Speakers

Brian Andrews is the Executive Director of the Real Estate Research Institute at Louisiana State University and the Hermann Moyse, Jr. / Louisiana Bankers Association Instructor in Banking in the Department of Finance at LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business. He is a Senior Instructor and has been teaching courses in commercial banking and commercial real estate since 2008. He holds the Certified Mortgage Banker designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association and is a candidate for the CCIM designation. Andrews is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, serving as a member of the Academic Advisory Committee and as an instructor for the Launch Academy, the Urban Land Institute, serving as a member of the ULI Louisiana Management Committee and as an instructor for the UrbanPlan and Real Estate Diversity Initiative programs, the Risk Management Association, serving as a board member of the Mid-South Regional Chapter and as an instructor for the RMA’s professional education programs, and as an instructor for various programs sponsored by the Louisiana Realtors Association. He is also the program manager for the undergraduate Commercial Real Estate Initiative and the undergraduate Commercial Banking Initiative at LSU and also the program manager for the Credit Analyst Education Program, a collaboration with the Louisiana Bankers Association. Andrews authored the 2022 Commercial Alternative Mandatory continuing education course for the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

Robert Bergeron, principal in Crescent Title, LLC and the law firm of Bergeron, Douglass, Frosch, and Mack, is in his 20th year of managing residential and commercial real estate transactions. Bob is recognized throughout the area as an expert on Louisiana real estate law. He frequently lectures to investors and home buyers on the legal aspects of buying and selling property. He also is certified to provide state-mandated continuing education courses to REALTORS® and teaches hundreds of real estate agents annually. Throughout the Metropolitan New Orleans area, Bob is considered a leading authority in the field of 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges. Under Crescent Title LLC, he is an affiliate with both the Louisiana Mortgage Association and the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®.

Hamilton Blanton joined the BankPlus Commercial Banking team as Senior Vice President, Regional Commercial Market Manager. Based in New Orleans, Hamilton will help cultivate deep client relationships throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. Hamilton previously lead Capital One’s New Orleans commercial lending group, as well as worked for Morgan Stanley in New York City. His shared ideals and financial experience will help our commercial banking team work even harder for you.

Louis David is the Interim President and CEO for New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA). In this role, Louis is focused on highlighting opportunities for business and economic growth within our New Orleans communities. He leads the NOLABA team efforts to create programming and initiatives that is in line with NOLABA’s mission of creating inclusive and holistic economic development, so that all people of New Orleans are financially secure and prosperous through growth, opportunity and by eliminating economic disparity. Louis has been with NOLABA for eight years and formerly served as Vice President of Industry Attraction & Retention. In this role he led the organization’s efforts to retain current and recruit new businesses in the technology, manufacturing, trade and transportation industries. Within the past two years, he has led the economic development support of Big Easy Bucha’s acquisition by a major Latin American bev-tech company, played a key role in the new launch of Propel Park at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, and helped to create and launch the Xbox Studios Game Camp experience in New Orleans, generating tech jobs for our New Orleans workforce. Louis has continued to expand NOLABA’s footprint across the nation, connecting with site selectors, hosting them in-person and virtually through the organization’s ongoing Virtual Site Tours, which showcase commercial real estate opportunities in the city. He also leads NOLABA’s signature Real Estate Breakfast Series in partnership with the Urban Land Institute, where industry leaders provide insight and access to the local commercial real estate, construction, insurance, architecture, and design climate. Louis serves as a board member of the Tulane Association of Business Alumni and currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Tulane Business Forum. Louis’ leadership experience has been enhanced through participating in the National League of Cities Equitable Economic Development Fellowship, the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum and the Youth Empowerment Project 40 Under 40 Cohort. A Louisiana native, Louis holds an MBA from Tulane University and an BA in Journalism from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Previously, Louis has worked in technology services at iSeatz and as a television news reporter at the ABC affiliate in Lafayette, LA.

Meghan Donelon was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2004, received her bachelor’s degree from LSU in 2008, and completed the Executive MBA Program at LSU in December of 2017. She is a 2021 graduate of EWF International’s Emerging Leaders Program (Dallas, TX), and also a 2019 graduate of CABL’s “Leadership Louisiana” program. Meghan is now the New Orleans Market President of Red River Bank, the 4th largest Louisiana-based bank, headquartered in Alexandria, LA. She is responsible for its de novo expansion, and her responsibilities include recruitment, retail site selection and acquisition, and business development. She was formerly a Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Team Leader at IBERIABANK in Dallas, TX, and in New Orleans, LA. She has been in the banking industry for over fourteen years. Meghan serves on several Boards in Greater New Orleans. She has been affiliated with the following organizations through Board and/or Finance Committee service: The New Orleans Museum of Art, United Way of SELA, The NOCCA Foundation, The Jefferson Community Foundation, Friends of the Cabildo, The All-State Sugar Bowl (Associate Member), The International Women’s Forum, The Legacy Donor Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, and The Jefferson Business Council. She loves to give back to her community, understands and appreciates non-profit service, and has worked with many schools and non-profit organizations throughout her career.

