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Incoming Mayor-President Sid Edwards Announces Transition Team to Lead East Baton Rouge Forward

Tiffany Bradford

Tiffany Bradford

— 2 min read
Incoming Mayor-President Sid Edwards Announces Transition Team to Lead East Baton Rouge Forward
Edwards, who will become the 20th Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, emphasized the importance of assembling a skilled and dedicated team to guide the transition process.

BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President-elect Sid Edwards unveiled the members of his Win EBR Transition Team, a diverse group of local leaders tasked with preparing policy and staffing recommendations as he prepares to take office on January 2, 2025.

Edwards, who will become the 20th Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, emphasized the importance of assembling a skilled and dedicated team to guide the transition process.

“I am honored to introduce a talented team of leaders who bring experience, innovation, and a shared commitment to the progress of our parish,” Edwards said. “Their insights and expertise will be crucial as we focus on maximizing outcomes for East Baton Rouge and setting the foundation for success.”

Transition Team Leadership

Leading the transition effort is Chairman Rick Edmonds, a state senator representing Louisiana Senate District 6, which covers portions of East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and St. Helena parishes. Assisting Edmonds as Co-Chair is Darrell Glasper, a former Baton Rouge Metro Councilmember and CEO of DNA Fossil Fuelz, LLC.

Key Team Members and Expertise

The Win EBR Transition Team includes representatives from a range of sectors, including business, healthcare, public safety, education, and community development. Some notable members include:

  • Cathy Fontenot – Warden of the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison with over 30 years of experience in criminal justice.
  • Will Green – President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), representing 2,000 employers statewide.
  • Leah Collins – Nurse practitioner and assistant professor of nursing at Southern University.
  • Jeff LeDuff – Former Chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
  • Lori Melancon – CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Jennifer Richardson – Founder of Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, a community beautification organization.
  • Chris Meyer – CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and founder of New Schools for Baton Rouge.

Several leaders from engineering, construction, and economic development sectors were also tapped to ensure Edwards’ transition focuses on infrastructure, workforce development, and public safety:

  • Kodi C. Guillory – President of Sustainable Design Solutions, LLC, specializing in civil works projects.
  • Mike Polito – CEO of MAPP Construction, one of the state’s top general contractors.
  • Nial Patel – Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs and leader of SafeBR, a public safety initiative.

Community Engagement Focus

Edwards highlighted the importance of engaging with local communities, businesses, and organizations as he prepared to implement his administration’s vision. Former public officials, such as Tara Wicker, a longtime Baton Rouge Councilmember, and Eddie Rispone, chairman of ISC Constructors, LLC, were brought on to advise on government affairs and workforce development strategies.

“This team reflects my commitment to bring diverse voices and proven leadership to the table as we work to address challenges, foster growth, and improve quality of life across East Baton Rouge Parish,” Edwards said.

The Win EBR Transition Team is expected to begin work immediately, with recommendations anticipated early in Edwards’ term.

Sid Edwards will officially take the oath of office on January 2, marking a new chapter of leadership in East Baton Rouge Parish.

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