Professional Services

LAW

MICHAEL WALSHE

Member

Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann

Among his many accomplishments, Walshe has successfully represented clients in anti-counterfeiting lawsuits, copyright disputes, defamation claims and bankruptcy proceedings. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the Louisiana legal system, he’s counseled clients ranging from the National Football League to national restaurant chains and major insurance companies.

Education: Louisiana State University (JD), University of Mississippi (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s Hobby: Clothing Advice: “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” On the Horizon: “We have a great group of new, young lawyers that have joined the firm.” Hidden Gem: Ristorante Filippo

LAW

JAMES WILLIAMS

Partner

Chehardy Sherman Williams

Williams is an accomplished trial attorney — and former state judge — who has litigated cases in 15 different states and overseas. In 2012, he was lead counsel for Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson in a civil rights lawsuit. He has also represented former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman in high-profile cases.

Education: Washington and Lee University (JD), Louisiana State University (BS) King James: Williams is the youngest person to ever reign as King of the Krewe of Louisianians’ Washington Mardi Gras. Volunteering: Williams coaches Little League basketball and is a Sunday School teacher at Tulane Memorial Baptist Church.

LAW

SHARONDA WILLIAMS

General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs

Loyola University New Orleans

A recipient of numerous honors from the National Bar Association, Williams previously served as city attorney under former Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration. She returned to her alma mater in 2021 to handle contract reviews, employment disputes and other legal matters. She donates her time to Bridge House/Grace House and other community organizations.

Education: Loyola University New Orleans (JD), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Clancy’s Hidden Gem: Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar Advice: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” — Maya Angelou On the Horizon: “Excited to be on the Port NOLA board helping with some of their projects.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EURICKA ALUGAS

CEO

Safe Kit

Alugas created her safety staffing and training company to help businesses update and refine their safety rules, regulations and permits. Among Safe Kit’s offerings are CPR training, bilingual training, drug testing and contractor safety program revisions. Clients include the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Entergy and the City of New Orleans.

Education: Dillard University (BA) Best Fest: Lundi Gras and Nola Brass Fest Inspiration: “Gayle Benson took her organization to the next level through her philanthropy and exquisite class. She is the perfect role model for any woman trying to do business in a maledominated industry.” Hidden Gem: Streetcar Cafe

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

JOSEPH ATIYEH

President

Bemana

Working with his wife Linn, Atiyeh leads development and growth initiatives while servicing key clients at this Metairie-based recruiting firm specializing in the equipment and industrial sectors. He practiced law for five years before joining the company. “We just tripled the size of our last office space,” he said. “We’ll be adding talent to our team as we [aim] to become an anchor employer.”

Education: Loyola University of New Orleans (JD, BS) Go-to Restaurant: Brigtsen’s Hobby: “We’re a sports family. My wife, Linn, played golf at Tulane, I played baseball at Loyola and our three kids love competing as well. We coach most of their teams and love teeing up together on the golf course as a family.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LINELE BARROW

President and CEO DRC Staffing Group

After a 16-year accounting career, Barrow discovered the staffing industry out of necessity when she was laid off and had to use a staffing agency herself. After a few unsatisfying assignments, she decided to start her own company to focus more on the candidate to help them align with clients who are better suited to their skills, talents, and goals.

Education: Southern University New Orleans (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Cafe Sbisa Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Nonprofit Cause: Habitat for Humanity Hidden Gem: Polo Club Lounge in the Windsor Court Advice: “Never, never, never give up on your dreams.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WILL BOUDREAUX

Co-founder and CEO

Netchex

Described as “technology-centric but service driven,” Netchex has become one of the fastest-growing payroll services companies in the country. Boudreaux launched the company in 2003, and under his management, it’s grown into a major contender in its field with over 5,000 client businesses, 280 employees and more than $40 million in annual revenue.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society Advice: “Think. Work. Repeat. Do it with great people and unreal results follow.” Hidden Gem: Sylvain On the Horizon: “We continue to grow our national presence.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

RAYCHELLE HARRIS

Principal

Harris Legal Support Services

Harris founded her own company to provide legal support services to those who don’t want to deal with the costs and hassles associated with an on-staff legal team. She’s a board member of the New Orleans Paralegal Association, American Bar Association (Paraprofessional) and Louisiana Bar Association SOLACE Network. She’s active in civic affairs and is a licensed minister.

Education: Saint Thomas Christian University (MA), Tulane University (MS), University of New Orleans (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Hidden Gem: Chandelier Bar Hobby: “Creating tailored basketry gifts” Best Fest: Essence Fest Advice: “Do what you love.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

TROY HENRY

Managing Partner

Henry Consulting

Henry runs his own consulting firm and is an investor in Equity Media, which also includes actor Wendell Pierce, Cleveland Spears III and Jeff Thomas. In 2019, the group purchased WBOK-AM. The City of New Orleans selected Bayou Phoenix — a group comprised of Henry, local construction company TKTMJ, and Dallas-based developer Hillwood — to redevelop the former Six Flags site.

Education: Carnegie Mellon University (MS), Stanford University (BS) Who Do You Admire? “My father, Sterling Henry Sr., was my hero. He set the example for my life.” Advice: “Work like it depends on you, but pray like it depends on God.” Hidden Gem: Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PSYTIA JORDAN

Co-Owner

Universal Printing

Since 2011, Jordan and her husband Aaron have made signs, banners, business cards, flyers, booklets, programs and more at the only print shop in eastern New Orleans. Their customers include churches, schools and small businesses — and Essence Fest. To promote investment in their neighborhood, the Jordans helped form the Greater New Orleans East Business Alliance.