A native New Orleanian, Curtis Doucette touches every aspect of a project from deal sourcing to operations. He brings particular expertise to complex finance layering strategies, government relations, construction management, and operational oversight. He views the real estate development process through an equity lens: ever seeking ways to leverage his access to resources to create opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Curtis has dedicated much of his career to eradicating blight in his hometown, establishing a strong record of contributing to neighborhood stabilization while increasing the value of underperforming residential real estate. Prior to co-founding Iris, he spent several years as a sole proprietor housing developer/operator: acquiring, rehabilitating, and managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio of residential real estate in Louisiana, utilizing creative financing techniques to serve low and moderate-income residents. Curtis holds a M.S. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and a B.A. in Communications from Dillard University. He places a high value in giving back to the community and preparing the next generation of New Orleanians. He is an adjunct lecturer in the Sustainable Real Estate Development program at Tulane University and serves as board treasurer for the Broadmoor Improvement Association. He was a proud member of the housing subcommittee for Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Transition Team.

Paul E. Hendershot is currently a Managing Director of Analytics, Southwest for Costar. His previous positions include; Director of Research for the Charlotte Chamber, Independent Economist, Adjunct Professor of Applied Economics at the University of North Texas and Director of Research for the Dallas Regional Chamber. As the Founder and Chief Economist of Hendershot Economics, I had the opportunity to define the Life Sciences industry for BIOCOM among other projects in the Greater San Diego region. During his tenure with the Chamber he completed over one hundred unique economic development projects,These include; Comerica, AT&T, Gulfstream, Arbitron, Capital One, Research in Motion, among others. Mr. Hendershot served in the United States Air Force as a communications specialist, held a top secret security clearance. He worked in Presidential Communications while stationed in Washington D.C. at Andrews AFB and also served at RAF Croughton, England for three years. He volunteered to take part in Operation Joint Endeavor (IFOR) in Bosnia. While in the Air Force, Mr. Hendershot attended the University of Maryland. He studied Sociology at the University of North Texas and received his B.A., graduating cum laude. Soon after, he began his graduate work in Applied Economics at the University of North Texas, receiving his M.S. in 2006.

Stephanie Hilferty works as a Sales and Leasing Associate specializing in the office, retail and medical markets, and serves in the Louisiana State Legislature as a State Representative. Stephanie’s education in the real estate industry began from birth in Metairie, Louisiana, where she grew up watching her father’s successful career as a property manager. She was first encouraged to get her real estate license after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a double major in English and Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. She represents several hundred thousand square feet of retail space statewide, and specializes in office sales and leasing across the New Orleans metro area. Throughout her career, Stephanie has represented a variety of national, regional and local tenants in office and retail including Vision Works, Urgent Care for Children, Tuesday Morning, Charles Schwab. Most recently, she was involved in the redevelopment of Emerald Corner in Mandeville (a former Kmart property) and the major redevelopment of Clearview City Center. She is an expert at helping out-of-state clients acclimate to the unique and ever-changing New Orleans market. Stephanie’s political career began in 2015, when after receiving endorsements from The Times Picayune and Gambit Weekly, she defeated a nine-year incumbent to serve as the Louisiana State Representative for District 94. She covers the lakefront of Metairie and New Orleans, including the Lakeview and Mid City New Orleans neighborhoods, and is the first millennial to serve the New Orleans area in the state legislature. Her daughter holds the distinction of being the first child born to a sitting legislator during session. On the Ways & Means committee, Stephanie was involved in the business and personal tax legislation during the 2016 first and second special sessions. In her freshman year, three of Stephanie’s bills cleared the House and Senate and were signed by the Governor to become law. She was involved in both the personal tax and business legislation during the first and second special sessions of 2016 and cleared three bills through to law in her first year. Currently, she serves as the Commerce Committee Vice Chair and on the House Education Committee.

