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What are the biggest surprises Baton Rouge Area Foundation President Chris Meyer discovered when he took the helm of the organization 18 months ago? What will be the new center focus of the foundation? And what’s on the horizon for major initiatives like the LSU Lakes?
Meyer will share those insights and more on the August episode of Strictly Business. The webcast will air at 11 a.m. August 16. Register here.
Committed to public service, Meyer is passionate about using his skills, experiences, and networks to have a meaningful impact in Louisiana — improving outcomes and quality of life for our state. As head of one of the largest community foundations in the country, he helps unite human and financial resources to make big ideas a reality to enhance South Louisiana. He also shares a passion for ensuring that every child in our community has access to an excellent school.
After graduating from Tulane, Meyer joined Teach For America and was assigned to John McDonogh Senior High School in New Orleans, one of the worst performing schools in America. After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and scattered McDonogh’s students, Meyer returned to school, earning a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School in 2008 and was one of 14 selected as a White House Fellow.
He was dispatched to the Department of Defense, where he served Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Meyer held top security clearances and traveled around the world with Secretary Gates for a year that straddled the administrations of presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Meyer returned to Louisiana, armed with important lessons learned from Gates about improving inefficient systems. Back home, he put those lessons to use serving as a special advisor in the Louisiana Department of Education and then deputy superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District.
In 2012, Chris became the founder and CEO of New Schools for Baton Rouge, a nonprofit started by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and seeded by its fund donors. Under his leadership, that organization has raised more than $80 million to attract and develop new schools in the city, currently serving a quarter of all public school students.
Providing you and your team with the insights, advice and inspiration to thrive in a perpetually changing “new normal” is the driving force behind Business Report’s Strictly Business, a free, monthly webcast featuring in-depth interviews with Louisiana’s most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs.
Episodes airing on the third Wednesday of each month, featuring successful leaders as they not only share their professional stories but also offer advice to help others grow and improve their business.
Strictly Business is powered by Business Report and presented by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and Home Bank. Register now.
