BOARD OFFICERS
Jay Dardenne, President, 1972
Jay Dardenne earned degrees in both Journalism and Law from Louisiana State University (LSU). He has practiced law with Kennon, Odom & Dardenne since 1981 and has had a distinguished public service career, including roles as Metro Councilman, State Senator, Secretary of State, and Lieutenant Governor. He also created the Emmy-nominated documentary Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… Or Any Place Else.
Myra N. Richardson, Vice President, 2017
Myra Richardson, a Baton Rouge native, is a public relations and community outreach specialist, social engineer, and founder of the award-winning start-up Red Torch Consulting. A nationally recognized activist and strategist, she has led transformative efforts in economic development, most notably growing the Black Chamber of Commerce from 18 to nearly 400 members and launching 225Fest, a celebrated event drawing tens of thousands each year. Now serving as director of marketing and communications for the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Richardson’s impact spans all 64 parishes. Richardson’s achievements include receiving the W. Montague Cobb Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Chapter of The NAACP, The 2023 Woman of Year by local chapter of The NAACP, The Business Reports Youngest 40 Under 40 Recipient, and locally, the youngest member of the Capital Region 500 most influential leadersHer work has earned recognition from the Obama Administration, numerous NAACP honors, and features in outlets including CNN, TeenVogue, TED Talk, The New York Times, The Drum, Essence, BET, Huffpost, British Broadcasting, WAFB, WBRZ, 225 Magazine, and The Advocate.
Charles Hansberry, Secretary, 1992
Charles Bernard Hansberry, III, Esq., earned his BA from LSU and his JD from Southern University Law Center. He clerked for Judge Ralph E. Tyson before serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Louisiana Department of Justice. Since 2007, he has advanced within the Louisiana Department of Insurance, where he now serves as Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Property and Casualty. Hansberry is civically involved through mentorship, nonprofit board service, and leadership in professional associations.
Bettsie Miller, Treasurer, 1973
Bettsie Baker Miller holds a BS and MBA from Louisiana State University. A licensed CPA since 1987, she also holds the APR designation in Public Relations. Her career includes roles at Ethyl Corporation, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and as Undersecretary for both the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Natural Resources. She retired as Public Affairs Director for the Louisiana Chemical Association and has made significant contributions to Louisiana Public Broadcasting and various nonprofit organizations.
Warren E. Byrd, Past President, 1968
Warren E. Byrd earned a BS in Finance from LSU and a JD from LSU Law School. His career includes serving as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge E. Gordon West, Assistant Attorney General with the Louisiana Department of Justice, and partner with Adams & Reese LLP, followed by senior leadership at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. He is an active track and field and soccer official and enjoys weightlifting, international travel, and LSU athletics.
REPRESENTATIVES
Sarah Kirkpatrick, Teacher Rep, 1989
Sarah Kirkpatrick earned her degree through LSU’s Holmes Program. She has taught English for 30 years, with the last 14 at BRMHS, where she also serves as English Department Head.
Raj Iyer, Parent Rep
Raj Iyer, Parent of BRHS Students Raj Iyer is a Vice President and Senior Director with Motorola Solutions, where he has worked for over 35 years. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an Executive MBA from Louisiana State University. While not an alumnus, his family has a deep connection to the school, with his sons, sister, and cousins all being alumni. Raj is also a skilled harmonium player.
DIRECTORS
Samantha Givens Banguel, class of 2006.
Samantha Givens Banguel earned a BS in Nursing from Southern University and an MS in Nursing (executive track) from Southeastern Louisiana University. As a Registered Nurse, she currently serves as Director of Quality at CareSouth Medical & Dental.
Betty Metz DeMars, class of 1973
Betty Metz DeMars is a BRHS alumna who studied journalism at LSU and the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been active in local civic and medical-affiliated volunteer groups, including the Louisiana State Medical Society Alliance and the Junior League of Baton Rouge.
Perry Franklin, class of 1986
Perry Franklin is the President and founder of Franklin Associates, LLC, a Baton Rouge-based communications, community engagement, and urban planning firm. His career includes leading national community outreach efforts, directing governmental affairs for Louisiana’s Road Home Program, and serving as a registered Louisiana lobbyist. He holds an MBA from LSU. Perry volunteers with the A.C. Lewis YMCA Advisory Board, the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, and the Baton Rouge High School Foundation.
Debbie Lamb, class of 1974
Debbie Lamb earned her BA in History from LSU and her JD from LSU Law School. She clerked for Judge Joseph F. Keogh before joining Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips, LLP, where she worked until her retirement in 2014. She continues with the firm as of counsel.
Caressa Nicole Lathan, class of 2006
Caressa Nicole Lathan holds a BA in History Education and an MBA. She has experience teaching Social Studies and History and has worked in case management for nearly a decade. She currently serves as a Health Information Manager in the behavioral health industry. Caressa joined the Baton Rouge High Foundation Board in 2025 with a mission to strengthen connections between students, alumni, and the school community.
Leisa Lawson, class of 2004
Leisa Lawson earned a BA in Kinesiology from Rice University and her JD from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. She practices employment and commercial litigation with Chadwick, Odom & Stokes and serves as an Assistant Bar Examiner for the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure. She is active with the Children’s Advocacy Network, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, and the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers, and is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Louisiana.
Rev. Fred Jeff Smith, class of 1979
Rev. Fred Jeff Smith earned a BS in Business Administration from LSU and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Since 2013, he has served as Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he is also CEO of its charitable foundation. Rev. Smith serves on numerous boards and interfaith organizations.
Vanessa Morrison Randall, class of 2004
Vanessa Morrison Randall is a Registered Respiratory Therapist, a nonprofit volunteer, and a dedicated family caregiver. She is passionate about reconnecting alumni, supporting students, and expanding scholarship opportunities for those affected by cancer.
Dishili Young, class of 1997
Dishili Young is Vice President and Engineering Manager at Neel-Schaffer, Inc., where she oversees the Louisiana transportation group. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from LSU and an MS in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. A licensed Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, she is certified in traffic control supervision and licensed in six states. Her leadership includes roles with WTS International, ACECL, Rotary Club, CASA, and the Junior League of Greater Baton Rouge.