Chip Kline has served as Chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Board and the Director of Coastal Activities for the State of Louisiana since 2018. Kline oversees policy initiatives related to Louisiana’s coastal program and manages the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities. In this position, he is responsible for integrating the functions of all state agencies as they relate to coastal protection and has been integral in advancing the objectives of the State’s Coastal Master Plan in Louisiana and Washington, D.C. He works closely alongside Louisiana’s Congressional delegation and the Louisiana Legislature to advance policies supportive of Louisiana’s coast. Kline has successfully negotiated policy initiatives related to permits for hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects; issues regarding the engineering, design and implementation of the mid-basin sediment diversions; strategy and negotiations related to the RESTORE Act; efforts to increase the Federal revenues coming to Louisiana through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act; and the successful passage of CPRA’s Master and Annual Plans and other legislation through the Louisiana State Legislature. Kline represents Governor John Bel Edwards on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation, the Louisiana State Mineral & Energy Board, and the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. He is married to Emily May Kline, father to Sydney and Henry, and is an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.

Zach Kupperman is the Founder and CEO of Kupperman Companies. He is an experienced developer and entrepreneur. He has over a decade of experience developing real estate throughout the Southeast. Current and past projects include hotels, multi-family, mixed-use, and retail. Zach sets the overall strategy for the firm and oversees all acquisition, development, and financing efforts. Mr. Kupperman is very active in the New Orleans community. He currently sits on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League - South Central Region, The N.O.C.C.A. Institute, the Touro Infirmary Foundation, French Quarter Festivals, Inc., the Pontchartrain Beach Foundation, and the Lower Garden District Association. Mr. Kupperman previously practiced law as a real estate, business, and corporate attorney. Zach earned his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School.

Michael Merideth is an Atlanta, GA native with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University and more than 12 years of Project Management and leadership experience. Before co-founding VPG with COO Andre Lewis, Mike spent three years working as a Drill Site Manager for Chevron, responsible for executing Deepwater wells in the Gulf of Mexico. He also spent several years playing professional baseball. Mike's passion for real-estate development, community enrichment, problem-solving, and construction have helped pave the way for the success the VPG team has seen since its inception in 2010. Under Mike's leadership, the team has been recognized by INC 5000 as the 2018 Fastest-Growing New Orleans Company, and by INC 500 as the 250th Fastest-Growing Company in America, and the 8th Fastest-Growing Real Estate Company in America. Additionally, as VPG CEO, Mike has been recognized as Biz New Orleans Top 10 Real Estate Influencers, Gambit's Top Forty under 40, and the Social Renaissance Outstanding Millennial in Real Estate. Mike is a board member for the LSU Health Foundation in New Orleans, a Board Member of the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a former board member of the New Orleans Real Estate Investment Association, a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

Mark G. Montiel, Jr. learned the art of negotiation and conflict resolution at a young age from his father, a well-renowned trial attorney and former Court of Criminal Appeals Judge. Mark’s peers and clients often describe him as straightforward, big picture oriented, and relentless, with a fabulous sense of humor. Mark’s practice focuses primarily on litigation. Mark litigates on behalf of his clients in various matters including Construction, Labor and Employment, Business Defamation, Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, LHWCA, and Trucking and Transportation. Mark brings a unique perspective to his insurance practice, having had the opportunity to represent both insurers and claimants. Mark takes a proactive business-oriented approach to litigation to reach a favorable result for his clients before costly and protracted litigation. Often, a proactive approach to business practices and consultation with a litigator can avoid these disputes entirely. Many businesses consult with Mark regarding contracts, policies, procedures, and insurance to ensure they enter litigation from a position of strength. Mark also assists with liens for contractors and the litigation that arises from those payment disputes. Mark’s clients regularly remark on his availability throughout the litigation process and his ability to help his clients understand the issues and make informed choices regarding their case. Mark prides himself on his ability to respond to clients in a timely fashion and to harness technology to ensure his clients remain updated on their matters. Mark was raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and Alabama football. Mark lives in New Orleans with his wife Michelle, daughters Helen, Katherine, and two dogs (Winnie and Ophelia).

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington is NAHB’s Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis. She oversees the activities of the Forecasting & Analysis section of the Economics group which includes housing market analysis, industry surveys, developing and maintaining national, regional, long-term, and remodeling expenditures forecasts. Previously, she worked at NAHB as a Senior Economist, responsible for state and local analysis. Prior to joining NAHB, Danushka worked at J.D. Power as a Senior Economic Analyst in the automotive industry. She holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Business Administration from Otterbein University and M.A. degree in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Luis Banos manages various development projects with Felicity and is also responsible for multiple asset management functions within the company. Growing up in New Orleans gave Luis a deep appreciation for architecture, historic buildings and design. He enjoys blending his passion for the built environment with his skillset in finance and project management to execute on Felicity projects. His work experience includes multiple facets of commercial real estate lending, corporate finance, and commercial and residential development. Luis earned a B.B.A in real estate and his M.B.A from the University of Georgia.

