NSU names Amy Lee director of Marketing and Branding
Amy Lee has been named director of Marketing and Branding at Northwestern State University, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System.
Lee will be responsible for the university’s brand, graphics identity and social media presence. She was previously public relations and marketing manager for Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. She began her career as director of outreach and engagement for Cane River National Heritage Area, promoting cultural tourism for the region.
A native of California, Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism at NSU in 2019 and is a 2021 graduate of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy. In the community she is involved with the Service League of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Young Professionals and was recently named one of NYP’s 4 Under 40 honorees for excellence in community leadership and professional achievements.
Waylon Bates named Bossier Schools assistant superintendent
Bossier Schools Superintendent Mitch Downey announced May 16 the appointment of Waylon Bates as the new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.
Bates is a native of Bossier Parish and proud graduate of Bossier High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Northwestern State University, his Masters of Education in School Administration at Centenary College and his Master’s Degree Plus 30 at University of Louisiana at Monroe.
His career in education began in 1999 as a teacher at Waller Elementary. Bates first entered the administrative arena as Administrative Assistant at Butler Educational Complex, followed by Assistant Principal at Greenacres Middle School, Principal at Haughton Middle School and later, Parkway High. Most recently, Bates has been serving as Supervisor of High School Curriculum.
Downey will present Bates to the Bossier Parish School Board at its meeting Thursday, May 18. Bates is assuming the position vacated by Dr. Nichole Bourgeois, who is retiring after 30 years of service with Bossier Schools. His effective date will be July 1, 2023.
Kean Miller names Mike Carter as new Chief Information Officer
Kean Miller, one of the largest law firms in the region, is pleased to announce the addition of information technology veteran Mike Carter as the firm’s Chief Information Officer.
In his role, Mike will be responsible for Kean Miller’s technology platform, including hardware and application support, infrastructure design and implementation, user and client support services, technology education and training, data security and cyber-awareness, and business continuity and disaster recovery across all eight of the Firm’s offices in Louisiana and Texas.
A key member of the Firm’s management team, Mike will lead technology aspects of the Firm’s strategic growth initiative. He has over twenty years of experience in designing technology solutions to improve business processes and efficiency, and has demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and maintaining forward-thinking strategies to solve technology challenges. Prior to joining Kean Miller, Mike served in a director role within the information technology industry, in addition to owning his consulting company.
Kean Miller adds attorney in Shreveport office
Kean Miller’s rapid growth continues as the 198-attorney, full-service law firm announces the addition of five attorneys in three of its offices in Louisiana and Texas.
These additions expand the Firm’s ability to provide clients with the best and brightest attorneys, meaningful counsel, and superior client service. Since April 2022, Kean Miller has added 22 attorneys in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houston, and The Woodlands.
Blair E. Boyd joins the firm in Shreveport practicing with the litigation group. She represents clients in the areas of labor and employment, construction, and commercial litigation. Blair earned her J.D. from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2020 and her B.S. in Political Science from Louisiana State University in 2016.
Argent Mineral Management appoints Anna Rachal as mineral manager
Argent Mineral Management, a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, announced Anna Rachal has joined the company as mineral manager.
As mineral manager, Rachal will focus on mineral wealth, contract negotiation, oil and gas accounting and asset evaluation. Rachal will report directly to David Luke, Argent Mineral Management president and David Smith, Argent Mineral Management Louisiana manager.
Rachal brings more than 13 years of experience in the energy and land management sectors. Most recently, Rachal served as an energy consultant. In this role, she evaluated property ownership and advised clients on recommended strategies for negotiation, management, organization and regulatory needs.
Rachal is a Louisiana Tech University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts. She also earned her Master of Energy Business from the University of Tulsa.