The board consists of seven volunteer members who serve staggered terms of seven years each. Six members are appointed by the mayor from lists of three nominees each submitted by the presidents or chancellors of Dillard University, Loyola University, Southern University in New Orleans (SUNO), Tulane University, University of New Orleans (UNO), and Xavier University. The seventh member is appointed by the mayor. Each appointment is subject to the approval by a majority of the members of the city council.
The board is assisted by staff, including its Executive Administrator and General Counsel, Dane S. Ciolino.
Members
Wanda A. Brooks
Wanda Ackers Brooks, CPA, CGMA, CICA
Board Member
Wanda Brooks joined Dillard University in 2008, and serves as the University’s Internal Auditor, having the responsibilities of conducting financial, compliance and operational audits. As the first and only Internal Auditor for the University, Wanda has developed and implemented an effective Internal Audit Department, providing independent, objective, assurance, and services, resulting in improved University operations.
At the request of the Board of Trustees, Wanda served as the University’s Interim Chief Financial Officer during the 2010-2011 and the 2011-2012 fiscal years. Her responsibility was to redesign the Finance Department’s operations to provide a more effective and streamlined process, as the University searched for a Vice President for Business and Finance/CFO. The Board was most pleased upon the successful completion Wanda’s Interim tenure.
Prior to joining Dillard University, Wanda Brooks has served in several financial and auditing capacities: Bruno and Tervalon CPA Firm, Dominion Exploration & Production, Dyn McDermott Petroleum Operations, The Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Entergy Services. She has also served on the New Orleans Board of Liquidation, and the Board of Trustees for the University of Holy Cross (formerly Our Lady of Holy Cross College). Currently, Wanda holds membership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ms. Brooks is the appointee of Dillard University to fill the unexpired term of Brandon Boutin. Her term will expire on June 30, 2022. See Brooks Appointment Motion (Feb. 20, 2020).
Dawn Broussard
Dr. Dawn Broussard
Board Member
Dr. Dawn Broussard serves as Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Student Affairs Officer for the Loyola University New Orleans community. In this role, Dr. Broussard is responsible for coordinating the University’s compliance obligations under Title IX, including coordination of investigations of complaints pursuant to Title IX and implementing Title IX regulations. She is also responsible for reviewing and revising University policies to ensure alignment with current Title IX regulations. Additionally, Dr. Broussard co-chairs the Loyola University’s Student Success Task Force.
Prior to this role, Dr. Broussard served as an Investigator in the Office of Institutional Equity and as the Assistant Director for the Office of Student Conduct at Tulane University. In these roles she investigated and adjudicated allegations of Title IX Sexual Misconduct, violations of the University’s Code of Student Conduct, and violations of the University’s Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy. These responsibilities included interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with University policies as well federal, state and local laws regarding discrimination and harassment.
Dr. Broussard worked in Louisiana K-12 public education for seven years and in Louisiana public and private higher education since 2007. A native of Louisiana, and a resident of New Orleans for the past seven years, Dr. Broussard earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Louisiana State University, her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nicholls State University, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition to her educational credentials, Dr. Broussard has extensive experience in policy interpretation, review, and development, as well strategic planning and assessment.
Dr. Broussard is the appointee of Loyola University. Her term will expire on June 30, 2029. See Broussard Appointment Motion (Mar. 23, 2023).
Elizabeth Livingston de Calderon
Elizabeth Livingston de Calderon, J.D.
Board Member
Elizabeth Livingston de Calderon is a member of the faculty at Tulane Law School, where she has supervised students in federal and state courts and agencies as part of the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic since 2006. Through the Clinic, she has accumulated extensive litigation experience under the Clean Water Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act while representing non-profit and public interest organizations, as well as indigent individuals. She has also successfully engaged in federal litigation under the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Endangered Species Act. In state proceedings, Ms. Calderon’s practice centers on the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act and its supporting regulations. Before public interest and environmental law, Ms. Calderon practiced commercial bankruptcy law—first in New York City and then in Detroit. She graduated magna cum laude from Tulane Law School, was Associate Editor of the Tulane Law Review, and holds a Master of Arts degree in Classical Languages.
Ms. Calderon is the appointee of Tulane University. Her term will expire on June 30, 2023. See Calderon Appointment Motion (Jul. 13, 2017).
Colleen Holly Callia
Colleen Holly Callia
Board Chair
Mrs. Callia serves as Senior Vice President and Louisiana Regional Mortgage Market Manager for BankPlus.
