Texas With 15 films now in production in the New Orleans friends with celebrities such as Robert Duvall and area, it’s a wonder Stephanie Dupuy has time to sleep, Francis Ford Coppola, Dupuy said the biggest bonus is much less do anything else. But after two years of work the thrill and satisfaction she gets from being able to in the Mayor’s Office of Film and Video, Dupuy is help local talent break into the movie industry. used to the craziness that accompanies her position. In “My job is a very direct way to bring fulfilling employ- fact, she loves it. ment to New Orleans. I think the economic flourishment “I’m a one-person office but I love my job,” said Dupuy. it brings is just as important as the artistic one,” she said. With more than 20 years of experience in the film In addition to helping the artistic talent of the area business, Dupuy said she loves tackling new projects. thrive, Dupuy said she loves seeing things that bear her A love of movies and architecture, instilled in her by imprint on the big screen. her father from a young age, helps her scout locations When she’s not involved in the movie business, and has aided her in wooing productions to the New Dupuy donates her time to the Cystic Fibrosis Orleans area. Foundation, the Faulkner Society, the Creative Arts “Because I know the area so well, I’m able to scout Council and the New Orleans Film Festival. locations and convince people to film here, whether the Dupuy also spends her time renovating her 1870s movie is set here or not,” said Dupuy. “I like snaking house in the Garden District, an area of the city she movies away. The Ray Charles movie that was just says she’s very passionate about. She also collects filmed here was all set to film in Georgia. Offices were works of “the great artists in the region” and “sharing open, people were hired, but I convinced them that the joy of life” with her Dalmatian and “domestic part- New Orleans was a better choice.” ner,” Balthazar. Though her job comes with many perks, like making — Nicole Haase WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 22 22A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Anita Gilford Position: founder/executive director, Angels’ Place Family: husband, Marion Gilford; sons, Chad Busha, 32, and Marques Gilford, 22 Education: R.N., Touro Infirmary School of Nursing; bachelor’s degree in nursing, Holy Cross College; master’s degree in nursing, University of South Alabama Anita Gilford was a surgical nurse at Ochsner Clinic child. The assistance comes in the form of support ser- Foundation Hospital for 14 years before moving to the vices and links to community resources to meet the phys- home healthcare field. When her son, Marques, was ical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the family. diagnosed with cancer at age 11, she was forced to Over the last 11 years, Angels’ Place has helped nearly experience what she could not even bear to witness as 300 children and more than 450 family members. a medical professional. The next phase of Gilford’s plan for Angels’ Place is “I always said I could never be a pediatric oncology the construction of a home to provide parents and chil- nurse,a nurse taking care of children with cancer,”she said. dren with a facility for respite care and services. She has Watching her son go through spinal taps, surgery worked with state lawmakers to pass one measure to and chemotherapy, Gilford recognized her calling. She establish such a site and another to set up procedures made a promise to God to build a respite center for that will allow others to follow her example. It will be children with cancer and to spend the rest of her life the first such center of its type in the country. helping seriously and terminally ill children. Gilford has already persuaded others to support her “When that happened, a complete feeling of peace vision.The annual “Trunk or Treat”fund-raiser at Zephyr came over me,” she said. “I knew I was going to be able Field and two CDs with compilations of local bands are to handle everything.” just a sample of the backing Angels’ Place has received. Gilford’s vision was Angels’ Place, an organization that Gilford said her faith has been at the core of her provides end-of-life care for children with terminal ill- vision for Angels’ Place, and its embodiment is that nesses. While working weekends in hospice care, she Marques, now 22 years old, is alive and healthy. formed the non-profit entity and operated it out of her “I know what these parents are going through and I own home. Since 1993, Angels’ Place has provided fami- just want to help them in any way I can,” she said. lies with support as they cope with caring for a gravely ill — Greg LaRose WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 23 Women of the Year 23A Women of theYear Dana Meeks Hansel Position: executive vice president, First Bank and Trust Family: husband, Steve Hansel Education: bachelor’s degree in finance, Louisiana State University; master’s degree in business administration, University of New Orleans; Series 7 license Banking in the 21st century is about a whole lot more than for me so that they can maximize their strengths, and I allocating capital and collecting loan payments. It involves can work with them from a mentoring standpoint.” building personal relationships and interpreting complex This perspective can also be seen in Hansel’s data, taking well-researched risks and acting as a confidant involvement with volunteer organizations. and adviser to businesses that rely on the bank.Dana Meeks “I have been involved in several organizations at Hansel, an executive vice president at First Bank and Trust, ground zero and helped them grow. Then I am a firm represents the new face of banking in these times. believer in recruiting new people, mentoring them and “I am responsible for commercial lending, loan closing stepping aside,” she said. and trust private banking,” she said. “In today’s world, Hansel helped develop Dress for Success — a not-for- banking is about developing long-term, profitable and profit organization that provides low-income women mutually reciprocal relationships. With First Bank, we with business clothing, the Krewe of Muses and the local have found our niche in one-on-one consulting banking.” chapter of Commercial Women in Real Estate.She is cur- Hansel’s typical day involves a variety of meetings and rently the chairwoman for the Louisiana Museum oversight of customer calls with lenders. “I am busy with Foundation’s upcoming gala and sits on the board of a lot of report reading and analyzing what the data means, directors for the local Make-A-Wish foundation. specifically trend analysis and trying to assess how to Regarding Make-A-Wish, Hansel said, “Once you maximize earnings and customer service,” she said. meet a child that you’ve helped make a wish come true, As a member of the executive management team, you are hooked for life.” Hansel is responsible for helping shape the overall Hansel has been with First Bank and Trust since strategy of First Bank and Trust. 1999. She is married and considers reading and travel “The key to success is, first and foremost, having a two of her favorite hobbies. A recent trip to Brazil great team,” she said. “It is important to emphasize stands out in her mind as refreshing time well spent. teamwork. I believe in empowering people that work — Billy Thinnes WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 24 24A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Lane Hindermann Position: owner, Real Estate Consortium Family: single Education: attended the former Soule Business College, New Orleans, the University of New Orleans and Loyola University New Orleans; licensed real estate broker in Louisiana and Wyoming You get an inkling of the independent spirit that drives in-house real estate school, she was hired in 1978 as a res- Lane Hindermann from her decision to expand her New idential agent for Wagaspack Pratt, one of New Orleans’ Orleans real estate business to a location more than 1,400 premier architectural firms at the time. In 1979, she went miles away. to work in the commercial division at Latter & Blum, In 2001, Hindermann moved to Jackson, Wyo., and working as both a salesperson and property manager opened a branch of her company, the Real Estate before starting her own business. Consortium. Hindermann is a member of the New Orleans “I had fallen in love with the mountains and the way of Metropolitan Association of Realtors and the Teton life out there,” said Hindermann, who launched the New County Board of Realtors in Wyoming. She also belongs Orleans-based commercial brokerage firm in 1983. to the commercial investment division of the New Orleans Hindermann stayed in Wyoming for more than a year, Board of Realtors, the Louisiana Realtors Association and while her sister ran the day-to-day operations at the New the Wyoming Association of Realtors. Orleans office. She returned to help the flagship business A former art and art history student at Loyola recover from the market downturn in the wake of the Sept. University,Hindermann recently launched L&B Designs, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. an artistic partnership with a friend, Beth Christina, who Since 1987, the primary business of the New Orleans also is a real estate broker. Hindermann concentrates pri- office has come from the medical industry, although marily on the business end of the partnership, while Hindermann also deals in retail and office space for other Christina produces the art: oils on canvas with whimsical types of clients.The Wyoming office handles residential as animal themes. well as commercial sales. Hindermann counts earning her first broker’s license Hindermann spent four years in the 1970s as a secre- and “being on my own for almost 25 years” as her most tary for Lyons Hudson Architects, always envisioning a gratifying career accomplishments. career change at some point. “I knew I didn’t want to be a “I’ve competed with the big houses ... and survived secretary all of my life,” she said. through a whole lot of cycles in this business,” she said. After receiving her real estate license through the firm’s — Sonya Stinson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 25 Women of the Year 25A Women of theYear Andrea Huseman Position: commercial leasing and brokerage specialist, Corporate Realty Inc. Family: husband, Jeffrey; sons Alexander, 12, and Devon, 9 Education: bachelor’s degree in psychology, Newcomb College of Tulane University; Certified Commercial Investment Member At first glance, there may not appear to be a connection sions and industries that are involved in real estate. In between Andrea Huseman’s college studies in psychology February, as chapter president, she co-chaired the host and education and her eventual career in commercial real committee when the national CREW winter delegate estate, but the West Hartford, Conn., native used her col- meeting came to New Orleans. lege background to become attuned to each client’s per- Along with the networking opportunities her CREW sonality and preferences. affiliation provides, Huseman lauds the group’s commit- “I enjoyed working with businesses in determining their ment to community service. short term and long term needs,” she said. “By being in “What attracted me to CREW is that they believe not commercial real estate, one is able to work with individuals only in taking care of yourself but also in taking care of oth- to successfully complete their objectives for investments.” ers,” she said. Huseman’s father was also an influence, she said, as he Each June, New Orleans CREW holds a major fund- was an investor in real estate holdings. raiser,with proceeds for the past three years going to Dress Commercial real estate was a successful career choice. for Success, a not-for-profit organization that provides The Louisiana Board of Realtors honored Huseman with low-income women with business clothing. During this a Diamond Award in 1989 for the highest value of all com- year’s holiday season, CREW will hold a benefit for Girls mercial leases in a year. She has also won the Ruby Award First, a local organization that sponsors a summer camp in 1988 and 1990 for the largest number of commercial and workshops for inner-city girls. lease transactions in a year, and the Commercial Industrial Huseman is a board member of the Newcomb Alumni Division Special Achievement Award in 1997 and 1998 Association and past board member of Jewish Family for the highest single lease value. Services of Greater New Orleans.In 1999,she and her sis- “A broker is not just crunching numbers but also finding ter started the Florie Gale Arons Poetry Endowment at space that meets the needs of their clients,” Huseman says. Newcomb College, in honor of their mother’s 70th birth- Along with real estate attorney Marie Moore, Huseman day.The siblings plan to use money from the sale of Florie co-founded the New Orleans chapter of Commercial Real Arons’ book of poetry, which was published after her Estate Women network in 2002.The organization’s mem- death, to help fund scholarships for Newcomb students. bership consists primarily of women in a variety of profes- — Sonya Stinson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 26 26A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Ellen Kempner Position: