CDI Louisiana 2026 Resources
Chris Smith
Bossier City Councilman At-Large
Chris Smith is a South Bossier City resident and small business owner. Chris and his wife, Courtney Smith, own a home in South Bossier’s Bellaire neighborhood. Chris owns and operates a Real Estate Company that specializes in Retail and Investment Real Estate, Property Management and Education. Chris is also a partner in a local used car lot in South Bossier called ArkLaTex AutoWorld.
Chris was born and raised in Shreveport, LA, is a 2006 graduate of Captain Shreve High School where he graduated in the Liberal Arts Magnet Program before going on to attend Bossier Parish Community College and Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. Chris spent close to a decade in Thibodaux where he started his career before relocating to Mobile, AL for a brief stint then eventually finding his way back home to Northwest Louisiana.
Once home he met his wife, Courtney Friedley Smith, the two were married in September 2019 and are expecting their first child in December 2020. Courtney is a lifelong resident of South Bossier. She is a 2005 graduate of Parkway High School and attended Louisiana Tech University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre Professional Speech-Language Pathology and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. Courtney is a proud high school English Teacher at her Alma Mater, Parkway High School.
The couple have roots in the local community and plan to raise their family in Bossier City. Chris is passionate about making Bossier City the greatest place to live, work and play in Northwest Louisiana.
Abigail Simmons
Business Development Manager, KSM Marketing Agency
Abigail Simmons is a marketing strategist and business development professional based in Shreveport, Louisiana. She serves as Business Development Manager at KSM Marketing Agency, where she leads client strategy, brand management, and community-facing initiatives for local, regional, and national accounts across a wide range of industries. A Louisiana Tech alumna, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration. She was recently named a 2026 Northwest Louisiana 40 Under Forty honoree.
Abigail also serves as Director of Artport, one of the nation's largest revolving airport art displays, which she revitalized in 2025, following a decade-long hiatus, at Shreveport Regional Airport. Her professional work spans marketing strategy, brand consulting, business development, and community-facing communications, with experience contributing to some of the most visible economic development and branding initiatives shaping the future of Northwest Louisiana.
Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, CNP
Executive Director, Renesting Project
Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden is an Army brat, Air Force spouse, dog mom, Swiftie, and passionate believer in the power of community. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional and holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration. In 2025, she completed all 3 years of the Community Development Institute and is working towards her Professional Community and Economic Developer credential.
She started as an intern at Renesting Project in 2017 and became the Executive Director in 2022. Emily Jo was honored as the 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year in the Ark La Tex by Nexstar Media and as the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Young Professionals Initiative of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her rescue dogs, volunteering in her community, and winning card games against her husband.
Chad Adams
Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, DHS/CISA Region 6
Chad Adams is a leader in cybersecurity, with over 24 years of experience within the Cybersecurity field. Currently serving as the Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for DHS/CISA Region 6 within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Chad brings expertise in threat mitigation, cyber risk management, incident response, and vulnerability management to his role.
In his career, Chad has played roles in safeguarding critical infrastructure and bolstering cyber resilience. His tenure of over 13 years in government service, primarily with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores his commitment to national security and cyber defense. Throughout his tenure, Chad has conducted cyber security assessments, advised on federal cyber security audits, and collaborated closely with stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector to mitigate emerging threats, reduce cyber risk, and build cyber resiliency.
As a Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Chad's CSA team works to foster collaboration and coordination on cyber preparedness, risk mitigation, and incident response, and to provide cybersecurity resources, including training, exercises, and assessments, in support of the nation's Critical Infrastructure Key Resource sectors and with state and local governments.
Chad Adams is an alumnus of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned a degree in Information Systems Management and Security. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Chad possesses the ISACA CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls) certification, along with a range of other industry-standard certifications in security and engineering.
Laine Garner
Chief Sales Officer, Louisiana Travel Association
With 27 years in hospitality and tourism, including 18 years with the Louisiana Travel Association and more than 20 years actively involved with SYTA, I am passionate about strengthening the travel industry through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration. As a mother to my son, Jonathan, for the past 19 years, I’ve always taught him that while family and education are the foundation of growth, travel opens the door to limitless possibilities — allowing us to experience new cultures, languages, perspectives, and places we may have never imagined. Serving on the Board of Directors would allow me to continue advocating meaningful student travel experiences, industry partnerships, and the continued growth of educational tourism for future generations.
