ARCHITECTURE
Leigh Breslau has been hired as a partner at Trahan Architects. Breslau most recently served as a design partner for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, where he led the Arts and Assembly Design Studio, focusing on performing arts and public assembly projects, and large-scale mixed-use and master planning projects. In his new role, he will oversee Trahan Architects’ Chicago studio.
BANKING/FINANCE
Gary Broussard has been promoted to senior vice president for Home Bank. Broussard, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and who has been with the company for eight years, currently serves as commercial banking manager. In his new role, he is responsible for the commercial banking sales efforts in all markets.
Steve Caillier has been promoted to vice president for Home Bank. Caillier, who has 40 years’ experience in the industry and who has been with the company for nine years, currently serves as special assets officer. In his new role, he will focus on special assets management.
Carolyn Lay has been promoted to senior vice president and chief retail officer for MidSouth Bank. Lay, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and who has been with the company for 11 years, most recently served as vice president and regional retail manager. In her new role, she will provide direction and day-to-day supervision for the retail sales and service of the bank’s locations in Louisiana and Texas.
John Nichols has been promoted to executive vice president and chief credit officer for MidSouth Bank. Nichols, who has more than 30 years’ banking experience and who has been with the company for nine years, previously served as senior vice president and president of the company’s West Louisiana Region. In his new role, he will oversee the commercial/consumer underwriting departments and loan operations.
Marie Sciortino has been hired as vice president and chief compliance officer for United Community Bank. Sciortino, who has 30 years’ experience in the industry, previously served as senior vice president and corporate compliance manager at Dallas-based Town North Bank. In her new role, she will be responsible for all of UCB’s regulatory compliance.
Cindy Wale has been hired as senior vice president and retail sales manager for Investar Bank. Wale, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, previously served as vice president and branch manager for Capital One Bank. In her new role, she will be responsible for all of Investar’s branch sales and services, selecting new branch locations and developing the bank’s brand and image.
HEALTH CARE
George Bucher has been hired as executive director for Peoples Health. Bucher, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, most recently served as chief operations officer for Coventry Health Care of Louisiana. In his new role, he will focus on the management of programs and services in the Baton Rouge market and quality services support to health professionals in the metro Baton Rouge area.
Julie Morial has been hired as corporate medical director for Peoples Health. Morial most recently served as medical director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. In her new role, she will oversee utilization management and provide medical support for the medical management department and health professionals in the metro Baton Rouge area.
INSURANCE
Jill Breard has been promoted to director of risk management for Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation. Breard, who joined the company in 1993, most recently served as risk management services operations manager.
Debra Taylor has been promoted to director of human resources for Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation. Taylor, who joined the company in 1992, most recently served as employment and training manager.
NONPROFITS
Gail Gaiennie has been hired as the development director for the Baton Rouge Little Theatre. Gaiennie previously served as a consultant for various nonprofit community organizations.
Will Minton has been hired as manager of special programs for Big Buddy. Minton previously served as a political analyst for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS
Ashley Sexton Gordon has been hired as the editor of inRegister magazine. Gordon previously served as a writer for local and regional publications. In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day operations of the magazine.
Rachel D. Graham has been hired as director of communications for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Graham, who has more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, most recently served as the marketing communications manager for the Greater Houston Partnership. In her new role, she will assist in the implementation of BRAC’s five-year initiative designed to deliver a competitive regional economic development program, as well as management of the organization’s image, including advertising, communications, public relations and social media.