Best Fest: French Quarter Fest, NOLA East Festival Hidden Gem: Castnet Seafood On the Horizon: “Launching an online store for personalized items” Hobby/Passion: “Gardening and working with children in our community” Who Do You Admire? “My mother’s strength, love and guidance keep our family very close.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

TERESA LAWRENCE

President and Owner

Delta Personnel and Delta Administrative Services

Lawrence immigrated to the US in 1973 during the era of “freedom flights” from Cuba to Miami. Since 2001, she has led one of Louisiana’s oldest placement service companies to national industry recognition. Lawrence is a Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame honoree, and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Go-to Restaurant: Charlie’s Steak House Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: Bakery Bar On the Horizon: “We are starting an accounting/ bookkeeping division for our clients!” Advice: “Never underestimate the power of a wellrounded network.” Nonprofit: New Orleans Family Justice Center

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

KEVIN MONROE

Market Vice President, New Orleans Operations

Cox Communications

In 2019, Monroe took charge of New Orleans operations for Cox, which is the largest private broadband provider in the country. “We have tremendously compassionate, caring and generous employees,” he said. “I am so lucky to be able to work with them and support what they do.” Cox provides internet, TV, smart home, security and phone services across 18 states.

Advice: “Take your role and responsibilities seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously.” — Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines Hidden Gem: Bears PoBoys Hobby/Passion: “College football, particularly when the underdog wins.” Best Fest: “Mardi Gras — lots of great family fun and tradition all over the metro area.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SANDY HA NGUYEN

Founder

Coastal Communities Consulting

Since 1996, Nguyen has been working with commercial fishermen and AsianAmericans who need assistance with business development and disaster recovery. In the wake of the 2010 BP oil spill, she partnered to create Coastal Communities Consulting, a nonprofit guided by the principle that “rural economies depend on the intersection between strong businesses and strong families.”

Education: Tulane University (MBA) Go-to Restaurant: “Dong Phuong Bakery is part of our culture and my family history. Every time my dad came home on his fishing boat, he would take all five of his kids there.” Poboy Pick: Banh mi Advice: “My godmother said, ‘Continue to do good honest work and funding will come.’”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

KATHLEEN RHODES ASTORGA

Funeral Director and Co-owner

D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home

Astorga is one of several family members leading a business that began a few years after the Civil War as the Rhodes Undertaking Company. Generations of the Rhodes family and the company’s employees have provided death care services in New Orleans and beyond. “I love being able to serve, comfort and guide families through the toughest times in their lives,” said Rhodes Astorga.

Best Fest: Jazz Fest Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Hidden Gem: Bullet’s Sports Bar Advice: “Listen, listen and listen some more. It’s amazing what you learn.” Nonprofit Cause: Rhodes Community Art Collaborative, Salvation Army Heroes: The Obamas

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

TAKEMA ROBINSON

Founding Principal

Converge and Elysian Enterprises

Robinson is the founder of Converge, a national social justice consulting firm whose purpose is to “accelerate the creation of a radically just new world where communities of color thrive.” With more than 20 years of experience in strategic philanthropy, policy advocacy and fundraising, Robinson has built a company that represents over $50 billion in philanthropic investment worldwide.

Education: Howard University (BS) Justice Advocate: In 2018, Robinson spearheaded a $2 million fundraising effort in 90 days for Amendment 2, a statewide ballot initiative to end the practice of non-unanimous juries in Louisiana. On the Rise: In 2020, Robinson launched an online platform for women of color entrepreneurs, offering e-courses, conferences and coaching.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PATRICK SCHOEN

President

Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Directors

Founded by German immigrants in 1874, Jacob Schoen & Son has continuously operated since, providing affordable funeral services to families in New Orleans despite natural disasters and financial hardship. Serving as the fifth generation to to lead the company, Schoen is directly involved with the planning and ceremony of every funeral, a hallmark of the business since its inception.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Did You Know?: Some of the furniture in the funeral home came from the former House of Bultman, another historic funeral home that closed in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. Long Legacy: J. Garic Schoen led the organization for more than 70 years before his son Patrick took over.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

RONNIE SLONE

President

The Slone Group

Slone brings more than 30 years of experience in operations management and human resources to his organizational development and training consulting firm, where he assists both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. A passionate community leader, Slone strives to nurture a strong next-gen workforce and to create communities where citizens can live, work and raise families.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Advice: “Start broadening your circle of influence and listen twice as much as you talk!” Highlight of Leadership: “Watching others grow and flourish” Go-to Restaurant: NOLA Caye Best Fest: Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Hobby/Passion: Family and golf

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

KEVIN WILKINS

Founder and Managing Director

trepwise

trepwise is a growth consulting firm whose mission is to “power organizations to maximize their potential.” With more than 30 years of experience in both corporate and private ventures, Wilkins has built a team of consultants at the company who collectively have worked with more than 500 organizations within the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors.

Education: Harvard Business School (MBA), Dartmouth College (AB) On the Horizon: “Rebranding to better tell our story” Advice: “Be present and appreciate the now.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Go-to Restaurant: Saba Hobby/Passion: “I do love my dogs.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM