ENCORE LOUISIANA - The Official Online Guide to Louisiana Living for Boomers and Beyond

Dr. James Bulot, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Gerontology Doctoral Program, is a recognized national expert in Gerontology and Public Policy. Upon graduation, he accepted a position directing the Institute of Gerontology and the Gerontology Graduate Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. In 2008 he was appointed by Governor Jindal to direct the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs.

Charles "Ed" Dranguet is a retired banker of 31 years where he served as President, Trust Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Ed currently serves as the Chair of the Encore Louisiana Commission and is a member of numerous state and local boards, including the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, Audubon Golf Trail, and the Natchitoches Economic Development Commission. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and is lifelong resident of Natchitoches, where he resides with his wife. They have five children and ten grandchildren.

Julie Vezinot works as Research Manager in the Office of the Secretary for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Julie conducts research and writing projects as well as serves as Secretary Pam Breaux's legislative aide. She also serves as a member of the Commerce and Industry Board for Louisiana Economic Development. A native of Lake Charles, Vezinot has over 20 years experience in news, communications and government relations.

Felipe Martinez is a 15 year veteran of Louisiana Economic Development. Felipe serves as a Project Manager in the Office of Business Development. He is a native of Havana, Cuba, and now resides in Plaquemine with his wife Annelies. He holds a business degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and worked in the banking industry prior to joining Louisiana Economic Development.

Senator Butch Gautreaux, from Morgan City is a lifelong resident of Louisiana. A former member of the House of Representatives, Butch has served in the Senate since 2000. He and his wife Marilyn are planning to retire in the near future and will continue to call Louisiana home.

Representative Dorothy Sue Hill represents District 32, comprised of Allen Parish, and parts of Beauregard and Vernon Parishes. Representative Hill taught home economics for 32 years. Her committee assignments include Health and Welfare, Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs, and Transportation, Highways, and Public Works. She invites you to visit her district and enjoy the many cultural attractions in the area.

Dr. Iftekhar Amin is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology and Director of the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His Research interests include aging, population, retirement, and sustainable development. He is involved in collaborative research and outreach programs with universities, non-profits and government organizations from US, Mexico, China, and Bangladesh.

Deborah Randolph, of Alexandria, is the owner of a government relations consulting firm with offices in Alexandria and Baton Rouge. Deborah is an active community volunteer having served as chairperson of the Board of Directors of Louisiana Public Broadcasting in 2008-09. She will serve as chairperson of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Board in 2011. She is married to former Alexandria Mayor and State Senator Edward G. "Ned" Randolph.

Katie Chiasson joined Cleco Power, LLC in June of 2001 as Director of Business and Economic Development. She has over 20 years experience in economic development, non-profit management, business management and marketing and community leadership organizations. Prior to joining Cleco Power, she served as CEO of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy McPherson is the Senior State Director for AARP Louisiana, leading a team of advocates and volunteers in advancing reforms in healthcare, financial security, and livable communities on behalf of AARP Louisiana's 520,000 members. Under Nancy's leadership, AARP launched a partnership with Hollygrove, a New Orleans neighborhood as well as appointed a Livable Communities Council. Prior to joining AARP in 2007, Nancy served as a police executive and consultant on police reform.

Betty Stewart is a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and has served as the Director of Tourism for Tangipahoa Parish for 27 years. Her dedication to the 50 and above market is exemplified in her nine years of service on the Encore Louisiana Commission.