vice president and management supervisor, Peter A. Mayer Advertising Family: husband, Lee Sucherman; daughters, Jamie, 19, and Emily, 14 Education: bachelor’s degree in communications, American University (summa cum laude) The personification of the credo “busy is better” can be in an environment that is mutually trusting and reward- found by locating Ellen Kempner. A vice president and ing and at the same time I always want to represent the management supervisor at Peter A. Mayer Advertising, company that I work for in the best possible light.” Kempner uses words like “juggle” and “troubleshoot” and Kempner’s work at Peter A. Mayer only represents phrases like “great palate of activities” to describe the hec- about a third of her life. The remaining two-thirds are tic professional and personal pace of life she embraces. divided between family and volunteer work. She has “During my typical day I manage a group of eight two daughters, Jamie, who is attending Southern account service people and a host of clients,” Kempner Mississippi, and Emily, a freshman at McGehee. Her said. “On the account service side, we are the liaisons husband of 23 years, Lee, receives heaping praise for between our clients and the agency. Specifically, I meet his supportive role in her life. with clients, help develop marketing plans, engage in “I could not have done what I have done or become team leadership and put out lots of lots of fires — both the person I am if it weren’t for Lee being here and help- internal and external.” ing me hold down the fort at home,” Kempner said. Kempner’s group typically manages eight to 10 On the volunteer side, Kempner is on the board of clients. In her role as an executive and supervisor, she trustees for the Louisiana SPCA and the Touro coordinates the talent in her group — the media peo- Synagogue. She is also active with the United Way and ple, the creative folks, the traffic professionals and a past president of the New Orleans Advertising Club. account services managers. “Being very involved in the community through vol- “I like to develop a partnership relationship so that unteering and giving something back, that’s just a part we are all (client and firm) working toward a common of my DNA,” Kempner said. “Doing things to help goal,” she said. “I treat people the way I want to be people or help animals, those are things that I am real- treated, with respect, understanding and kindness. I ly passionate about.” think I am good at developing relationships with clients — Billy Thinnes WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 27 Women of the Year 27A Women of theYear Laura Lee Killeen Position: executive vice president of marketing and advertising, Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in journalism, University of Georgia For Laura Lee Killeen,nothing is more significant than main- consultant for the United Way of Greater New Orleans taining the highest ethical standards in everything she does. and volunteered her creative services to the New “That’s really important to me. If one person con- Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Longue Vue Gardens ducts themselves improperly, the whole industry suf- and the United AIDS Task Force. fers,” said Killeen. According to Killeen, if someone asks her to volun- A New Orleans native, Killeen grew up in the adver- teer and she has the time, she will do it. In Killeen’s tising business. Her grandfather, Joseph L. Killeen, nomination form, Sydney Besthoff, a contributor to the helped found the original Fitzgerald Advertising Inc., Contemporary Arts Center and former CEO of K&B and her father, Buzzy Killeen, is a legend in New Drug Stores said, “In my opinion, Laura Lee Killeen Orleans advertising. was one of the most dedicated volunteers that I was With Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald since 1990, privileged to bring into the CAC. Her objectivity, pro- Killeen has worked with such New Orleans clients as fessionalism and commitment were a major factor in Tabasco, CDM Coffee and Chicory, Zatarain’s, Le fulfilling the marketing needs of the CAC in its transi- Meridien Hotel and Lagasse Inc. tional years and long-term growth strategies.” Killeen is a member of the Advertising Club of New Killeen also champions causes for mental retarda- Orleans and was presented the American Advertising tion, an area close to her heart as her brother, Michael, Federation’s Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement in is developmentally disabled. 1999. She has also been named Top Executive of the Killeen said her job is not for everyone. Year, Account Executive of the Year and received “You have to love it. I am kind of married to it. It numerous industry awards. really has been my life,” she said. “You get to see a In addition, Killeen is a past board member of the result. You see sales go up or see a client get publicity.I Contemporary Arts Center, the World Trade Center really like that about my job.” and the Better Business Bureau. She was also a creative — Nicole Haase WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 28 28A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Janice Kishner Position: chief operating officer and nurse executive, East Jefferson General Hospital Family: husband, Stephen; daughter, Robin Education: registered nurse diploma, Dawson College; bachelor’s degree in health and social service administration, McGill University; bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health arts, master’s degree in business administration, University of St. Francis, Metairie campus; Johnson & Johnson Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania Janice Kishner, who comes from a family of nurses, and procedures run smoothly, so that all of the ‘white came of age at a time when a woman’s most likely career noise’ people sometimes face in trying to get the job choice was either nursing or teaching. done isn’t there,” Kishner said, alluding to the variety Kishner chose the former course, and she has built of glitches that can interfere with patient care. an outstanding career in nursing and health adminis- With a long list of educational credentials already tration that spans more than 30 years. under her belt, Kishner is now pursuing a master of Born in Montreal, Kishner first came to Louisiana in nursing degree at Loyola University in order to comply 1983, spending a year in nursing at Bossier Medical with a new requirement for chief nurses at magnet facil- Center in Bossier City before arriving in the New ities. She also plans to pursue a doctorate in organiza- Orleans area. tional development at Tulane University. She has been at East Jefferson General Hospital since A certified personal trainer, Kishner works out daily 1984, starting as unit director of pediatrics and pedi- and advises friends on their exercise regimens. She also atric intensive care. A string of promotions included enjoys bike riding and is gearing up for the “Tour de becoming vice president/nurse executive in 2000 and Cure” in support of the American Diabetes Association senior vice president of clinical operations in 2003. She next spring. was appointed to her current position as chief operating As impressive as Kishner’s achievements are, what officer and nurse executive in May 2004. matters most to her isn’t highlighted on her résumé. Under Kishner’s leadership, the American Nurses “It’s the day-to-day moments when people say, ‘I Association awarded East Jefferson the “Magnet really appreciate your support,’” Kishner said. “It’s not Hospital” designation for excellence in nursing in June the big moments. It’s the recognition people give me 2002, the first for a Louisiana hospital. for having made something work for them.” “My job is to make sure that all of the tools, supplies — Sonya Stinson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 29 Women of the Year 29A Women of theYear Dr. Susan Krantz Position: dean, College of Liberal Arts, University of New Orleans Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in English, Newcomb College, master’s degree in English, Mississippi State University, Ph.D. in English Renaissance literature, Tulane University Susan Krantz doesn’t list becoming the first female dean tor for Retention Initiatives and Student Persistence. Prior of the College of Liberal Arts and only the second female to being named dean, she served as vice chair of the dean in University of New Orleans’ history as her accom- University Senate, associate chair of the Department of plishments. English and chair of the Faculty Council Committee on For her, the job she does is important because it helps Student Publications. create a time capsule of New Orleans. In addition to her service to UNO, Krantz has served “I see my role as someone who celebrates all the arts on the Louisiana Unit Advisory Board that advises the and culture of this city and helps the city by doing so,” Board on Elementary and Secondary Education on col- she said. “The College of Liberal Arts of UNO is leges of education accreditation. She was an examiner for absolutely critical to the growth and development of this the Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Higher city. I see us as a real leader in jazz, fine arts, communi- Education and a liaison for the UNO College of Liberal cations and film making, and we are vital to the perpetu- Arts with the Louisiana Blue Ribbon Commission on ation of the heritage of the city of New Orleans.” Teacher Quality. Krantz says UNO is a leader in these areas and her job Honored as a Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Honoree by the is to ensure it stays that way. UNO Chapter in 2001, Krantz has also received the UNO “A place like New Orleans that’s so rich and has so Summer Scholar Award and the UNO Alumni Award for much heritage — we’re (UNO) right out there. I hope to Excellence in Teaching. keep us at the forefront,” she said. Krantz is well published, having had her research on With UNO since 1987, Krantz is involved in many areas as varied as Renaissance drama and culture,stage-to- facets of on campus life. She began teaching at UNO in film adaptations, Shakespeare and curriculum and gender English and Women’s Studies. In addition to being a pro- issues published in various books, magazines, reviews and fessor, she has served as a member of the UNO Executive newsletters. She also authors and edits many of UNO’s in- Committee, the Academic Deans Council, and the house publications. Committee on New University Center as well as coordina- — Nicole Haase WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:27 PM Page 30 30A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Angelique LaCour Position: president, Discover Films Inc. Family: daughter Lauren Lastrapes, 24; son Mark Lastrapes, 22 Education: bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Loyola University Educational filmmaking was not what Angelique “We took off from there,” she said. LaCour planned to do with her professional life. After Today,Discover Films Video, LaCour’s New Orleans- earning her degree in education in 1976 from Loyola based production company, makes educational videos University, she taught parochial school for three years. designed to target at-risk children from all social strata. Then, as a stay-at-home mom, she began working as a LaCour has produced more than 25 films for national freelance journalist. distribution tackling difficult issues from tobacco and While researching a story for The Times-Picayune drug abuse to rape and sexual abstinence. about rape, she made an unexpected discovery. She While LaCour has found unexpected success in pro- noticed there was a high incidence of cases in which the moting education through Discover Films Video, she is victims knew their attackers. also committed to nonprofit educational work. She is the “This was the late ’80’s,” she said, “and no one really founder and chairwoman of the Children’s Health was talking about acquaintance rape.” Initiative, which has the mission of promoting healthy After more research, LaCour said she felt the need to do lifestyles for youth and their families through prevention something about it. She set on a new life course, one that education and cessation awareness. would marry her interest in finding a new profession with LaCour said her motivation in her professional and her commitment to the community and the well being of community service ventures springs from the same place children in particular. She made a short film on the subject. — “making a difference.” After a run on PBS, LaCour began submitting the film She adds that one thing important for young women to the educational market. When more than 20 companies just starting a career is to “never let our work, career or wanted to distribute the film to high schools and colleges, whatever you call what you do for a paycheck totally she realized she had embarked on a new career. In 1993 define you. If you do what you love, the money will come. she made another film, “What’s Wrong with Tobacco,” It always works out that way.” and saw immediate growth. — Matt Jones WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 31 Women of the Year 31A Women of theYear Janet E. Larson Position: neonatologist, staff scientist, director, Ochsner Children’s Research Institute Family: husband, Craig; son, Isaac, 