SB GOOD TO KNOW
BY SEVA MAY
CHIMP HAVEN LAUNCHES VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE AND PLANS RESTART OF IN-PERSON VISITS Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, unveiled a new, interactive virtual experience that allows visitors from around the world access to behind-the-scenes views of the forested sanctuary, home to more than 330 chimpanzees retired from biomedical research. To help provide the chimpanzees with an environment that replicates the wild, the sanctuary limits visits to a few special events throughout the year. These events were put on hold during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that’s when staff members got to work creating an online experience that would allow people to explore the sanctuary from anywhere with internet access and serve as an educational resource for classrooms, or for anyone wanting to learn more about the chimps and their care. Chimp Haven is relaunching its series of popular in-person visits with “Chimp Chat & Chew” on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. DR. BRUCE WILLSON JR., UNITED WAY PRESIDENT & CEO, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT After 13 years of service as President & CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Dr. Bruce Willson Jr., announces his retirement, effective the first quarter of 2022. Dr. Willson assumed his position as President & CEO in April 2008. With more than a decade of service to Northwest Louisiana, he has assembled a dedicated staff and helped the agency refine its mission and strategy. The net effect of his work has resulted in major outcomes for the agency and the region in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and essential needs. Under his leadership, United Way of Northwest Louisiana opened enrollment for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, introduced the ALICE Report, re-established the 211 health and human service hotline, and opened the Shreveport Financial Empowerment Center in partnership with the City of Shreveport. “It has been an honor and a blessing to serve Northwest Louisiana over the years,” said Dr. Willson. “I am so proud to not only have continued the mission of United Way, but also to see more than a decade of new initiatives come to fruition thanks to our staff, board of directors, and community partners. I will forever preach the impact this organization has on our community and continue to encourage others to LIVE UNITED.” SHREVEPORT CHAMBER ANNOUNCES J. PAT BEAIRD INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARD The Greater Shreveport Chamber will host the J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year awards on September 23, 2021 at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino. “The Chamber is delighted to award our Industry of the Year Award this year to Vintage Realty,” affirmed Dr. Timothy Magner, Greater Shreveport Chamber president. “A longtime developer and property manager, Vintage has been a leader in helping to transform residential and commercial real estate across the Ark-La-Tex. Their business leadership is matched by their engagement, sponsorships and overall contribution to our community.”
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HILAND DAIRY EXPANDS SERVICE AREA IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA Residents in the Paris, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana area will now be able to find locally made, naturally delicious Hiland Dairy products on grocers’ shelves. Effective June 24, Hiland Dairy took over operations at the two distribution centers retaining the employees and continuing service to the area retailers. LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT WELCOMES WAYNE NIX AS CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER Wayne Nix has been named the new Chief Innovation Officer of Research at LSU Health Shreveport. Mr. Nix will support the Office of Research in managing the innovation process at LSUHS by supporting the growth of existing technologies and collaborations, as well as recognizing and developing new innovative ideas and program opportunities. He is the President and Co-Founder of RNVENTION®, a veteran certified, Louisiana LLC founded in 2015 to serve as a resource for clinicians and help design, develop, patent, and commercialize technologies that improve healthcare. Mr. Nix has a strong education and career background in healthcare, leadership and innovation. After serving for six years with the Louisiana Army National Guard, he earned his associate degree in Respiratory Therapy, bachelor’s degree in Cardiopulmonary Technology from Nicholls State University, an associate degree in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake University, and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of New Orleans. He also serves as a volunteer for the Department of Biomedical Science at LSU Shreveport, the Louisiana Startup Prize, and Louisiana Tech University’s TOP DOG New Venture program. DR. CHERIE-ANN NATHAN SELECTED AS THE 2020 MARGARET F. BUTLER OUTSTANDING MENTOR OF WOMEN IN HEAD AND NECK SURGERY Dr. Cherie-Ann Nathan, Professor and Chairman of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at LSU Health Shreveport, was announced as the 2020 Winner of the Margaret Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head and Neck Surgery. Named in honor of Dr. Butler, the first woman chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the United States, this award recognizes individuals with significant impact and measurable outcomes in the mentorship of women in head and neck surgery. Dr. Nathan is recognized as having a vast impact on the lives and careers of countless individuals in head and neck surgery as a result of her commendable leadership in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in AHNS. LSUHS PROFESSOR, POOJA JETHANI, OTD, LOTR, SELECTED FOR NOTABLE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP Pooja Jethani, OTD, LOTR, Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at LSU Health Shreveport, was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Integrative Rehabilitation Research Mentoring & Career Development Fellowship from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. This fel-
