Introducing our board members and officers

LORETA LEAVITT

VAMC Case Manager, Retired

Loreta serves on several boards including the Caddo Council on Aging, the ARC of Shreveport/Bossier, the Multicultural Center Of the South of which she is the newly elected President of the Board of Directors, and Philippine Historical Society based in New Orleans. She is a distinguished Toastmaster as well as the grandmother of three boys, ages 14, 11, and 2.

HERMAN VITAL

City of Shreveport, Retired

Herman Vital serves as the Assistant Director in the Department of Community Development at the City of Shreveport in Louisiana, United States. With a wealth of experience, Herman contributes to the city's development initiatives in his role. His dedication and expertise make him an integral part of the team at the City of Shreveport, where he actively contributes to the growth and progress of the community.

Business Consultant with a focus on credit building. Holding a pivotal role as the Executive Director of the Multi-Cultural Development Center, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of business development. Certified by NeighborWorks, Yvonne specializes in various aspects, including Business Banking. Additionally, she serves as a Notary Public, adding another layer of proficiency to her skill set. Yvonne's diverse background underscores her commitment to supporting businesses and fostering financial growth. 

As a Professor of Management at LSUS College of Business Administration, Dr. Williams brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Holder of the James & Ann Gardner Professionalship in Civic Engagement & Leadership, she holds a master’s degree in industrial & organizational psychology from Radford University. Additionally, serving as a DCI Consultant in Human Resources Risk Management, her research spans various areas including leadership, social networks, organizational conflict, and more. Her multifaceted background enriches both academic and practical dimensions in management.

Business Consultant at LSBDC and Financial Advisor at Cone Consulting Group, LLC in Shreveport, Louisiana, draws upon 21 years of experience in the financial industry. As an Air Force Veteran, his disciplined approach to Estate Planning and Investment Management is rooted in simplicity, transparent recommendations, and a commitment to client success. Norman focuses on helping individuals and families save money, navigate taxable and nontaxable strategies, and guides them through the estate planning process. Outside of his financial roles, he invests in his family, finds joy in coaching high school soccer, engages in competitive cooking, and dedicates time to mentoring. With an extensive background, including positions at Cone Public Relations, Investment Services, and GBT Financial Services, Inc., Norman continues to bring valuable insights and expertise to his clients.

Business Consultant and Shreveport native and seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University. Following a five-year tenure as a staff accountant, Angela pursued her legal aspirations at Southern University Law School, earning her Juris Doctorate in 2001. Admitted to the Louisiana State Bar that same year, she has since been committed to the practice of law, showcasing her dedication through active membership in the American Bar Association.

Business Consultant with a wealth of experience as a Cadence Bank Relationship Manager, specializing in Commercial Lending, Consumer Lending, Business Banking, Personal Banking, Community Reinvestment, and Financial Literacy. Although not originally from the area, Stefanie has called Shreveport/Bossier home for the past 12 years. Born in Sherman, Texas, and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, she began her career as a part-time bank teller during high school. Unaware at the time that banking would become her lifelong career, Stefanie has dedicated 36 years to the industry, with 30 of them at Cadence Bank (through mergers and acquisitions). Her banking career has not only provided for her family but has also offered a wealth of resources, fostering both professional and personal growth. In her role as Vice President Relationship Manager and Community Reinvestment Liaison for the local market at Cadence Bank, Stefanie is committed to giving back to the communities she serves. She is particularly dedicated to educating women on achieving financial empowerment.