10; step-daughters, Amy, 33, and Karen, 27 Education: bachelor’s degree in anthropology, University of Nebraska; master’s degree in neonatology, University of Nebraska College of Medicine “Out of control” was the name of a sailboat Dr. Janet constant researching and practicing clinical medicine, Larson and her husband, Craig, used to race. which she said are complimentary. The name fit, said Larson. “We sailed out of control.” “Because I do research, it helps me take care of my Though Larson and her husband have long retired patients. It makes me a better physician and doctor,” from their fast-paced hobby, she is still at the helm of she said. “I also find that I’m always questioning another activity she loves: caring for babies, inside and things, rather than going into things blind. And outside the womb. Larson is the head of Ochsner because I do clinical medicine, it helps me do research Children’s Research Institute. and become a better researcher.” Among other contributions, Larson is credited as Larson has received the National Institutes of Health the co-inventor of in-utero gene therapy, which was Clinical Investigator Award and a National Institutes of patented in 2002. Child Health Research Grant, and was named “We realized that babies in the womb could breathe Louisiana Technologist of the Year. and swallow,” which makes them prone to cystic fibro- Larson isn’t the only family member involved with sis disease, said Larson. “It’s primarily a lung disease medicine. Her husband is a professor of medicine at and is inherited. It is the most common lung disease, Louisiana State University’s Health Science Center. and one in 20 people is a carrier.” Larson began practicing yoga and meditation a cou- By inserting the healthy genes into the amniotic fluid, ple of years ago, and said it’s still a work in progress. the baby takes them in through the lungs, said Larson. She also pursues kayaking enthusiastically. Larson has published 25 original scientific articles She is also involved with the Southern Society for and has been featured on Dutch Education Pediatric Research and the Pontchartrain Yacht Club. Television, Discovery Health and programs about But she insisted that she and Craig are finished with cystic fibrosis therapy. racing. “We like to watch our son, Isaac, race.” Larson attributes her success to a balance between — Chris Anderson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 32 2 eyes, 2 ears, 12 perfect toes. And he even has his mother’s horn. Meet Satchmo, the baby rhino. He’s just one of the new arrivals here at the Zoo. We’ve got jaguar cubs, a sea lion pup, and a whole host of other newborns. So bring your kids to meet ours and see how wild childhood can be. Audubon Zoo auduboninstitute.org A Facility of Audubon Nature Institute LEGAL On December 13 CityBusiness will explore critical areas of the SERVICES legal industry and ask question that will impact the future of GUIDE our legal market. • How can current legal professionals get ahead? • How is technology affecting the practice of law in New Orleans? • What are local lawyers doing to get noticed by potential clients? • How does the public view the law business? • Is popular perception skewed by media distortion? We will answer these questions and more in this important supplement to CityBusiness. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL CHARLOTTE BENTON AT 293.9735 WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 33 Women of the Year 33A Women of theYear Diane Lyons Position: president, Accent on Children’s Arrangements Family: husband, John; sons John III and Thomas Education: bachelor’s degree in education, Louisiana State University Diane Lyons, president of Accent on Children’s Lyons said it has always been important to her to Arrangements, parlayed New Orleans’ reputation as a exceed state standards for child care. When security con- top convention destination into a vacation opportunity cerns surfaced among travelers after the Sept. 11, 2001, for families. terrorist attacks, Lyons said she had already addressed Lyons had worked in the destination-management some of those issues. industry since 1977. But in 1990 she decided to target “We have to do a fire drill. We have to know where we’re conventioneers with children in tow, children who often going to take those kids should we have a fire drill, a bomb had no plans or activities to keep them busy. threat,whatever....We were way ahead of the game on that.” Today, Accent on Children’s Arrangements employs Some conventions attract as many as 1,000 children, 10 people full-time and services children of convention- such as the recent McDonald’s convention in Orlando, eers in New Orleans and outside the city as well. Her Fla. Accent’s staff kept the youngsters busy for three days. business has been profiled in The New York Times,USA “That’s like running a whole school of kids you don’t Today, the Wall Street Journal and on “Good Morning know,” Lyons said, adding that during the same trip she America.” But before the burst of positive press, Lyons rode a roller coaster with thrills that wilted in comparison said her own experience as a working, traveling mother to her job of keeping the McDonald’s children organized. encouraged her to create Accent. Because her travel prevents her from making long- “You shouldn’t have to choose between family and term commitments to the community, Lyons arranges work. You should be able to combine both.There should charitable programs in conjunction with her schedule. be more balance,” Lyons said. She took a group of inner-city children to the zoo dur- When other harried parents began to approach her — ing a meeting planners convention and asked conven- often having doled out plenty of money for tickets and tioneers to have their children bring a copy of their tours to occupy their children while they were in semi- favorite book to give away to a children’s hospital or a nars — it became clear to Lyons that on-the-go child care battered women’s shelter. was needed in the community. — Faith Dawson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 34 34A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Carla Major Position: director of Human Resources, Community Relations and Workplace Initiatives, Harrah’s Entertainment New Orleans Family: daughter Keesha, 28; son Kyle, 19 Education: bachelor’s degree in management, University of New Orleans The most important and rewarding part of Carla Major’s ty activities of HERO and all employee workplace initia- job is being able to give back to her hometown. Born and tives to maintain employee morale, increase employee sat- raised in New Orleans, Major sees her job as one way she isfaction and (organize) recognition programs.” can effect change at home. Major fronted the push that led Harrah’s to be named “My job is important because it makes a difference to one of New Orleans top 10 “Employers of Choice” by the community that I’ve lived in all my life. The employ- CityBusiness. ment and promotion of locals gives many the opportuni- Major volunteers and serves on the boards of many ties and advantages that they’ve never had before,” she local organizations. said. “We also give back to the communities themselves Most recently, Major has become part of the through grants. Every one of our employees and volun- University of New Orleans Board of the New Charter teers participate in our HERO (Harrah’s Employees School and the UNO Foundation.In addition, she is the Reaching Out) program. We make a difference and that’s chairwoman of the city of New Orleans Board of important to me.” Zoning, vice chairwoman of the New Orleans Economic Major actually holds two positions at Harrah’s and Advisory Board and a member of the UNO Education each has specific responsibilities and goals. Advisory Board, the Chamber of Commerce Education “As the director of human resources, my job is to Committee, the Greater New Orleans Education recruit, train and retain the top talent in our community Foundation, the Xavier University Business Advisory and our industry. As the director of community relations, Council and the Black Heritage Festival Board. She is it’s my job to ensure that we maintain Harrah’s as a great also on the executive board of the Council for a Better corporate citizen,” she said. New Orleans/Metropolitan Area Committee. Though Major might simplify her job to a few sen- Major was a founding member of the Women’s tences, Lois Anglin said of Major in her nomination form, Leadership Institute of the United Way and is a member of she “is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Class of 2005 of the New Orleans Regional Harrah’s Human Resources Department (and) adminis- Leadership Institute. ters and manages the procedures, policies and communi- — Nicole Haase WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 35 Women of the Year 35A Women of theYear Marilyn Maloney Position: attorney/partner, Liskow and Lewis PLC Family: husband, the Rev. Paul F. Longstreth; son Paul David Longstreth, 33; and daughter Kimberley Longstreth, 30 Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, Louisiana State University (magna cum laude); juris doctorate, Paul M. Hebert LSU Law Center Marilyn Maloney admits that it was “almost a fluke” that involved with is the Ulster Project, a group which brings she went to law school. When she graduated in 1972, young people from Northern Ireland, both Catholic and there were few women in law school. In her class of 300, Protestant, to the United States for a month. there were 10 women. “It’s a way to build bridges in a country that is so While she saw many of her fellow political science divided,” Maloney said. graduates working as file clerks, she knew she wanted Maloney said her most challenging task has been bal- something more challenging. ancing her career and her family, especially with a career “There was not a lot of upward mobility,” Maloney in law,which is not a “9 to 5 job.It’s an ongoing struggle.” said. “The political science department at LSU worked Maloney is a member of the American College of Real closely with the law school and I decided to apply.” Estate Lawyers. She is also vice president of the Maloney’s career path led her to the New Orleans Louisiana State Law Institute. The institute consists of law firm Liskow and Lewis. Today, she is a partner in lawyers who donate time to create major legislation. charge of its business section. “We’re helping to rewrite the law. The Louisiana Code “I was the first woman at this law firm and I’ve always was originally written in the 1800s and we are revising it been treated well,” Maloney said. bit by bit,” Maloney said. Maloney said her mother was the most influential person Maloney is active in the Louisiana Bar Foundation, in her early life.“She was one of those ladies who did every- which she called the charitable arm of the Bar thing,volunteering to the hilt.She was a role model for me.” Association. The group donates time and money to legal That is where Maloney developed her own love of services around the state. “We don’t as a society provide volunteer work. legal services to everyone who needs it but the Bar is “I volunteer a lot with my church. I also do pro helping to bridge that gap. It’s a way to make a differ- bono work.” ence,” Maloney said. One project that she is particularly pleased to be — Angela Johnson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 36 36A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Lisa Maurer Position: partner at McGlinchey Stafford PLLC, Public Finance Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Louisiana State University; juris doctorate, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center If the idea of building a new riverfront stadium for the really enjoyed it once I got my feet wet.” New Orleans Saints ever develops into fruition, Lisa After her graduation, she landed with Kutak Rock, a Maurer wants to be involved. law firm in Baton Rouge. Maurer worked there for four Maurer, who has been with McGlinchey Stafford for years before joining McGlinchey Stafford. nine years, works in the public finance arena and has 16 Maurer’s community involvement includes Project total years of experience in public law.With a full range Lazarus, a home for persons with HIV/AIDS who can- of duties from the development and administration of not take care of themselves and have no family.She just bond programs for political subdivisions and other completed a six-year term on the board, helping with governmental units to acting as bond counsel, under- fundraising projects like Halloween’s in New Orleans. writers’ counsel and bank counsel, Maurer has put her “I have lost many friends to AIDS, and it’s a type of thumbprint on multiple New Orleans public projects. organization that is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “It’s a type of practice where you can see a success- “We all owe something back to the community.” ful outcome,” Maurer said. “Over the years, the prac- Maurer received the Paul Plauche Award for her ser- tice area has grown so much, and there’s no way to tell vice in Halloween’s in New Orleans. year in and year out how much the workload will be She is also involved with an Adopt-a-Family pro- because it’s interest rate and need driven.” gram, where she helps with the purchasing of Maurer worked with the underwriters