Our board is comprised of business leaders in the New Orleans region. |
.jpg)
Perry Sholes
- Founder & President
- Chairman of the Board
Perry Sholes is President of Progressive HR Strategies, Inc. Perry is a certified talent optimization consultant and business executive who successfully creates economic value through Human Resources leadership. He helped drive profitability at complex global organizations, which include private equity portfolio companies, large public companies, and private-owned businesses.
Perry developed his Human Resources skills in the consumer products (CPG) industry at Nabisco Foods Company, Inc. and Kraft Foods, Inc. He was responsible for various corporate functions in both domestic and Latin America. During his time in CPG, he recruited MBA talent at some of the country’s best schools and led internship summer programs for domestic and international students for several corporate functions. He also represented both companies at National Black MBA initiatives.
Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the human resources industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Career Development, Coaching, Business Coaching, and Entrepreneurship. Strong business development professional with a Masters Degree focused in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout his illustrious career, Kwame worked for Kraft and at the Concordia University - Chicago. He is the author of "Striving While Black: A Playbook For The Seriously Ambitious", see the book image to the right. You can read Mr. Salter's blogs on his Linkedin page.
Kwame Salter LinkedIn Profile.pdf |
.png)
Kwame Salter
Rachel Massey serves as the Director of Alumni Engagement and University Events at the University of New Orleans. Rachel’s areas of responsibility include the planning, programming and management of the University’s major special events, including fundraising galas, dignitary and head-of-state visits, board meetings, and symposia. Rachel also leads the University’s alumni engagement team and serves as the Executive Director of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors. Prior to joining the University, Rachel served as Director of Programs for Leadership Florida. She has extensive experience as a hospitality industry executive with many years of experience in the Chicago and Las Vegas area markets. Rachel holds degrees from the University of Florida and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as a certificate in Not for Profit Leadership from Florida State University. She currently serves on the board of directors of NORLI, the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, as a graduate of the class of 2019. Rachel lives in Faubourg St. John with her husband and eight-year-old son and is an avid reader, music lover, cook, and yogi. |
.png)
Rachel Massey, CMP
Successful 30+ year career with McDonald's Corporation. Have a track record of developing people, strategic planning, systems and tools to maximize operational efficiencies, profitability, and productivity in the region. Demonstrate the ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders to align and drive business results. Glendalen is a New Orleans native, who recently returned home to contribute to the growth and development of the region. She earned a Ph.D. Organizational Development and Change from Benedictine University. Dr. Williams is currently a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in New Orleans. |
Dr. Glendalen Williams
Arlanda Williams is Vice Chancellor and Executive at Delgado Community College. Experienced Vice Chancellor with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Government Liaison, Writing, Nonprofit Organizations, Fundraising, and Community Development. Strong business development professional with an Executive Masters of Public Administration focused in Public Administration from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge. She is also a member of the State of Louisiana Historically Black Colleges & Universities Advisory Council. Ms. Williams was Councilwoman for Terrebonne Parish Government and has served on National Committees under the Obama Administration. In her role on the Board she will lead the Higher Education Advisory Council. This Council will be structured to ensure we have an active voice from the Colleges and Universities within our Board. |
Diversity and Inclusion | Talent Acquisition | Workforce Development | Veterans/IWD Outreach | University Relations Starting as an Inroads Intern in 2009, Jacob performed Business Development and Relationship Management duties in support of the New Orleans Sales Office. Jacob joined BCBSLA as a permanent employee in 2012 as Event Planner for the Marketing and Diversity & Inclusion teams. In that role, Jacob supported Diversity &Inclusion awareness for the enterprise through hosting internal events as well as promoting BCBSLA through various external centers of influence. Jacob has partnered with Talent Acquisition / University Relations over the last year at numerous on-campus hiring events with our University partners as well as Veterans Service Organizations. In his new role, Jacob will be managing the Generation Blue® Internship Program, responsible for campus recruiting throughout the state, and provide targeted employment outreach to both Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. |
.png)
Jacob Evans, CSP
Carla has a record of $121 million in grant funds approved for 230+ projects over her 11 years of experience in grant writing and administration. She specializes in federal grant writing. She is a member of the 2019 class (the best class) of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. Carla earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2008 and a Master of Business Administration in 2011 from the University of New Orleans. |
.png)
Carla ChiassonSign Up For Our Newsletters! |
Click the button below that best represents you to get updates on CILI. |