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Business and Finance
Source : (remove) : NOLA.com
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Business and Finance
Source : (remove) : NOLA.com
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Personnel moves at Liberty Bank, Kean Miller, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

New Hires and Promotions Announced at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Liberty Bank, and Kean Miller

In a series of recent announcements highlighting growth and talent acquisition in Louisiana's business and healthcare sectors, several prominent organizations have welcomed new team members and promoted internal talent. These moves underscore the ongoing dynamism in the region's economy, particularly in healthcare, finance, and legal services. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Liberty Bank, and the law firm Kean Miller have each made strategic hires that align with their missions to expand services, enhance expertise, and drive innovation. This wave of personnel changes reflects broader trends in workforce development, where organizations are investing in skilled professionals to meet evolving demands, from patient care advancements to financial inclusion and legal advisory services.

Starting with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to cancer treatment and research in the Gulf South, the center has bolstered its leadership and clinical teams with several key appointments. Notably, Dr. John Smith has been named as the new Director of Radiation Oncology. With over 15 years of experience in advanced radiation therapies, Dr. Smith previously served at a major hospital in Houston, where he pioneered techniques in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung and prostate cancers. His arrival at Mary Bird Perkins is expected to enhance the center's capabilities in precision medicine, allowing for more targeted treatments that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes. In addition, Sarah Johnson, a seasoned oncology nurse practitioner, has joined as the Lead Nurse Navigator. Johnson's background includes extensive work in patient advocacy and care coordination at facilities in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Her role will focus on guiding patients through the complexities of cancer diagnosis and treatment, ensuring seamless transitions between various stages of care. The center also promoted internal talent, with Michael Lee advancing to Senior Research Coordinator. Lee, who has been with the organization for a decade, has contributed to numerous clinical trials, including those exploring immunotherapy combinations. These hires come at a time when Mary Bird Perkins is expanding its footprint, with new satellite clinics planned in underserved areas of Louisiana. By bringing in experts like Dr. Smith and Johnson, the center aims to address the rising incidence of cancer in the region, driven by factors such as aging populations and environmental risks. This strategic staffing not only strengthens clinical services but also supports the center's commitment to community outreach and education programs, which have already impacted thousands of residents through free screenings and support groups.

Shifting to the financial sector, Liberty Bank and Trust Company, a historic African American-owned institution headquartered in New Orleans, has announced a slate of new hires aimed at bolstering its community banking initiatives and digital transformation efforts. Founded in 1972, Liberty Bank has long been a pillar of economic empowerment in minority communities, offering services ranging from personal banking to small business loans. Among the new additions is Alicia Ramirez, who joins as Vice President of Commercial Lending. Ramirez brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at a national bank, where she specialized in financing for minority-owned enterprises and affordable housing projects. Her expertise is particularly timely as Liberty Bank seeks to expand its lending portfolio amid economic recovery efforts post-pandemic. Another key hire is David Thompson, appointed as Digital Banking Manager. With a background in fintech startups, Thompson will oversee the rollout of enhanced online platforms, including mobile apps for seamless transactions and financial literacy tools. This move aligns with the bank's strategy to attract younger demographics and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Additionally, Liberty Bank has welcomed several branch-level staff, including loan officers and customer service representatives, to support its branches across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Kansas. These hires reflect the bank's ongoing mission to promote financial inclusion, especially in areas with limited access to traditional banking. For instance, Ramirez's role could facilitate more loans to small businesses in New Orleans' recovering tourism sector, while Thompson's digital focus might introduce features like AI-driven budgeting advice. Overall, these personnel changes signal Liberty Bank's resilience and forward-thinking approach, building on its legacy of serving underserved communities while adapting to modern banking challenges like cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

In the legal arena, Kean Miller, one of Louisiana's largest law firms with offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Lake Charles, has expanded its roster with several new attorneys and support staff. Known for its expertise in areas such as energy, environmental law, and corporate transactions, the firm continues to attract top talent to handle complex cases for clients in the oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. A standout addition is Attorney Emily Carter, who joins the firm's litigation practice group. Carter, a graduate of Tulane University Law School, previously clerked for a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana and brings specialized knowledge in maritime and admiralty law, crucial for the state's port-heavy economy. Her hiring is poised to strengthen Kean Miller's representation in disputes involving shipping, offshore operations, and insurance claims. Another notable hire is Robert Hayes, an associate in the corporate and transactional department. Hayes, with experience from a boutique firm in Houston, focuses on mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the energy sector. His background includes advising on multimillion-dollar deals amid the shift toward renewable energy sources. The firm also added paralegals and administrative staff to support its growing caseload. These moves come as Kean Miller navigates a post-COVID legal landscape marked by increased regulatory scrutiny and economic volatility. For example, Carter's expertise could prove invaluable in cases related to coastal erosion and environmental regulations, while Hayes might assist clients in navigating the Biden administration's infrastructure investments. Kean Miller's emphasis on diversity in hiring is evident, with several of the new team members coming from underrepresented backgrounds, aligning with the firm's commitment to inclusive practices. This expansion not only enhances the firm's capacity to serve its blue-chip clients but also contributes to Louisiana's legal ecosystem by mentoring young professionals and engaging in pro bono work.

These announcements collectively highlight a positive trend in Louisiana's professional landscape, where organizations are prioritizing talent acquisition to foster growth and innovation. At Mary Bird Perkins, the focus is on advancing cancer care through expert clinical hires; Liberty Bank is emphasizing financial empowerment and digital accessibility; and Kean Miller is fortifying its legal prowess in key industries. Such developments not only benefit the organizations involved but also ripple out to the broader community, supporting economic stability, health outcomes, and legal protections. As these new hires settle in, they are likely to drive meaningful progress, from life-saving medical advancements to equitable financial services and robust legal advocacy. In a state known for its resilience, these personnel shifts represent investments in a brighter, more capable future. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full NOLA.com Article at:
[ https://www.nola.com/news/business/new-hires-at-mary-bird-perkins-liberty-bank-kean-miller/article_b75803d0-192e-407c-8fbd-113fb88977f0.html ]