in phases three Christmas gifts, food, decorations and gift certificates and four of the Morial Convention Center and has also for the less fortunate. Through her membership with worked on such projects as the New Orleans Arena, the New Orleans Bar Association, Maurer gives her Zephyr Stadium and construction at Xavier University. time to the organization’s Secret Santa program. The public finance arena intrigued Maurer when “It’s extremely rewarding to make a difference in she started working at a Baton Rouge firm during law people’s lives.” school. “They had a large public finance area, and I just — Tommy Santora WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 37 Women of the Year 37A Women of theYear Mary L. Meyer Position: attorney/partner, Adams and Reese LLP Family: husband, Tony; daughter, Alyse, 18; and sons Stephen, 14, and Peyton, 4 Education: bachelor’s degree in English, Louisiana State University; juris doctorate, Paul M. Hebert LSU Law Center Mary Meyer knew she wanted to go into the practice of American and Federal Bar associations. law when she was still in high school. In the future, Meyer would like to continue mentoring “I knew that obtaining a law degree would provide me female attorneys through the practice of law and “hope- with an excellent education not only for practicing law,but fully help further the advancement of women in the pro- also for understanding how business and government fession,” she said. function,” Meyer said. “I also wanted to go to law school Meyer is active in numerous charitable organizations. so that I could enter into a profession that would allow me She supports Muses, the American Heart Association and to be self-sufficient.” Adams and Reese’s volunteer community program Meyer, a partner in the litigation practice team of HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support). She Adams and Reese LLP, said her biggest challenges have is also an active member of the Women’s Leadership been similar to those other women in business face. Counsel and United Way. “While women lawyers have made great strides in the She is a graduate of the United Way’s Young practice of law,there are still significant hurdles that women Leadership Development program. The program was face in the practice. I am happy to say that Adams and designed to teach young professionals what is involved in Reese is very supportive of all its attorneys and recognizes being on the board of a not-for-profit organization. the value that diversity brings to business,” Meyer said. Meyer has taught Junior Achievement programs and Meyer has successfully defended several pharmaceutical continues to volunteer her time at Trinity Episcopal and medical device companies in product liability claims Church. She is also very active in Adams and Reese’s pro and was lead counsel for a national insurance company bono program, CA&RE (Caring Adams and Reese involved in litigation in Louisiana. She frequently lectures Employees), which helps the needy who require legal ser- locally and nationally on issues concerning products liability. vices but cannot afford representation. Meyer is a member of the New Orleans, Louisiana, — Angela Johnson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 38 38A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Kathleen Mix Position: vice chancellor of work force development and education, Delgado Community College Family: husband, Dr. Jim Diamond; daughter, Tania Education: bachelor’s degree in education, University of New Orleans; master’s degree in education, UNO When she was in high school, Kathleen Mix made a list of Mix also organized an event called Girls on the Go, a everything she wanted to do before she died. program designed to present career choices to over 200 One item stood apart from the others: making a differ- young women. Mix invited around 30 professional women, ence. “If I was going to do anything on that list, it was each representing a different field, to talk to the group. going to be that one.” “I wanted to introduce them to engineers, attorneys, For the past 25 years, Mix has been making a difference women in safety and health fields,” she said. “I wanted the in education and workforce development, helping every- young girls to see all of their options.” one from mentally and physically handicapped people to For the past six years, Mix has been speaking to teens abused women and Maltese teenagers. about the diabetes problem in the Mediterranean island Mix began her career as a teacher in Delgado country of Malta. University’s Rehabilitation Center, where she set in “The folks there don’t have adequate medical services, motion a handful of extracurricular programs to add vital- nor do they really know about the disease,” she said. ity to the lives of those less fortunate. One of the educational tools Mix has implemented One program was taking her disabled students bowl- involves a “Diabetes Rap,” a song produced by Delgado ing on the weekends. “They lived in one of the school’s Community College. dorms and on the weekends they had nothing to do,”she Mix is setting up an exchange program between Malta’s said. Every Saturday, Mix and her students bowled for students and Delgado’s. “We would teach their students free. She also organized a Special Olympics track team, something like New Orleans history and they would teach which won a bronze medal at the statewide meet. our students medieval history,” she said. Mix started the Women’s Services Center to address Mix said she’s excited to be a part of this year’s the needs of unemployed or abused women. Women of the Year. “The whole idea of it is to help them get back to work “It validates something I’ve always wished for — to or back to school. It’s all about helping them get on with make a difference.” their lives,” she said. — Chris Anderson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 39 Women of the Year 39A Women of theYear Michelle Montz Position: owner, Cresent Commercial Mortgage Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in history, Louisiana State University Michelle Montz began her career as a commercial real was on my side,” Montz said, having already made the estate appraiser in New Orleans but soon her drive and decision to leave her job in New York before the terror- determination propelled her to New York where she ist attacks. worked for AIG Global Real Estate Investments. “I was traveling all the time and had no personal life,” “It was great,” Montz said of her time in New York. Montz said. Picking up and walking away from her lucra- But another opportunity was brewing; AIG had tive career in New York was one of the biggest challenges opened an office in Hong Kong and needed a new execu- she’s faced, but she’s happy with her choice. “Now I have tive to get things going. more balance.” “I went in to work one morning and my boss asked As owner of Crescent Commercial Mortgage, a com- me if I would consider moving to Hong Kong,” Montz mercial mortgage brokerage company in New Orleans, said. She thought it over and within a few weeks she she has time for community involvement such as Lindy’s moved to Asia. Place, which helps at-risk, low-income women find hous- “They didn’t quite know what to do with me,” Montz ing and employment. said. This was a new experience for the company in Asia Another project important to Montz is Dress for as well as for Montz. She was the youngest executive and Success. This year she will serve as president of the orga- only woman in senior management in the company in all nization that collects suits for low-income women to wear of Asia. “There were little things. Even the dress code had on job interviews, along with providing access to motiva- to be rewritten for me,” Montz said. tional speakers and a mentoring program. After three successful years in Asia, Montz returned “This is our fifth year in New Orleans and so far we’ve to New York in 1999 and handled all retail equity helped over 1,000 women. It’s a tangible way to make a investments for AIG in the United States. She lived difference,” Montz said. “I could sit around and complain within a few blocks of the World Trade Center, where or try to do something. Louisiana has so much potential her office was located. On Sept. 11, 2001, Montz was and I’d like to see it reach it.” not in Manhattan; she was in New Orleans. “Somebody — Angela Johnson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:31 PM Page 40 New Orleans CityBusiness is looking for louisiana the area’s hottest new products or services to honor in this special salute to innovation in Louisiana. innovator This competition is open to any company of the year NO that has introduced an innovative product PG or service since January 1, 2004. The submission deadline is 2005 May 1, 2005 - so don’t delay! presented by New Orleans CityBusiness COMPANY ______ ADDRESS ______ CITY/STATE/ZIP ______ PHONE/FAX ______ EMAIL ______ Attach this form to your nomination letter, please be sure to include the following information: ❏ Product or Service Description Fax the completed entry form to (504) 832-3550, or mail to: ❏ Market Description For Product/Service Attention: Dawn Joseph ❏ List Of People Involved In Development Innovator Of The Year/New Orleans CityBusiness ❏ Revenues From Product/Service in 2004 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd ❏ Projected Revenues from Product/Service in 2005 Suite 1440 ❏ Source of Financing Metairie, LA 70005 ❏ What Makes the Product/Service Unique? NOMINATING PARTY ______❏ What Is The Competition for The Product/Service? ❏ When Was The Product/Service First Introduced? PHONE + EMAIL ______ ------ RULES OF NOMINATION In order to be fully considered, please include photos or marketing kit if available (for publication purposes NO only) with your completed nomination form. All materials submitted become the property of New Orleans CityBusiness and will not be returned. A panel of distinguished leaders will review completed nominations and make the final determination on awards. PG Winners will be profiled in a special supplement to CityBusiness, Innovator Of The Year, published July 2005. WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 41 Women of the Year 41A Women of theYear Carole Cukell Neff Position: partner, Sessions, Fishman & Nathan LLP Family: husband, Richard; son Alex, 22; daughter Hilary, 17 Education: bachelor’s degree in elementary education, State University of New York at Buffalo (magna cum laude); juris doctorate, Tulane University As a lawyer and board certified specialist in estate planning the New Orleans Estate Planning Counsel and the and estate administration, Carole Neff says the most gratify- Professional Financial Planners of Greater New Orleans. ing thing about her job is the satisfaction of helping others. Neff is also vice president of the Jewish Endowment “I find it rewarding to be able to help families and indi- Foundation; vice president of the Shir Chadash viduals to plan for a smooth and easy transition of their Synagogue Sisterhood; a member of the Business and assets and valuables when they pass away,” Neff said. Professional Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation She said the most important part of her job is the exten- of Greater New Orleans; a founding member, past presi- sive research and knowledge in her specialization puts her dent and membership committee co-chairwoman of the at the field’s forefront and allows her to write and speak on Women’s Professional Council; a member of the honor the subject, which she feels is vital to the industry. roll of the Advisors of the Greater New Orleans “I have co-authored a treatise for Louisiana lawyers in Foundation; a member of the advisory committee council my field and it is updated annually,” she said. to the Tulane Law School Continuing Legal Education This treatise, “Louisiana Estate Planning, Will Drafting Department; and a member of the advisory committee of and Estate Administration,” has become a handbook and the Parkinson’s Association of New Orleans. manual for other lawyers in her field. Neff has also been honored as “Woman of the Year”by In addition to being an author and lecturer, Neff has the New Orleans Business and Professional Women’s served on the Louisiana State Bar Association Commission Club as well as by the Jewish Endowment Foundation. on Specialization in Estate Planning and Administration She has been listed in “Best Lawyers in America,” pub- and is a member of the American College Trust and Estate lished by Woodward/White Inc., since 1997. Counsel. She also serves on the Louisiana State Law For Neff, the awards and limelight aren’t why she is Institute Charitable Trust Law Subcommittee and on the committed to her career. Lawyers in Philanthropy Committee of the Louisiana State “I like knowing that what I do gives people a piece of Bar Association. She is also a past board member of the mind,” she said. Association for Women Attorneys and the past president of — Nicole Haase WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 42 42A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Dr. J. Coller Ochsner Position: dermatologist Family: four dogs Education: bachelor’s degree in biology, Newcomb College; master’s degree in dermatology, Tulane University Medical School When Dr. J. Coller Ochsner was a little girl she had two Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. dreams — to become a great doctor and to own a lot of “It tore my heart apart. It told story after story of ani- dogs. Looking at her life, Ochsner does not hesitate mal abuse and abandonment,” she said. “At that point I when she says, “I’m living my dreams.” knew I would do everything I could to help abused and Ochsner has been in private practice as a dermatologist for homeless animals.” more than 14 years.With her father being Dr.Alton Ochsner Ochsner began her mission while a student in med- Jr., she said she was predestined to work in medicine. ical school by helping clean out animal cages at the After graduating from New Orleans’ Academy of the Louisiana SPCA shelter. Now she is one of the leading Sacred Heart in 1972 she went on to Newcomb supporters and donators for the organization. College, where she graduated with honors and received “I do more financial support than anything else a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 1980, she graduated because it breaks my heart to actually see the animals. from Tulane University Medical School and 10 years It’s why I didn’t become a vet and why I can’t foster later she established a private practice. abandoned animals,” she said. “Not only would I be “I adore what I do and I’m very lucky for that,” she heartbroken all the time, but my house would be full of said. “I’ve had patients I’ve seen for 20 years and it’s animals because I would never be able to give them up.” amazing to see them grow up. The only sad part is Ochsner has lived in New Orleans her entire life. She when the patients you’ve seen for such long time don’t said she never had the desire to live anywhere else. come in anymore because they’re elderly.” “For as many things that people can say are bad about Ochsner exhibited such compassion at an early age New Orleans, there are 20 million things that are great.” when she received a letter from the Society for the — Richard Webster WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 43 Women of the Year 43A Women of theYear Stephanie Prunty Position: owner, Stephanie M. Prunty CPA, A Professional Corp. Family: cocker spaniel, Mimi Education: bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing, Loyola University; juris doctorate, Loyola University Law School Stephanie Prunty uses her professional talents to further money.” She also praises Laura Maloney, executive direc- her favorite causes. She specializes in tax and commer- tor, for increasing the organization’s focus on education, cial law, working primarily with small business owners. adoption and legislation. “I help keep them healthy and their employees “All of that improves the quality of life in the New employed,” Prunty said. “I love my job.” Orleans area,” Prunty said. She is on the board for New Orleans Video Access In the past year, the Louisiana SPCA has increased its Center, a media organization that focuses on developing adoptions by 29 percent, taught 3,107 children through children’s use of video as a potential career. Prunty also its Show & Tail education program and spayed or does some work for Café Reconcile, a New Orleans neutered nearly 4,000 dogs and cats, said Amber Bethel, restaurant providing job training for at-risk youths. development director. However, Prunty’s primary passion is her work with “Stephanie is absolutely outstanding as a leader and a the Louisiana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to humanitarian,” Bethel said. “She has been a wonderful Animals. She has been affiliated with the SPCA since mentor to me and to the rest of the staff and board mem- 1998 as treasurer and is now president of its board. bers as well.” “It’s about quality of life for animals and making sure they Prunty’s experience, diplomacy and business savvy are protected and taken care of,but that also impacts citizens,” make for the right combination of traits in what are often Prunty said. “If you can educate people how to take care of highly charged, emotional issues, Bethel said. “In our line their animals,hopefully they will take better care of themselves of work, a lot of people tend to be ruled by emotions and and learn how to treat their fellow humans as well.” concentrate on the animals and not the people,” she said. Widespread animal abuse signifies many other social Under the tutelage of Prunty, the board and Maloney, ills, Prunty said, making the SPCA’s job crucial to the the SPCA is operating in the black for the first time in community’s well being. Prunty lauds the staff of the years and earning a reputation for professionalism and SPCA as a “group of warm, dedicated, generous people community relations. who do a lot of things above and beyond for a little — Angelle Bergeron WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 44 44A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Dr. Felicia Rabito Position: epidemiologist, clinical assistant professor, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Family: daughters, Ara, 9, and Emily, 7 Education: bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of Mississippi; master’s degree in public health, Tulane University; Ph.D. in epidemiology, Tulane University Dr. Felicia Rabito is fighting for children’s safety. ous environment to live in.” Not only should parents know of possible dangers While Rabito and her team have a firm grasp on lead their children face outside their homes, but also the poisoning, she said they still have much to learn about unseen dangers inside a house that affect one in four chil- asthma and, according to Rabito, have their work cut dren, said Rabito. out for them. After receiving $854,909 from the U.S. Department of “Even though we’re understanding more about asthma Housing and Urban Development,Rabito and her team of and have the means of treating it, the death rate from asth- researchers will spend the next three years increasing ma has actually increased,” she said. “Simple steps can awareness of in-home sources of lead exposure and asth- help prevent attacks.” ma triggers that pose a threat to children 4 to 11 years old Rabito’s work has spawned a few partnerships, includ- in inner-city New Orleans. ing the Lead Busters program, a subdivision under the After much research, Rabito discovered one in four City Health Department. Also, a partnership was formed children in the New Orleans area had elevated levels of between the Tulane Center for Applied Environmental lead in their blood, an effect of interior lead paint, Public Health and the Daughters of Charity Health according to Rabito. Her findings reached the New Center who worked together on the community-based Orleans City Council where an ordinance was passed Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Study. soon after to regulate the dry sanding of lead paint on Rabito has been all over the world and been engaged in homes, schools and other buildings. different activities and research. After receiving her under- Dry sanding produces lead dust that settles inside and graduate degree from Tulane,Rabito worked for the Peace outside homes, said Rabito. “Lead poisoning can lead to Corps in Africa. She later came back to Tulane to earn her developmental delays, learning problems and succeeding masters. She then traveled to Norway to do research. in school,” said Rabito. But it wasn’t until she returned to New Orleans 10 A combination of New Orleans weather and bad paint years ago, when she was pregnant with her daughter, Ara, harvests the problem, she said. “Our hot and humid that Rabito realized her passion for helping children. weather and a poorly painted home cause for a danger- — Chris Anderson WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 45 Women of the Year 45A Women of theYear Ann Rogers Position: president and owner, Sponsor One Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in marketing, University of New Orleans; certificate in Event Marketing and Management, UNO; advanced diploma in sponsorship marketing, European Sponsorship Consultants Association Life is all about finding a niche, a concept that Ann diploma in sponsorship marketing from the European Rogers is quite familiar with. Her company, Sponsor Sponsorships Consultants Association,” she said. One, has carved out a specialized section of the mar- One of the biggest feathers in Rogers’ hat is her work keting and communications business areas, incorporat- with Southern Comfort to produce the annual Southern ing public relations and event production into a dis- Comfort Cocktail Tour. The tour was Rogers’ idea and tinctive blend. she says she enjoys ownership of the event. “Under the umbrella of Sponsor One, I work with “The cocktail tour is an annual event in August that cel- companies on evaluating sponsorship proposals,” said ebrates dining and drinking in New Orleans,”Rogers said. Rogers. “There is nobody else in New Orleans that Her goals for Sponsor One in the future include specializes in sponsorships the way we do. What I do growing the business through creating more events and for my clients is look at the features of a sponsorship holding more annual events. that are going to make both parties win; we see spon- “I think you have to create a niche for yourself,” sorships as a marketing tool, not a philanthropic one.” Rogers said. “There are a lot of really good people in Sponsor One’s client list includes the Audubon Nature this business in New Orleans, so you have to ask your- Institute, Entergy and the National D-Day Museum. The self: ‘What makes my business different?’ ” small business is also working with Red Bull to produce Away from the work, Rogers likes to spend quality the Flat Land Voodoo Jam,a BMX bike competition. time with her golden retriever. She also considers it Rogers is qualified to make evaluations about spon- relaxing to participate in triathlons and marathons. sorship benefits because of her previous work as a media “I think it is important both in business and recre- buyer for a New Orleans advertising agency and her will- ation to push yourself out of your comfort zone a little ingness to engage in an elite certification program. bit and see what happens,” she said. “I was the first person in the U.S. to receive an advanced — Billy Thinnes WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 46 46A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Gail Roussel Position: president, Danzac Construction Family: husband, Danny; son Daniel, 21, and daughter Christy, 32 Education: plans to earn a college degree one day Gail Roussel knows what it’s like to be told flat out that she cal contractor in Kenner, where she had a life-changing can’t build homes because she’s a woman. experience. But that does not deter Roussel, president of “The electrical contractor was a long-time union con- Destrehan-based Danzac Construction. tractor with older male management. Leadership training Danzac Construction, a custom and speculative home- was taking place companywide at the corporate head- building company founded in March 1993, has enjoyed a quarters, and only the up-and-coming management staff continuing increase in business, Roussel said. The com- were allowed to attend. pany averages 10 to 15 homes a year, and last year’s sales “I received an invitation. Eventually, it was decided volume was $1.8 million. that another woman would be invited so I would not be She said it’s been a challenge working in the male-dom- by myself with all the men and that they would ‘clean up inated construction business for 28 years. their jokes.’ I felt like I had forced a shift in the compa- “I still fight the gender battles in my business today.We ny management’s thinking and had finally broken the seldom build homes for the 40- to 60-year-old age group. glass ceiling.” Men will tell us directly, ‘I can’t hire women to build my Roussel’s civic involvement includes working with house.’ We have taken that in stride. We decided to mar- the Center for Family and Youth Services. She also has ket to the age groups that accept us, the younger and older served as a board member and officer of the generations,” she said. Association for Retarded Citizens of St. Charles. Her company builds homes exclusively in St. Charles, Those causes are dear to her heart since her daughter St. John and Jefferson parishes. is developmentally challenged and her son has atten- Roussel, a licensed builder and a Realtor, turned to the tion deficit hyperactivity disorder. homebuilding business after years of working in other fields. Her community involvement earned her the honor of Before starting up a homebuilding business with friend carrying the torch for the 1996 Olympics, she said. Patricia Tyson, Roussel and her husband, Danny, operated Roussel said her husband, children and grandfather various companies that were sold in 1991 and 1992. have been her inspiration and factors in her success. Roussel also worked as an accountant for an electri- — Deon Roberts WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 47 Women of the Year 47A Women of theYear Peggy Scott Position: executive vice president of operations and finance, chief financial officer, Pan-American Life Family: husband, Loren; daughters, Stacy and Kelly Education: bachelor’s degree in accounting, Louisiana State University (magna cum laude); master’s degree in business administration, Tulane University When Peggy Scott entered the world of public accounting, full-page story in the Wall Street Journal. the upper tier of the industry was still largely a gentlemen’s Scott was poised for success at an early age. In a nation- club. She broke through the glass ceiling swiftly. wide competition with more than 106,000 nominees, Scott After just a few years in accounting and consulting at was named one of the 10 Outstanding Young Women in Deloitte & Touche,Scott,at age 31,became the first female America. Scott has been named three times a Woman of managing partner in the 100-year history of the company. Achievement by the American Society of Women As a full partner and a managing partner, Scott had overall Accountants, the YWCA and by Parker Pen USA Ltd. responsibility for the strategic direction, marketing and Selected on a nationwide basis for professional and busi- operations of the office. ness accomplishments, SAVVY Magazine selected her for Scott then took her accounting skills and operational its National Business Achievement Award and featured her vision and stepped into the healthcare business, spending in an article, “Profiles in Power: Six ‘Big Deal’ Women.” 