Kirk Talbot is the Louisiana State Senator for District 10. Senate District 10 encompasses Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge and some section of Metairie. He was elected to the Senate in 2019 after spending 12 years as the State Representative for House District 78. He currently is Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Education, Retirement and Judiciary B. Sen. Talbot has been recognized and honored by many different organizations. Most recently in he was honored as the 2023 State Senator Crimefighter of the Year in honor of his legislation increasing the penalty for crime of carjacking. In 2022, Senator Talbot was honored by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network as Policymaker of the Year in recognition of his expanding access to biomarkers testing for cancer patients. Also in 2022 he was honored by LA Association of Business and Industry as a ALLSTAR and by United Way of Southeast LA as a Legislative Champion. In previous years he was honored by the Cancer Advocacy Group of LA and the New Orleans Visitor & Convention Bureau as Legislator of the Year. The LA Association of Business and Industry has honored him as a Free Enterprise Award recipient. The LA Federation for Children has honored him as an Education Choice Champion. The LA Family Forum has recognized Sen. Talbot for the last ten years as either a Family Forum Life and Liberty Award recipient or as a Family Advocate. The National Federation of Independent Businesses recognized him as a House Guardian because he is the voice of small businesses. AARP has honored him as Capitol Caregiver. Kirk is partial owner of the family business, Lucky Dogs, Inc. Lucky Dogs can now be found not only in the French Quarter but also at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and in two different concourse at Armstrong International Airport. Kirk has been instrumental in the growth of his family business in other avenues such as catering and retail sales. Kirk is married to the former Julie Strong of Oak Grove, LA. They are the proud parents of two beautiful children a daughter and a son. Kirk attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Dr. Wagner is an economic researcher and advisor with interests ranging from regional economics to state and local public finance issues, with a particular focus on state rainy day funds, municipal borrowing costs, and public pension plans. Wagner has authored or coauthored more than 40 professional articles and reports on a variety of state and local policy issues and has delivered more than 200 public and non-academic presentations over his career. He is a respondent in the Survey of Professional Forecasters, the oldest quarterly survey of national economic forecasters in the United States. Prior to joining the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dr. Wagner was Vice-President & Senior Regional Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (2016-2018) and Regional Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia (2015-2016) where he conducted research on emerging regional economic issues. He was Professor of Economics at Old Dominion University (2011-2015) and University of Arkansas- Little Rock (2008-2011), Associate Professor of Economics at University of Arkansas- Little Rock (2006-2008), Associate Professor of Government at University of North Caroline- Chapel Hill (2005-2006), and Assistant Professor of Economics at Duquesne University (2001-2005) and University of Arkansas- Little Rock (2000-2001). Wagner earned a Ph.D. and master’s degree in economics from West Virginia University and his bachelor’s degree in economics and political Science from Youngstown State University.

Guy Williams is the president and co-founder of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. The bank focuses on local development and real estate finance. Gulf Coast Bank was recognized by American Banker as one of the top twenty banks in America. He leads Gulf Coast Bank with a shared vision of building a true community institution backed by cutting-edge banking technologies, equipping individuals and businesses with the strength and resources they need to succeed.

John J Zollinger IV is a highly experienced banker and finance professional, currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at Home Bank. He has been with the company for 13 years, and in the banking industry for 33 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to his role. As the leader of a team of accomplished market leaders, commercial bankers, treasury professionals, and mortgage banking professionals in all of Home Bank's markets, John is committed to driving growth and delivering exceptional service to customers. Home Bank is a publicly traded community bank, headquartered in Lafayette, LA, serving several markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including Acadiana, Baton Rouge, Houston, Natchez, Southwest Louisiana, New Orleans, and the Northshore. He graduated of Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, and continued his education at University of New Orleans earning an MBA. As a career banker, he understood the value of graduating from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University as well. John's commitment to his community is also evident through his extensive involvement in various non-profit organizations. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Reconcile New Orleans, a non-profit organization that provides life and job skills to opportunity youth in New Orleans. He is also a director of Biloxi Marshlands Corporation, the largest private landowner in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In addition, John has served as a Trustee of his alma mater, Spring Hill College, for 11 years, and as Chairman of the Board of Boys Town Louisiana. He has also been a member of the St. Tammany Economic Development Board and the Workforce Board for St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes. John is a graduate of the 2003 Gulf Coast Chamber Leadership Program, 2012 Class of Leadership St. Tammany West, and a proud member of the BEST class of 2019 of New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI). John and Tina have been married for 30 years and they have 3 children; Zoe, Jake and Quincy.