Brian Davis
Executive Director, Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
Brian M. Davis serves as executive director for the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, the statewide preservation non-profit organization, founded in 1979. After earning a B.S. Architecture from Louisiana Tech University, he worked as an architectural intern in firms in Houston and Galveston. In 2004, he became Preservation Services Director for the Galveston Historical Foundation, during which time he wrote “Lost Galveston”.
He served as executive director for Historic Salisbury Foundation from 2012 to 2015, when he returned home to Louisiana to establish a revolving fund program for LTHP. In 2017, he was named executive director of the organization and provides advocacy, education and technical services in all 64 parishes of the state. He currently serves as president of the Cooley House Foundation in Monroe, assisting with the restoration of this Prairie style landmark. The Louisiana Trust was recently presented the 2025 Organizational Excellence Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Elliott Cook
Director of Real Estate, Retail Strategies
Elliott Cook is the Director of Real Estate for Retail Strategies. In this role he teaches community leaders nationwide how to effectively communicate with retailers, brokers, and developers through the Retail Academy program.
During his tenure with Retail Strategies, Elliott has worked on the retail recruitment team focusing on bringing new retail and restaurant brands to partner communities across the country. He also conducted strategic visioning workshops throughout the country to assist cities with downtown revitalization.
His past work experience also includes property management for Retail Specialists in Birmingham, Alabama, and at Vornado/Charles E. Smith Realty Trust in the Washington, D.C. area. He served as an aide to United States Representative Spencer Bachus in his legislative office on Capitol Hill.
Elliott has been a featured speaker at various national conferences, on panels, and webinars, including ICSC Vegas, ICSC Southeast, the International Economic Development Council, International Downtown Association, the Southern Economic Development Council, and at numerous state municipal leagues, for economic development councils, universities, and at tourism conferences.
Elliott earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University. He is currently the ICSC Community Advancement Chair for the Gulf South Region and sits on the board of the ICSC Southeast Conference. His other board service includes the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Alabama Chapter and REV Birmingham’s board of directors, which manages downtown Birmingham’s Business Improvement District (BID).
Phillip D. Fletcher, Ph. D.
Founder and Executive Director, The City of Hope Outreach
Dr. Phillip D. Fletcher is the founder and chief executive officer of The City of Hope Outreach (CoHO), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit in Conway, Arkansas. The mission CoHO is to empower underserved communities by providing housing solutions through collaboration, fostering connection, and creating thriving neighborhoods where individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency to flourish for future generations. He seeks to address issues of leadership, ethics, and social issues through the philosophy of personalism. He is the author of the books, The Excellence of God: Essays on Theology and Doxology published by Crossbooks, Created in Freedom: Poverty and Economics published by IngramSpark, and Angst and Hope: Protest, Pandemic, and Politics published by Amazon. He is a contributor to the new book A Pathway to American Renewal: Red, White, and Black Volume II published by Emancipation Books.
He has been previously appointed to the 20th Judicial District Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committee by former Governor Asa Hutchinson. He previously hosted the AETN-PBS television program; A Deeper Look: The Poverty Divide in Arkansas. In 2021, Arkansas Money and Politics recognized Dr. Fletcher as one of Arkansas' Top Professionals. He serves as adjunct professor of philosophy at Philander Smith University, a Historically Black University in Little Rock, Arkansas.
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Fletcher received his Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies from the University of California at Riverside, Master of Arts in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University, and doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.
Elliott earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University. He is currently the ICSC Community Advancement Chair for the Gulf South Region and sits on the board of the ICSC Southeast Conference. His other board service includes the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Alabama Chapter and REV Birmingham’s board of directors, which manages downtown Birmingham’s Business Improvement District (BID).
Jonathan Reynolds
Chief Commercial Officer, Carter Federal Credit Union
As a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, I grew up in Queensborough neighborhood and graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High School. I received a B. A. in the College of Science with a degree in Psychology from The University of New Orleans. I hold an insurance license in Life, Health, Accident and Variable Annuities.
I received a Certificate of Completion of the Community Development Institute Year 1 and Year 2 from the University of Central Arkansas, August 2022 and anticipate graduating August 2024.