10 years as chief financial officer at Novant Health and at Scott serves on the board of directors of the New General Health. Orleans Blood Center and is an editorial adviser for the By the time she came to her present job five years ago at Journal of Accountancy, where she reviews and critiques Pan-American Life, a New Orleans insurance company with manuscripts for publication. international reach, Scott had learned all aspects of a compa- She recently completed two years of service as an ny’s functions, including operations, product development, adjunct professor at Tulane University Health Sciences finance, IT,sales, treasury, human resources, benefit admin- Center where she instructed physician executives in the istration, managed care, actuarial and underwriting. masters of medical management program. This summer, Scott was promoted at Pan-American to Scott believes the keys to her success have been her per- executive vice president of operations and finance and sistence, her focus and her ability to spot opportunity. chief financial officer. “I believe that opportunities are everywhere for peo- The Robert Half and Associates recruiting firm, along ple just starting their careers. As long as they are willing with the National Institute of Management Accountants, to complete their education and stay focused, they will recently chose Scott as the Financial Executive of the Year surely be successful.” in its nationwide competition. She will be featured in a — Matt Jones WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 48 48A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Tara Shaw Position: owner/president, Tara Shaw to the Trade Family: Jack Shaw, a whippet Education: attended Louisiana State University Business owners often open their ledgers to gauge their years, so they had knocked all the windows out,” she said. growth over the years. The record of credits and debits, in “It needed a lot of TLC.” most cases, tells the story. Before acquiring the 10,000-square-foot site, Shaw For Tara Shaw, owner and president of a wholesale sought input from residents of the largely residential antique entity bearing her name, there is more to the story neighborhood about locating a business in their midst. than strong finances. Her business history literally has She said she was overjoyed when the Coliseum Square more concrete evidence of its growth. Neighborhood Association embraced her concept. After first working out of a self-storage unit, Shaw’s Shaw’s building overhaul included pouring two new increased inventory required her to move into an old cot- slabs and investing $54,000 in a new roof. Repairs to the ton warehouse near the riverfront. building’s façade included replacing 26 large window- “Those cotton warehouses were basically not open to any- panes and the addition of a signature fleur-de-lis awning. one to rent,and a friend of a friend told me to go see someone “I feel like we were an anchor building to getting things at the Port of New Orleans about the buildings,” she said. turned around here,” said Shaw. Shaw’s relocation was one of the first moves in what Shaw’s involvement in the Coliseum Square communi- would become a trend of revitalizing the Warehouse ty did not stop once the business doors were opened. She District. But continued prosperity required her to seek is a supporter of Bridge House and the Victory Fellowship. larger accommodations. With much of her merchandise Her professional interests include membership in the arriving in 40-foot cargo containers shipped from around American Society of Interior Designers Industry Partners the globe, she needed space to store her goods before they and the Magazine Street Merchants Association. were ready for market. Shaw has a faithful companion in her whippet, Jack, A warehouse at the corner of Camp and Thalia streets who descends from champion bloodlines. Bred in the St. had potential in Shaw’s mind; she had seen the building Tammany Parish community of Bush, Jack has two pre- numerous times when making shopping trips to the decessors that have won blue ribbons from the prestigious Central Business District. Westminster Kennel Club. “It was near where the old overpass ramp had been for — Greg LaRose WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 49 Women of the Year 49A Women of theYear Jaye Bérard Smith Position: attorney, restaurant/hotel owner, artist, real estate developer Family: sons, Christian and Brett; daughters, Robyn and Tara Education: bachelor’s degree in history and business, Loyola University; juris doctorate, Loyola University Law School The last 12 months have been cruel and kind to Jaye A typical day for Smith now involves a split person- Bérard Smith. Her husband, Mark, passed away. She ality: her mornings are focused on business, her after- and her son, Brett, opened a new restaurant, the La noons on art. Louisiane Bar and Bistro. She ramped up her produc- “I am segueing into a new career in art,” Smith said. tion of artwork. And with Mark’s passing, she took over “All 35 of the paintings that hang in the La Louisiane the daily oversight of the other businesses they owned are my artwork.” — the St. Louis, St. Ann and Marie Antoinette hotels Smith said she will show some of her work in the and the Louis XVI restaurant. near future at a gallery on Royal Street as well as at a Smith is an attorney who previously handled all the gallery in Hollywood. legal work for her various properties, so the recent “I have studied for the last 40 years with Leopold expansion of responsibility was jarring. Girardy and June Lampe of the Lampe Gallery of Fine “The thing is that I never knew that I would ever have Art,” Smith says. “My work is inspired by (Gustav) to go forward to complete the work of my husband,” Klimt and John Singer Sargent.” Smith said. “My husband was the creative person that Smith’s community activities have been curtailed of ran all these projects and I have had to step into his shoes late with her busy schedule and the mourning of her and try to do what he would have done. Thankfully, I husband’s death. However, she still provides financial have wonderful help with all of the businesses and four support to organizations she believes in, including the children who are very involved in the operations.” Covenant House, Bridge House and Orleans Mission. Her other son, Christian, and daughters, Robyn and “I’ve had a year of widowhood. One of my greatest Tara, are assisting Smith with the development of accomplishments to date is surviving that,” Smith said. Woodstone subdivision in Mandeville. — Billy Thinnes WOY 2004 10/15/04 3:31 PM Page 50 50A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Kathryn Smith Position: president, Advanced Imaging Solutions Inc. Family: husband, Lynne; stepsons, Kevin, 27, and Brian, 30; son Eric, 23; and daughter, Summer, 21. Education: attended Louisiana State University; certified document image Architec Kathryn Smith is constantly reading. She just finished “In my opinion, what sets us apart is our product reading “Spin Sisters,” a book about the liberal media knowledge and knowing the needs of clients, which trying to convince American women that the country’s helps us apply our products appropriately,” she said. social structure is holding them down, she said. Smith also meets the needs of inner-city children. She And Smith said she couldn’t agree more. “Everything volunteers several hours each weekend to teaching Bible the book discussed really hit home,” said Smith. study and bringing food and games into their homes. When Smith isn’t reading, she’s at work as president She is also active in a prison ministry called Glory of Advanced Imaging Solutions Inc., an information House.When Smith throws her Christmas,birthday and management services company with offices in New anniversary parties, she asks guests to bring gifts to be Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houston. donated to prisoners in place of gifts for her. Smith said she is proof anyone has the chance to Smith said she couldn’t quit volunteering if she tried. achieve their goals. After working in the imaging profes- “Once you see their faces when their needs are met and how sion a number of years, Smith said she realized imaging happy they look, it’s impossible to walk away from that.” could be taken a step further and knew she could do it. Smith has been working out three times a week since So did office equipment manufacturer Canon USA. she was 19 years old. “It’s just something I’ve always “Canon recognized my performance. They gave me made sure to stick with,” she said. an opportunity to have my own dealership,” said Smith. One hobby she didn’t maintain was making stained “There were products out there to sell that retailers and glass. “I used to have a passion for art,” but her life is too distributors weren’t selling.” busy now for such a complicated activity, she said. In 1997, Smith founded her company with her hus- But reading will always be there, she said. “I like to be band, Lynne. Now, her company is nationally recog- up on things. I can’t get enough. My employees and nized, and Canon USA named Smith a “Partner in friends are always asking me what I’m reading.” Excellence” in 2003. — Chris Anderson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 51 Women of the Year 51A Women of theYear Carol Solomon Position: Peoples Health Network, chief executive officer Family: daughter, Michelle Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, University of South Florida; master’s degree, University of Florida Carol Solomon has never been content to use her talents bers in the New Orleans metro area. and expertise to further just her own career. While the many hats Solomon wears keep her busy,she She is busy in her roles as chief executive of Peoples finds the time to use her expertise to make personal com- Health Network, a Kenner-based health maintenance orga- mitments to the New Orleans community. nization, and as vice president and general manager of its Solomon has served on the Louisiana Association of affiliated Tenet Choices. But she finds the time to serve on Health Plans, chairing its Regulatory Affairs Committee, the board or Louisiana Association of Health Plans, is board serving as a delegate to the Louisiana Health Care Summit chair of Planned Parenthood and serves as an advisory board of the Louisiana Governor’s Office and the Louisiana member of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. Healthcare Delivery Forum. She was board chair and an Originally from Miami, Solomon started her career in executive member of Planned Parenthood, a founding Florida in the savings and loan business.After seven years, member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative for United Solomon’s career turned toward health care when she Way of New Orleans and she has served on the advisory became a controller then administrator for a 300-bed hos- board and as Gala Committee Co-chair of the New pital in Daytona, Fla. Orleans Heritage and Jazz Foundation. Solomon moved to New Orleans in 1993 to serve as Despite all of her professional achievements, Solomon chief operating officer of Medical Heritage, Inc. Her says she is most proud of “having a great relationship with broad range of duties at Medical Heritage and, later at my daughter in spite of the time I devote to my career.” MedFirst, helped her establish her own private consult- This commitment helped her be honored as a New ing company, Solomon Group, which helped open the Orleans Mother: Putting Family First at the Mayor’s Annual door for her present position, administering health plans Conference on Women in August 2001. providing healthcare coverage to more than 35,000 mem- — Matt Jones WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 52 52A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Kim Sport Position: chairman of the board of trustees, United Way; chairman of the board of New Orleans Cancer Institute at Memorial Medical Center Family: husband, Mike; stepchildren, Debi, Sheri and Ross; six grandchildren Education: bachelor’s degree in health sciences, Our Lady of Holy Cross College; juris doctorate, Tulane Law School Kim Sport will not let breast cancer slow her down. A chair of the United Way’s Regional Fundraising cam- cancer survivor of three years, she has made more than paign and raised a record $20.1 million in 2002. In 200 presentations for nonprofit organizations, served 2001, she founded and chaired the United Way’s on many nonprofit board committees and received var- Women’s Leadership Initiative. ious volunteer awards. The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations Sport said she is inspired by her husband, Mike, selected Sport as its 2004 recipient of the Louisiana who is also a cancer survivor of one year. Heroine award for encouraging women to become leaders “He has always been active in the community, and in the community. Sport has also won a National Society together, we have always tried to make a difference in some of Fundraising Executives Volunteer of the Year award way, shape or form,” she said. “I’m very lucky to be here, and the Joe Simon Award for volunteerism, given by the and I want to make a difference for people around me.” New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce. Sport serves as United Way chairman of the board of “The numerous awards have just amazed me but I trustees and chairman of the board of the New Orleans would not be doing what I’m doing if so many people Cancer Institute at Memorial Medical Center. had not preceded me and been there for me,” Sport “Fund-raising is just like running a business; our cus- said. “I get cooperation and support from other volun- tomers are the entire community and we have to make the teers every day and they make the difference.” best investments with the money we receive,” she said. Sport’s United Way term expires at the end of 2005,and “The reason I joined the Cancer Institute was because I she said she wants to get involved in organizations that tar- received all of my cancer care in Greater New Orleans get child abuse and neglect and foster care and adoption. area, and I wanted to make people realize they can stay in “My goal is to maintain my passion for everything I New Orleans and receive their cancer treatments.” do; life is too short to not enjoy the little things.” Through United Way,Sport served as the first female — Tommy Santora WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 53 Women of the Year 53A Women of theYear Liz Tahir Position: owner, Liz Tahir & Associates Family: single Education: attended the University of Mississippi Liz Tahir is an international marketing consultant, profes- she did. Tahir realized with one of her first clients that she sional speaker and writer, but she began her career going did not have to have expertise in an industry to know how in a different direction — retail. to market those products. After working for years as a retail executive, Tahir was “One thing that I always say is that I am a brand of laid off from D.H. Holmes Company Ltd. A desire to stay one,” Tahir said. “Whether you work for a corpora- in New Orleans fueled her decision to open Liz Tahir & tion or are an entrepreneur, you are the product that Associates, a marketing and management consulting firm you’re selling.” in 1990. Tahir is active in the community through her work with “I had to reinvent myself,” Tahir said. the YWCA’s Junior Role Model program of which she is Over the years, her marketing business has stretched the founding chairman. The project identifies a select into other venues as well. When a colleague invited her to group of high school juniors and allows them to partici- a meeting of the National Speakers Association, Tahir was pate in training events that will prepare them for future immediately drawn to the field. leadership roles. “I thought,‘People are being paid to speak.This is great.’” “I’m particularly proud that we do it for girls in public As a result of the public speaking at the seminars she schools who may not otherwise have these opportunities.” developed, Tahir is often asked to write articles for trade Tahir has worked with clients in Japan, Australia, New publications.She is also a contributing author of the book, Zealand, Mexico, Brazil and across the U.S. She is on the “Sizzling Customer Service.” board of directors of the World Trade Center of New “These are other avenues that I didn’t know existed, Orleans and Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents, but one thing led into another,” Tahir said. “You have to and Associates Inc. She has also been president of the open up your horizons.” American Marketing Association and is involved with the Although she is a successful businesswoman now, Women’s Professional Council and the Contemporary Tahir said her biggest challenge when she first started her Arts Center. business was recognizing she knew more than she thought — Angela Johnson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 54 54A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Donna Taylor Position: vice president of asset management and new business development, Stirling Properties Family: daughter Haley, 13; son Connor, 11 Education: bachelor’s degree in accounting, Southeastern Louisiana University; master’s degree in business administration, Southeastern Louisiana University Potential clients of Donna Taylor of Stirling Properties said Taylor.“You have to show why you’re different.If you should get used to seeing and hearing from her on a regular walk in the door and say, ‘Oh, we can do what they do,’ basis, and perhaps more so once a transaction takes place. that’s not necessarily going to convince anyone to give you The philosophy of staying in touch with her clients has their business.” allowed her to reach a high level of success in the North Taylor recently closed a deal with AmSouth Bank to Shore commercial real estate field. increase Stirling’s commercial property portfolio by more “You always need to stay in tune with your clients, to than 1 million square feet. She has earned the company’s learn about their desires for the property,” she said. Star Achiever Award in 1996, 1997 and 1998 and won the Taylor, a certified public accountant, went to work for Hall of Fame honor in 1999.Co-workers tabbed Taylor the Stirling in its accounting department in 1985. By 1991, Team Player of the Year in 1995,1997 and 2000. she had risen to the position of vice president of the com- A native of Hammond, living and working close to home pany’s legal department. is important to Taylor, who has kept family her top priority In her current role as vice president of asset management while excelling in her profession. Her long-standing ties to and new business development,Taylor oversees a portfolio of the North Shore allowed her to stay involved in several civic more than 10 million square feet of properties. Her responsi- endeavors, including the Hammond Special Olympics, the bilities include property and construction management, leas- Tangipahoa Association of Retarded Citizens,The Richard ing, financial reporting, budgeting, financing and refinancing, Murphy Hospice Foundation and the Southeastern contractual compliance and general client relations. Louisiana University Alumni Association. Working on the North Shore means Taylor faces stiff Taylor’s professional memberships include the North competition from other professionals hoping to develop Shore Area Board of Realtors, the Southeastern select tracts of commercial property.Rather than focus on Louisiana University Accounting Advisory Board and matching what rivals offer to a customer, she concentrates the Business and Industry Committee of the Louisiana on selling the strengths of her company. Realtors Association. “You have to put yourself above your competition,” — Greg LaRose WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 55 Women of the Year 55A Women of theYear Fran Villere Position: chairwoman, Greater New Orleans Foundation Family: husband, George; sons Chris, 35, and Lamar, 29; daughter, Mathilde, 33 Education: bachelor’s degree in art history, Finch University Fran Villere was last employed many years ago when foundation,” said Villere. “Individuals and groups have she was working part-time in a dress shop and newly control over their money and where they would like to wed to her husband, George. see it used,” which Villere said is her goal and the foun- But she still has a job to do. In fact, she has many. dation’s goal. “It helps guarantee a better future for our Villere is presently a member of six New Orleans community.” service organizations, including the Greater New Something Villere said is particularly close to her Orleans Foundation, of which she is the chairperson. heart is the work she did during the 1990s for Project She is also involved with Children’s Hospital, the New Lazarus, a residence for AIDS patients. Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, the Ogden “It was a time when people didn’t understand Museum of Southern Art and the New Orleans AIDS,” she said. People weren’t sure of the disease and Museum of Art. In total, Villere has been involved in 27 how it was spread, she said. “People only thought it local charities. was a homosexual disease.” “I don’t work for pay anymore,” Villere said jokingly. Villere said she did not realize the disease’s growing She just works, and unselfishly, too. Villere was presence and impact until it was affecting people close awarded the Times Picayune Loving Cup in 2003 for to her. “I found out more about AIDS through friends. her efforts in volunteerism and community service. I realized that people were dying from it. I didn’t know As chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, much about it, but I wanted to know more and felt Villere is a busy woman. other people should, too.” The Greater New Orleans Foundation operates After three weeks of training, Villere was sent out to somewhat like a bank for New Orleans nonprofit organi- help ignite a dialogue about AIDS, especially amongst zations, according to Villere. Money donated to and col- younger people. lected by the foundation is distributed to local nonprof- “I gave talks at various functions and meetings, usu- its, aiding them in accomplishing their goals, she said. ally speaking to private school students,” she said. “The Greater New Orleans Foundation is a community — Chris Anderson WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 56 56A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Ann Wallace Position: chief marketing officer, Adams and Reese LLP Family: husband, Bert; two stepsons, Bryan and Michael; and Tag the Wonder Dog, a yellow Labrador retriever Education: bachelor’s degree in journalism, Louisiana State University Adams and Reese has more than 260 attorneys practicing assisted in planning and preparation for the state’s participa- in seven offices across the southeastern United States, and tion in the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. She said she the New Orleans office is responsible for all of the firm’s logged at minimum 12-hour workdays, seven days a week, marketing efforts. and called the job her best marketing career preparation. A marketing endeavor that substantial would tend to Wallace’s next career move was as a marketing lean toward more outsourcing than in-house work, but department consultant for Boyd Gaming after working chief marketing officer Ann Wallace said she is most as the director of marketing for the Queen of New proud of helping the firm almost completely internalize Orleans Riverboat Casino and director of marketing at all marketing operations in her three years there. Treasure Chest Casino. “We are pretty self-sufficient which allows us a great deal She joined Adams and Reese in 2001 and though mar- more flexibility than relying on outside agencies and con- keting efforts were different from the gaming to the legal sultants, and it enables us to operate more efficiently,” she industry,she said the principles stayed the same. said. “That type of marketing attitude fostered by manage- “It doesn’t matter whether you are selling entertain- ment here is one of the reasons for the firm’s success.” ment, a product or a professional service, it’s all in the Adams and Reese recently became the first Louisiana way you apply and balance all of the components of the law firm named to AmLaw’s list of the nation’s top 200 marketing mix to achieve the business goals of the orga- grossing firms. nization,” she said. Wallace, who has more than 20 years of marketing Wallace’s community involvement ranges from experience, said it is ironic she ended up working for a law walkathons to serving meals, helping build homes, student firm because she planned on attending law school after mentoring and fund-raising drives. She also helps her hus- earning her journalism degree from LSU. band, Bert, president emeritus of the LSU Health Sciences “But one year off led to another, and I was enjoying the Center and director of the LSU Biomedical Research Fund. beginnings of an exciting and interesting marketing career Wallace also received a Delta Gamma “Cable Award”for her and not at all interested in going back to school.” continuing outstanding service with her former sorority. Wallace joined the Mississippi Division of Tourism and — Tommy Santora WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 57 WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 58 58A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Barbara