Board of
Directors

Chief Marketing Officer
DNA Workshop
Amanda Carlin earned a Bachelor of Communications degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. She started her career at Baton Rouge’s CBS affiliate WAFB and worked in various marketing roles, eventually being promoted to the station’s Creative Services Manager. During her time at WAFB, her creative work earned Amanda numerous Gold and Silver Telly Awards, two regional Emmys, and an Edward R. Murrow award. Amanda joined DNA Workshop in 2023 and serves as their Chief Marketing Officer, where she advocates for affordable housing in 35 states.

Director of Human Resources
BREC
Darlene Winfield Jarvis currently serves as the Director of Human Resources with Recreation and Park Commission for East Baton Rouge Parish commonly called BREC. She has been with BREC for the past 19 years and served as Asst. Director for 15 years before being promoted into her current role. She is a Certified Human Resources Professional with Society of Human Resource Management since 2009. She also is a graduate of Southern University with a BS in Business Management and Univ. of Phoenix with her Master of Business Administration. In her current role she has oversight over Recruiting, Employee Relations, Compensation, Benefits and Talent & Development.

Devon is a South African transplant working in urban and community forestry for the greater Baton Rouge area. With over a decade in research, start up development and Grants management I bring a wide array of knowledge that can help MCRA grow strong and more sustainable both organizationally and environmentally. I want to contribute to MCRA's mission in the most impact full ways I can in the years to come.

Desireé Cotton-Turner is a native of Monroe, LA, but has come to call the Red Stick home. Desireé received her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Grambling State University. Desireé is dedicated to the integrity and professionalism of the legal system and providing clients with much needed education of the law and the legal system. She is a compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients. She is licensed in Louisiana to practice in the following areas: (1) Wills and Estate Planning, (2) Successions, (3) Education Law, (4) Family Law, (5) Child In Need of Care (CINC), (6) Personal Injury, & (7) Criminal Defense. As Founding and Managing Attorney of DC Strategic Consulting, she is focused on the future of her clients.

Senior Vice President

Hankcock Whitney

Julie Pleasant serves as the Board President of Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, where she brings over two decades of banking expertise and a deep commitment to community revitalization. As Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Hancock Whitney, Julie leads strategic financial initiatives that support the growth of businesses across the region. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, she combines her financial acumen with a passion for equitable development, helping guide MCRA’s mission to build thriving neighborhoods through affordable housing, economic opportunity, and community engagement. Known for her strong leadership and collaborative spirit, Julie plays a pivotal role in aligning MCRA’s goals with the broader needs of Baton Rouge, using her extensive network and industry insight to advance inclusive growth and long-term impact.

Chief Executive Officer
LES Federal Credit Union

Owner
Creative English

As the founder and Creative Director of Creative English, Jeff has spent over two decades helping businesses and organizations communicate their mission with clarity and impact through visual design and brand development. His background includes leadership roles in advertising agencies and close collaboration with nonprofits, giving him a keen understanding of how to align messaging with community values. At MCRA, Jeff contributes his creative insight to support outreach efforts, enhance visibility, and strengthen the organization’s presence in the Baton Rouge community. His commitment to storytelling and innovation helps drive MCRA’s mission to foster vibrant, equitable neighborhoods through design-forward engagement and strategic communication.

Planning & Design Director
WHLC Architecture

As Planning & Design Director of WHLC Architecture, Rex oversees projects along the Gulf Coast. He brings 45 years of professional experience as an Architect and Urban Planner to benefit the Mid City area.  In addition to 10+ years on the MCRA Board of Directors, Rex serves on multiple civic commissions and board positions including the Chamber of Commerce, Historical Preservation Commission, Louisiana Architecture Foundation, The Walls Project, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

A South-Louisiana native, Tara Flugence is passionate about helping people achieve dreams of home ownership. She joined the Red River team in 2023 bringing with her a vast knowledge of the mortgage industry. A problem-solver at heart, Tara is creative in her approach to customize mortgage options to meet her client’s exact needs. She believes honest, transparent conversations are the keys to success and aims to make the lending process seamless and the experience exceptional for her clients.

Dione Collins is a real estate professional with Keller Williams Red Stick Partners and an established leader within the Greater Baton Rouge real estate community. She currently serves as a board member of  Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, bringing a governance-driven approach to community revitalization, strategic planning, and economic growth. . Dione has served in multiple leadership and board roles within the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Dione is committed to mentorship, and advancing professional standards through consistent results-driven execution and service.

Jordan Basham is the founder and owner of Wheretogeaux225 Social Media, a Baton Rouge–based social media agency specializing in digital marketing for restaurants, events, and local businesses. What began as a personal influencer platform has grown into a full-service agency managing content strategy, influencer partnerships, and large-scale marketing campaigns for clients across Louisiana and beyond. Jordan is known for her expertise in audience growth, brand storytelling, and helping businesses translate social media engagement into measurable revenue. She has worked with dozens of brands, venues, and organizations, and frequently collaborates on community-driven campaigns and high-impact events. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between creators and businesses, bringing a creator-led perspective to modern marketing strategy.

Vice President, Banking Center Manager 

Bank Plus

Monique Thompson is a Vice President and Banking Center Manager at BankPlus with over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. She brings extensive expertise in leadership and deposit operations, with a strong focus on operational excellence, team development, and client relationship management. Monique holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, graduating summa cum laude, reflecting her strong commitment to academic and professional excellence. She is passionate about community development and actively organizes employee-led initiatives that support local outreach and economic empowerment efforts. Her commitment to service and strategic leadership aligns closely with the mission of the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance.

Accountant

Assurance Tax & Accounting Group, LLC