Welcome – Gretna Economic Development Association (GEDA)

Renee is serving her 3rd year as Vice President for GEDA and has been a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, Gretna office for nearly two decades. Additionally, she is an Assistant Team Leader and Productivity Coach. Prior to her real estate career, Renee worked as Vice President in Public Finance/Institutional Sales with Legg Mason for 20 years. In addition to her current role, she held various leadership positions with the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors and Keller Williams. Renee holds a degree in Business Administration and graduated from Archbishop Blenk High School. Living in Gretna for over two decades, Renee is a proud mother of one son, Chris Ferrera.

Don is an Electrical Engineer with over 25 years of expertise in the oil and gas industry, encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream projects. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University , Don has held leadership roles managing engineering teams, multimillion-dollar projects, and safety-critical systems at leading organizations, including Shell and Audubon Engineering. As a Professional Engineer, Don combines his technical expertise with a proven track record of mentorship, innovation, and operational excellence.

Don resides in Old Gretna with his wife and two daughters, where he has been an active member of the community. For over a decade, he has volunteered with Gretna Fest, contributing to its success and local engagement. Additionally, Don dedicates his time as a pilot for a local Civil Air Patrol squadron based at Lakefront Airport, where he supports post-disaster relief efforts and mentors young cadets in STEM and aviation-related pursuits.

Don is honored to join the GEDA Board and looks forward to continuing his commitment to supporting his local community.

Michael has over 10 years of experience in Banking, starting his career in retail banking before transitioning into Middle Market Banking at Hancock Whitney. Currently, he serves as Vice President, Commercial Banking at Red River Bank, a position he has held since 2023.

Michael is actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Lambeth House Foundation and as Board Vice-Chair of CASA Jefferson. He is excited to join the GEDA Board as Treasurer for 2025 and connecting with community members and local businesses that continue to make Gretna great.

A lifelong Westbank resident, Michael has lived in Gretna for the past three years. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three kids, volunteering as a coach for their sports teams, and perfecting his skills in cooking and smoking meat.

Katie moved to New Orleans in 2006 after graduating college.  Inspired to contribute to the rebuilding effort following Hurricane Katrina, Katie began teaching high school mathematics in the New Orleans Public Schools, and continued to do so until starting her family in 2014.  After taking time off to raise her two young children, Katie has reentered the workforce as a Business Development Representative for True Title, a real estate title company.  Katie enjoys supporting Gretna as a member of the board of Westbank ARC and can be found most Saturdays browsing at the Gretna Farmer’s Market.

B. A. in  Economics, Tulane University, 1971

Masters of Business Administration, Tulane University, 1973

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Executive Administrative Officer, City of Gretna, 1976-1981

Delgado Community College, 1981-2000 (Retired as Vice Chancellor of Administrative Affairs)

Insurance Broker, 2000-present

PUBLIC SERVICE

Elected Delegate, Louisiana Constitutional Convention, 1973

Member, Jefferson Parish School Board, 1974-1983 (President, 1977)

Louisiana State Representative, 1984-2008 (Chairman, Judiciary Committee, 1992-2008)

Commissioner, Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, 2009-2014 and 2019-2024 (Chairman, 2013, 2023, and 2024)

COMMUNITY and CIVIC

Life Member and Past President, David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company

Vice President, Patrons of the Arts for the Vatican Museums of the South

Member, Algiers Development District Board, 2014-2018

Chairman, City of Gretna Redevelopment Committee, 2017-2018