B. Waller Position: general manager, Laitram Machine Shop LLC Family: husband, David Waller; son Ned, 17; and daughter Helen, 15 Education: bachelor’s degree in economics, Newcomb College; master’s degree in business administration in Operation Research Management Science, Tulane University Next time you’re at the gas pump, realize that 99.9 per- is very analytical, results-oriented and tough-minded, so cent of the time the equipment used to find that fuel she is able to both integrate complicated technical issues came from Input Output Inc. of Stafford, Texas. The with complex people issues because she is so clear and highly specialized parts Input Output uses in its task straight and principled in how she approaches things.” are manufactured by its sister company, Laitram Laitram has been fertile ground for Waller’s success. Machine Shop in Harahan. “Laitram has a rigorous philosophy that hinges on treat- Input Output’s job has been a little easier recently ing others the way you want to be treated,so it hinges on per- thanks to Barbara Waller, general manager of Laitram sonal value,” Waller said. “I had reached a point in my life Machine Shop,said Douglas A.Meyer,Input Output pro- where I was determined that was important to me.You don’t curement manager. realize how much you value that unless you don’t have it.” Waller has held several different positions with Laitram Throughout her career, Waller has worked in non-tra- in 13 years with the company and has consistently demon- ditional positions but never for a small company with such strated her exceptional organizational and leadership an inspiring philosophy, she said. Waller’s education skills, Meyer said. taught her to study processes and analysis. She has mas- “She has this great can-do attitude and will always try to tered the manufacturing aspects of the machine shop and come up with a solution,” he said. “Lots of people can do a realized some other objectives as well. job to 70, 80 or even 95 percent, but she is one of those rare “My goals were to build a team that could realize the people who can take it all the way to 100 percent, and she is potential of each individual and meet the goals we have for always trying to challenge and see what can be done better.” profitability and customer service,” Waller said. “I have a Jay Lapayre, president and chief executive of Laitram wonderful team. We have some really smart people here and chairman of the board of Input Output, described and my job is to remove obstacles, challenge them appro- Waller in glowing terms. priately and help them with the resources they need. It’s “The greatest strength Barbara has is her ability to deal hard work but it’s fun.” with difficult situations and problems,”Lapayre said.“She — Angelle Bergeron WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 59 Women of the Year 59A Women of theYear Bonnie K. Wibel Position: director of business development, Doctors Hospital of Jefferson Family: husband, Mike; sons, Michael, 32, Garett, 21 Education: bachelor’s degree in business management and administration, University of Phoenix Bonnie Wibel retired in February 2003 after almost 20 anteed a job at the new facility, which means a cloudy years working at Lakeside Hospital. She wanted to future for Wibel. But she refuses to look at the negative spend time with her new grandchild and “get a differ- and pushes forward with hope in her heart. ent perspective” on things. “I’m focused on closing the facility with dignity Seven months later, she received a phone call from and respect,” she says. “I remain positive to let our John Walker, chief executive of Doctors Hospital of employees know when one door closes, another Jefferson. He needed her to be his director of business always opens.” development and just like that, her all-too-brief retire- Wibel has always been an optimist. Whether it is run- ment came to an end. ning a political campaign office, working as the executive It was an easy decision, Wibel says. She has spent a director of the Greater New Orleans OB/GYN Society large portion of her life working in health care. She dis- or going back to school at the age of 47 to earn her col- covered her joy for the field at the age of 30. She was lege degree, she does it all with her eyes firmly affixed on giving birth to her second son, Garett, 12 years the silver lining. removed from her first, Michael. It was not easy, she Wibel was born and raised in New Orleans. She said, but the men and women at Lakeside Hospital believes there are no greater people in the world than were so good to her she decided they were the type of those in New Orleans, which is why she devotes so much people with whom she had always wanted to work. time giving back to the community through charitable She began working at Lakeside Hospital in 1985 as a efforts. From Special Olympics to the Juvenile Diabetes secretary of administration and worked her way all the Foundation, the United Way and Friends of Autism, way up to director of public relations and marketing. Wibel said she does all she can to improve the lives of In August, East Jefferson General Hospital pur- those who may not have experienced all of life’s fortunes. chased Doctors Hospital. No one from Doctors is guar- — Richard Webster WOY 2004 10/15/04 4:20 PM Page 60 MARKETING SOLUTIONS THROUGH IMPRINTED PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS GOLF TOURNAMENTS • TRADE SHOWS • SAFETY PROGRAMS • GRAND OPENINGS AWARDS • WEARABLES • EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES • IMAGE BUILDING 504-282-5010 7037 CANAL BLVD. - SUITE 204 • NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70124 WWW.FAVORITESPROMOTIONALS.COM cocktails We congratulate our Woman of the Year… 225 Baronne Sandra Corrigan 1340 Poydras Realty 1, LLC Find out why parties at the Zoo aren’t like other parties. Call 504-212-5301 or visit For Leasing Information auduboninstitute.org/specialevents or a Property Tour Please Call Sandra Corrigan at Audubon Zoo (504) 566-1400 1010 Common A Facility of Audubon Nature Institute WOY 2004 10/15/04 5:41 PM Page 61 We count ourselves lucky She’s on our team. Congratulations to Dana Hansel one of CityBusiness’ 2004 Women of the Year Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender MINGLING MICHELLE MONTZ ISPROUDTOBEONEOFCITYBUSINESS’ 2004 WOMEN OF THE YEAR! Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! For long-term, fixed-rate financing call Michelle Montz Find out why parties at the Aquarium aren’t like other parties. Call 504-378-2695 or visit Post Office Box 24993 • New Orleans, Louisiana 70184-4993 auduboninstitute.org/specialevents Tel 504.284.2010 • Fax 504.284.2011 [email protected] Audubon Aquarium of the Americas www.crescentcommercial.com A Facility of Audubon Nature Institute WOY 2004 10/15/04 5:41 PM Page 62 62A New Orleans CityBusiness • November 8 2004 Women of theYear Carol B. Wise Position: owner, Wise Marketing Family: daughters Julie Wise Oreck and Ginny Wise; son Richard Wise Education: bachelor’s degree in education, National College for Education Small businesses are the backbone of the American stockbrokers, oil companies and banks. Wise acknowl- economy, and Carol Wise is the kind of business- edges the risks of running a small business and woman who ensures the country will remain strong and addresses the challenges women face in the business maintain good posture. world, but she refuses to make excuses. “To be successful as a small business you have to for- “The women I have seen who are successful are get the past and move forward,” Wise said. “It is impor- women who overlook disadvantages and still play by tant to work hard, spend long hours and make things the same rules,” she said. “In the small business envi- happen. You have to have a real joy in making things ronment, your limits are yourself. In order to get the happen; I think you must have constant enthusiasm and money you need to grow, it depends upon a person’s optimism and that will help you make a difference.” networking ability.” Wise Marketing has been creating marketing plans Wise said her favorite hobby is to raise money for for small businesses and individuals since 1989. Before nonprofits. She is the chairwoman of the Women’s opening her own shop, Wise worked as the sales and Leadership Initiative and is active in the United Way. marketing director of One River Place. “Right now,I am actively involved in the Success by Six “Say that you work for a printing company,” Wise program for the United Way,” she said. “This is a collabo- said in explaining her business approach. “I would rative format to see that kids up to 6 years old have a look at the company and talk to you about where you chance to be successful when they enter school. There are have been successful and where you could be more 285 child care centers in Orleans Parish and only 18 are successful. We would look at who are your best cus- accredited.Success by Six looks at how more of these cen- tomers and find out how we can grow your business.” ters can become accredited as there is direct relationship Wise Marketing’s client base is diversified and between accreditation and a child’s ability to succeed.” includes real estate agents, a small Uptown gift shop, — Billy Thinnes WOY 2004 10/15/04 5:41 PM Page 63 Women of the Year 63A Women of theYear Ellen Yellin Position: tax/employee benefits director, Bourgeois Bennett LLC CPA Family: husband, Marc; sons, Jeffrey, 23, and Brian, 21 Education: bachelor’s degree in political science; Newcomb College; master’s degree in business administration in accounting; Tulane University Graduate School of Business When Ellen Yellin began her career 28 years ago,she could “I’m very proud of the success of the WPC,” Yellin see what one of her biggest challenges was going to be. said.“I’m proud that it’s flourishing.”She was the WPC’s “Professionally, there was a major distinction first president and is now on the membership committee. between men and women. There were no women in Another project Yellin devotes time to is the Jewish management,” Yellin said. Endowment Foundation. She fondly recalls that an She recalled that there were four women out of audit of the foundation was the first one she did without about 300 graduates in her MBA class at Tulane a supervisor. She has been on the board of directors University in 1976. since 1983 and this year she will serve as president of “When one of us was absent,it was noticed,”Yellin said. the organization. The organization is the “community “My own father insisted I take typing so I could get chest of the Jewish community,” providing grants and work if something happened to him,” Yellin said. other philanthropy for the Jewish population in the Yellin is the tax/employee benefits director at Bourgeois New Orleans area. Bennett, a Metairie accounting firm. She said she became Yellin is also an active member of the American involved with accounting because she saw it as a way to Institute of CPAs and the Society of Louisiana CPAs,and help people save money and plan for the future. she serves on the board of directors of the Association of “Hence, the tax area,” she said. Employee Benefit Planners of New Orleans. Yellin also noticed a need for businesswomen to “I want to continue to work in the New Orleans have networking opportunities. In 1983, she decided community,” Yellin said. to form the Women’s Professional Council. The She views the community as a garden that must be cul- response was positive and the organization, which pro- tivated if it is to continue to grow. “It’s critical if we want motes and supports women professionals in the New New Orleans to be a place our children will want to live.” Orleans area, has been growing ever since. — Angela Johnson WOY 2004 10/15/04 5:41 PM Page 64 We could’ve told you that when we hired her. Walgreens congratulates Philomene ‘Missy’ Allain on being named one of CityBusiness’ 2004 Women of the Year. The following stores are open 24 hours to serve you in the metro New Orleans area 101 Robert E. Lee Blvd. 4421 Airline Hwy. 2880 Hwy. 190 821 W. Esplanade Ave. 100 W. Judge Perez Dr. RX - 282-1406 RX - 836-2316 RX - 985-624-8548 RX - 468-5479 RX - 276-6192 1260 Front St. 4400 S. Claiborne Ave. 9999 Lake Forest Blvd. 1815 W. Airline Hwy. RX - 985-641-5557 RX - 891-0976 RX - 242-0981 RX - 985-651-9517 678 Terry Pkwy. 1891 Barataria Blvd. 4110 Gen. DeGaulle Dr. 1801 St. Charles Ave. 4600 West Bank Expwy. RX - 366-1535 RX - 340-2211 RX - 433-3297 RX - 561-8458 RX - 340-6337 WOY.2004.covers 10/15/04 2:04 PM Page 3 Must be 21 or older to enter casino and to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2004, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. WOY.2004.covers 10/15/04 2:04 PM Page 4 From the courtroom to the conference room, we’re leaders in today’s complex legal arena. Congratulations to Our Women of the Year Mary L. Meyer Ann M. Wallace Partner Chief Marketing Officer Out in front. www.adamsandreese.com One Shell Square ■ 701 Poydras Street ■ Suite 4500 ■ New Orleans, LA 70139 ■ 504.581.3234 Baton Rouge ■ Birmingham ■ Houston ■ Jackson ■ Mobile ■ New Orleans ■ Washington D.C. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers. Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization except as noted. Author: Charles P. Adams, Jr. FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.