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Baton Rouge's Latest Personnel Shuffle: A Snapshot of New Appointments and Departures

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 6:11 GMT by The Advocate

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Baton Rouge’s Latest Personnel Shuffle: A Snapshot of New Appointments and Departures

The Advocate’s quick‑read “Personnel Moves” column—published on Monday, March 10, 2024—delivers a concise rundown of four of Baton Rouge’s most recent executive and leadership changes. The piece is a staple for local businesses and civic groups that want to stay in the loop on who’s coming, who’s going, and what that means for the community at large. Below is a close look at the four stories highlighted in the article and the broader context that each move signals.

1. McGlinchey Joins the Board of Directors at Southern Energy Partners

The article opens with the news that John McGlinchey, former senior vice president of renewable energy at Gulf Power, has been elected to the board of directors of Southern Energy Partners (SEP). McGlinchey brings over 25 years of experience in the utility sector, most recently overseeing a $500 million wind‑farm development in the Mississippi Delta. His appointment comes as SEP ramps up its clean‑energy portfolio and seeks seasoned oversight for its upcoming public‑private partnership with the state. The column notes that McGlinchey will replace long‑time board member Lisa Morales, who is retiring after 12 years of service. SEP’s CEO, Robert Chen, said in a brief quote that “McGlinchey’s expertise will be instrumental as we navigate the regulatory landscape and expand our footprint in the region.”

Follow‑up link: The Advocate links to a press release from SEP, which details the board’s strategic priorities and McGlinchey’s expected focus on community engagement and workforce development.

2. Jones Steps Down as CEO of Baton Rouge Biotech

The second story covers the departure of Evelyn Jones, CEO of Baton Rouge Biotech (BRB), a local start‑up that specializes in CRISPR‑based diagnostics. Jones, who has been with the company for eight years, announced her resignation in a memo that cites “personal reasons and a desire to focus on family.” She will remain on the company’s advisory board for the next 12 months. BRB’s Board of Directors has named Dr. Matthew Ruiz as interim CEO, with the search for a permanent replacement slated to begin next quarter.

The article contextualizes Jones’s exit by noting BRB’s recent milestone: a $12 million Series B funding round that will accelerate its clinical trials. The column underscores that while the company’s growth trajectory remains solid, a leadership change at the top will test the organization’s resilience.

Follow‑up link: A link to the company’s investor relations page offers deeper insight into the funding round and the new interim leadership structure.

3. Walker Takes Over as Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Food Bank

The third headline announces Carla Walker’s appointment as the new Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Food Bank. Walker comes from a background in non‑profit management, most recently serving as COO of the Greater Baton Rouge Hunger Relief Network. Her appointment follows the unexpected resignation of outgoing director Thomas Carter, who left the position to pursue a career in private consulting. Walker’s mandate will be to expand the food bank’s volunteer network and forge new partnerships with local farms and retailers.

The column highlights Walker’s strategic plan to launch a “Farm‑to‑Table” initiative that will connect food producers directly with the food bank’s distribution centers. In a short interview embedded in the article, Walker says, “We have an opportunity to make a measurable impact on food insecurity by building stronger ties with our agricultural community.”

Follow‑up link: The Advocate provides a link to the Baton Rouge Food Bank’s “About” page, where readers can view Walker’s full biography and read about the organization’s recent community outreach projects.

4. Ascension Episcopal Church Names New Senior Pastor

The final item in the column deals with the religious sphere: Ascension Episcopal Church has named The Reverend Dr. Samuel Ortiz as its new Senior Pastor, effective July 1. Ortiz, who previously served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette, was selected after a nationwide search that brought in 42 candidates. Ortiz brings a strong focus on liturgical renewal and community outreach, and his pastoral experience spans over 15 years across three dioceses.

The article quotes the Diocese’s Bishop, Ellen Thompson, who praised Ortiz’s “deep commitment to social justice and his ability to connect with both youth and older congregants.” Ortiz’s inaugural sermon is slated for his first Sunday in July, where he plans to address the church’s growing engagement with interfaith dialogue and local social services.

Follow‑up link: Readers can follow a link to the church’s website, where a welcome message from Ortiz and details of his vision for the parish are posted.

Why These Moves Matter

While each headline may appear to be a simple personnel announcement, the underlying shifts reflect larger trends in Baton Rouge’s economic and civic landscape. McGlinchey’s board appointment underscores the city’s push toward sustainable energy. Jones’s exit from BRB signals the volatility of early‑stage biotech leadership amid rapid scaling. Walker’s new role at the food bank exemplifies the increasing professionalization of non‑profit management. Finally, Ortiz’s pastoral appointment points to a renewed emphasis on community engagement within religious institutions.

The Advocate’s “Personnel Moves” column offers Baton Rouge’s business and civic leaders a quick, yet comprehensive, pulse on local leadership dynamics—an essential tool for stakeholders who need to anticipate changes, build alliances, and keep their organization ahead of the curve.