In the financial industry for 24 years, I currently serve as Chief Commercial Officer of Carter Credit Union. I am on the Executive Board of the Member Business Service Council for the Louisiana Credit Union League. I have been a guest speaker at multiple financial workshops, webinars, and panels for several organizations including the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, Peaceful Rest MBC, The African American Chamber of Commerce, and Southern University Business Incubator to name a few. I have facilitated various lending and treasury transactions in multiple capacities for national and international organizations; from providing them access to capital, to consulting and advising CEOs and CFOs within those organizations. This experience was developed during my tenure at Regions Bank and has broadened at Carter Credit Union. During the 2022 Louisiana State Legislative Session. I was able to successfully assist in getting HB1005 passed to become Act 194 that will allow Excess Share Insurance to be sold to financial institutions in Louisiana.
I am the 2017 recipient of The Top Business Professional of the Year by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Business Development Connection. 2024 recipient of the Micro Lender of the Year Award from Louisiana Economic Development Department. I am an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., served as Past President and Past Area Director. I serve on several boards in the community including but not limited to: The Committee of 100, Volunteers of America, Shreveport Airport Authority and the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. I am a Past Chairman of the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce. Assisting in the growth and development of minority businesses and professionals is what I like most about my service within the community.
Carlotta Askew-Brown
Executive Director, Bossier City–Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission
Carlotta Askew-Brown is a distinguished civic leader and devoted member of the Bossier Parish community. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she has proudly called Bossier home for the past 17 years. Carlotta holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and currently serves as Executive Director of the Bossier City–Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission, where she continues to shape the city’s future with integrity, vision, and dedication.
Her leadership and impact have been widely recognized through numerous honors, including the 40 Under 40 Award, the Athena Honoree distinction, and the Rising Star Award from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association. She has also been named a Community Champion by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the Hispanic Heritage Association. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in certificates from the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy and Community Development Institute (CDI) Louisiana.
Carlotta has served as Chairwoman of the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments, a Board Member of the Shreveport-Bossier Tourist Bureau, and was part of the founding team for the National Cyber Research Park. She has also been featured in regional media for her leadership on transformative projects such as the East Bank District redevelopment and initiatives to enhance walkability and public spaces.
Linsley Matteson Kinkade
Chief Program Officer, Arkansas Community Foundation
Linsley Matteson Kinkade is the Chief Program Officer for Arkansas Community Foundation. Linsley leads the community investment team and provides leadership in setting and implementing the key strategies for achieving the Foundation’s vision of vital communities at local and state levels.
Raised in rural southwest Arkansas, she has dedicated her career to asset-based community development in the rural mid-south through projects that improve quality of life and engender a sense of place.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas, she holds a B.A. in Journalism, serves on the Community Development Institute’s Advisory Board, and is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer. Linsley has worked for Arkansas Community Foundation since 2023 and proudly calls Little Rock home.
Angie White
COO, North Louisiana Economic Partnership
Angie is a certified economic developer. She is the North Louisiana Economic Partnership’s (NLEP) Chief Operating Officer and Workforce Initiatives director. Angie was hired in 2008 to develop a new workforce marketing program for NLEP. That role has given her a thorough understanding of the workforce development ecosystem throughout North Louisiana, the state, and best practices of communities outside Louisiana.
In October 2017, Angie led a coalition of 12 North Louisiana parishes through the ACT Work Ready Communities certification process, and for that work was named the 2019 ACT Workforce Champion for Louisiana. In 2022, Angie led NLEP’s effort to establish a chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) in the Shreveport-Bossier area, which is a partnership of regional manufacturers and Bossier Parish Community College to offer a work-study program to develop industrial maintenance technicians.
In her role as COO, she oversees organizational operations for NLEP, including finance and audit, investor relations, and governance. Angie serves on the Northwest Louisiana Manufacturing Managers Council. She is a member of the Workforce Development Board for the City of Shreveport. She is a member of the Northwest Louisiana JumpStart team, which advises secondary education partners on career and technical education needs of regional employers. She is Vice Chair of the Accredited Economic Development Organization Advisory Committee of the International Economic Development Council.
Angie is a Shreveport native and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Centenary College of Louisiana. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts in International Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. While in Washington, DC she spent twelve years at Emerging Markets Partnership in various roles managing private equity investments in Latin American infrastructure projects.