Foundation for EBRSS Welcomes New Executive Director and Board Members

October 9, 2024—The Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System (FEBRSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Lightfoot as its new Executive Director and welcomes several new members to its Board of Directors. 

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, with a focus on education and community development. She will oversee the Foundation’s efforts to secure resources and partnerships to support students throughout the district. 

"I'm honored to join the Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System as Executive Director. Working with our board and Superintendent Cole we'll focus on expanding early childhood education, improving literacy rates, and enhancing workforce development programs. By fostering strong community partnerships, we'll secure vital resources to support these initiatives. Our goal is to create an educational environment that empowers students from their earliest years through graduation, ultimately strengthening the future of East Baton Rouge,” said Ms. Lightfoot. 

In addition to Jennifer’s appointment, the Foundation welcomes new board members:   

  • Ashley Gordon, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Communications, LABI 
  • Michelle Hardy, Director of Public Affairs, Turner Industries 
  • Sandy Michelet, Vice President of Human Resources, Sparkhound 
  • Stewart Spielman, Partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP 
  • Heidi Wendt, Manager of Community & Education, Ochsner Baton Rouge 

The new directors are joining a board that is comprised of the following members:  

  • Stephanie Cargile, President, Public & Government Affairs Manager, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge 
  • Jonathan Percle, Vice-President, Managing Director, Emergent Method 
  • Tré Nelson, Secretary, Director. of Economic Development & Community Initiatives, Ochsner Health 
  • Padma Vatsavai, Immediate Past President, Founder / CEO, Vinformatix 
  • Mary Kay Carleton, President, Carleton & Company CPAs 
  • Jamey Firnberg, Owner/CEO, School Aids 
  • Ted Firnberg, Owner, School Aids  
  • Robyn Merrick, Vice President for External Affairs, Southern University 

 “Our Foundation team is aligned with the school system’s strategic focus, and we have bold goals ahead. Last year, we were able to provide $700,000 to the school system’s priority needs like early childhood education and workforce development. With the support of individual champions, corporate leaders, and school system alumni and friends, we hope to provide new, sustainable streams of grant funding to ensure Baton Rouge’s future workforce is prepared for local careers in our community,” said Stephanie Cargile, Foundation president. 

 

P.O. Box 66984
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

© Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System 2025

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