Prior to joining BankPlus, Mrs. Callia served as Louisiana Mortgage Market President at First Horizon Bank (formerly IberiaBank) from 2016. During her 35+ years in banking, she has served in key executive roles within banks across Louisiana and the nation including Bank of New Orleans, National City Bank, and Regions Bank. She has been nationally ranked as a top producing loan officer and has a proven track record of building successful production and operations teams by providing excellence in quality, product and customer experience.
Mrs. Callia currently serves on the Leadership Committee for the Mortgage Lender’s Association of Greater New Orleans. She is active in many business and civic associations and has held leadership roles in multiple organizations and boards including the Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce and Executive Board, New Orleans Chamber, Lake Vista Property Owner’s Association President, LV Patrol District Board member, District 5 Katrina Recovery Committee, Leadership Jefferson, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, NOMAR, Women’s Council of Realtors and Association for Professional Mortgage Woman, Junior Achievement and Girl Scouts of America. She is an active fundraiser for multiple charities and nonprofits across the region.
Mrs Callia is a New Orleans Native. She attended Mount Carmel Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of New Orleans.
Ms. Callia is the appointee of the University of New Orleans. Her term will expire on June 30, 2026. See Callia Appointment Motion (Sep. 17, 2020).
Monique Gougisha Doucette
Monique Gougisha Doucette
Board Secretary
Ms. Doucette is a shareholder of the law firm of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. in New Orleans. She pactices primarily in the area of employment litigation and represents management in claims arising under various federal and state employment laws. Ms. Doucette has significant experience litigating employment matters in a variety of business sectors such as construction, energy, banking and hospitality. She also has expertise in workplace misconduct and sexual harassment issues. Ms. Doucette regularly conducts customized workplace respect and anti-harassment training for employers.
Ms. Doucette is a frequent speaker on various employment law topics and contributing author to publications such as the Louisiana Bar Journal, New Orleans CityBusiness and HR Magazine. She is also an avid supporter of the local arts and education in New Orleans by serving on the executive board of directors for the New Orleans Ballet Association and the Arts Council of New Orleans, as well as the board of directors for Urban League of Louisiana and the advisory board for the New Orleans Opera Association. She is a member of the A.P. Tureaud Chapter of the American Inns of Court and serves as a co-chair on the ABA Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee’s Diversity Initiative Task Force. In 2018, Ms. Doucette was appointed to the board of directors of the New Orleans chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) as the board attorney.
Ms. Doucette is the appointee of Xavier University. Her term will expire on June 30, 3025. See Doucette Appointment Motion (Aug. 8, 2019).
Tyrone G. Jefferson, Jr.
Tyrone G. Jefferson, Jr.
Board Vice-Chair
Pastor Tyrone G. Jefferson, Jr. is a native New Orleanian and is the Founding Senior Pastor of the Abundant Life Tabernacle Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Pastor Jefferson graduated from St. Thomas Christian University in Jacksonville, Florida earning a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, a master’s degree in Christian Counseling, and a doctorate degree in Divinity.
Pastor Tyrone Jefferson is deeply involved in the community where he serves as a meticulous leader. He has served as a member of several boards of directors, of advisors, of managers, and of trustees. Pastor Jefferson is also Chairman of the Board of Directors for Versatile Entertainment, Inc.
Pastor Jefferson serves as a spiritual advisor to many local, state, and national officials, including, but not limited to, Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Pastor Jefferson is also an appointed Chaplain for the New Orleans Sherriff’s Department, Louisiana State Police Department, and New Orleans Police Department.
Pastor Jefferson is the Founder and CEO of The Tabernacle Development Corporation, and Safe Haven of Louisiana, LLC. Pastor Jefferson is the Co~Host of the National “Wake up And Praise Morning Show”, which airs weekdays from 6am – 9am on WLNO 1060am.
Dr. Jefferson is the appointee of Mayor Latoya Cantrell. His term will expire on June 30, 2027. See Jefferson Appointment Motion (Sep. 17, 2020).
Patrice Sentino
Patrice Sentino
Board Member
Patrice Sentino, EdD, DSW, LCSW-BACS, serves as Assistant Professor of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator at Southern University at New Orleans School of Social Work. Dr. Sentino attended Edward Livingston Middle School, Marion Abramson High School, and is a graduate of Sarah Towles Reed High School (class of 1989). She holds a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Tennessee and Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Technology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Sentino is the appointee of SUNO. Her term will expire on June 30, 2024. See Sentino Appointment Motion (Oct. 5, 2023).