At Investar Bank, the Board of Directors sets high standards for the Bank’s employees, officers and directors. Implicit in this philosophy is the importance of sound corporate governance. Our Board is made up of executives with decades of experience from wide-ranging backgrounds.
Ms. Middleton is the Chief Financial Officer of Credit One, LLC, a debt buying and collection company based in Metairie, LA. She has held such position since April 1999. As a chief financial officer, Ms. Middleton is able to use her understanding of financial and accounting matters to help us shape our business plans. Also, her knowledge of the New Orleans area allows her to provide insight regarding our growth plans in this market.
Dr. Nelson is a board-certified gastroenterologist and is currently a partner with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. From 1997 to 2018, he worked as a practicing partner with Gastroenterology Associates, a medical practice in Baton Rouge, LA. In addition to the different perspective on our banking operations that Dr. Nelson’s background as a physician provides, his experience as a successful business owner for 11 years allows him to provide insight and understanding of our customers' needs.
Since 1999, Mr. Baker has been the President and CEO of TOPCOR Companies, LLC, a consolidated group of 12 specialty contracting firms servicing the infrastructure and industrial markets, with offices across the Gulf South. Through his business activities, Mr. Baker brings a strong sense of the business conditions in our market that is valuable to the board. He also understands the capital needs and other challenges that many of our business customers face. His insights help us tailor our products and services for business owners.
For over 20 years, Mr. Boyce has owned several convenience stores and three consumer loan and sub-prime auto lending companies in Ascension Parish, LA. In 2021, he combined these three finance companies into one company, Preferred Loans, LLC. Consumer loans comprise a portion of our lending activities; therefore, his ownership of these companies allows him to provide sound advice in this area. Mr. Boyce’s knowledge of Ascension helps us shape our policies for suburban areas of our markets.
Mr. D’Angelo has been the President and CEO of the Bank since founding it in 2006. For nine years prior, he was President and Director of Aegis Lending Corporation with lending operations in 46 states and D.C. Prior to that Mr. D’Angelo managed the private banking, small business banking, construction lending, brokerage and trust areas of Hibernia National Bank (now Capital One) for more than six years in the Baton Rouge, LA market. Mr. D’Angelo has a detailed understanding of our history, current operations and future plans and strategies.
Ms. Fontenot is a resident of Lafayette, LA and has served as President and CEO of Southwest Fidelity Corporation since 2001. Southwest Fidelity Corporation is the holding company for 10 finance companies located in the Acadiana, LA region and a full-service independent insurance agency, which also manages real estate and rental properties. She is involved in numerous civic and non-profit organizations. Ms. Fontenot’s extensive experience in the Acadiana business community, and her significant contacts within the community, qualify her to serve on our board.
Mr. Hidalgo is the owner and managing member of Halimar Shipyard, LLC, a shipyard management company in Morgan City, LA, and is an active marine consulting engineer. From May 1994 to Oct. 2001, he has served as President and CEO of Conrad Industries, Inc. in Morgan City. As a business owner, Mr. Hidalgo is able to add a borrower’s perspective to board discussions. His significant experience owning and operating companies enables him to help the board efficiently manage the Bank’s growth.
Ms. Hudson is the President and CEO of Louisiana Lottery Corporation. In addition to her industry leadership, Hudson benefits her community through service on the boards of Woman’s Hospital and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge as well as being a board member emeritus of Mary Bird Perkins Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, and chair of the Center’s foundation board of directors. Hudson’s background as a businesswoman, leadership experience, and extensive involvement in the local community qualify her to serve on our board.
Mr. Joffrion has worked as a licensed general contractor since 1979. Since 2006, he has served as the General Manager of Joffrion Construction, Inc., a commercial and residential construction business in Baton Rouge, LA. Mr. Joffrion’s long-standing business and personal relationships in the Baton Rouge area, as well as his strong sense of the business conditions in Baton Rouge, qualify him to serve on the board.
Mr. Jordan, a resident of New Iberia, LA, has served as Managing Member of Vermillion Business Group since 1989. His Group develops properties for Fortune 500 companies, and also develops gated and non-gated subdivisions and industrial parks. Mr. Jordan is also involved in numerous civic and non-profit organizations in the Lafayette, LA region. Mr. Jordan’s extensive experience in the Lafayette business community, and his significant contacts within the community qualify him to serve on our board.
Mr. Lukinovich is a board-certified tax attorney and a board-certified estate planning and administration attorney with over 30 years of practice experience. He has served as CEO of his law firm, Lukinovich, APLC, since 1995. His extensive knowledge of tax matters provides the board with valuable insight regarding the tax implications of our strategies. His legal practice gives him insight regarding the issues that are important to our customers.
Mr. Melara is the President and CEO of Melara Enterprises which publishes the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, 225 Magazine, inRegister Magazine, Daily Report online news, and other specialty publications. He is the Founder of Business Report’s Executive Leadership Academy-an exclusive program for advancing professionals, small business owners and entrepreneurs. Melara’s background as a businessman and extensive involvement in the community qualify him to serve on our board.
Mr. Walker has been the Chief Financial Officer of JP Oil Holdings, LLC, which is headquartered in Lafayette, LA, since 1996. It is an oil and gas exploration and production company operating active wells across several states. In addition to his understanding of financial matters resulting from his business experience, Mr. Walker’s knowledge and contacts in Lafayette help us to develop our strategies to further expand our presence in this area.
Dr. Yegge is a board-certified nephrologist at the Renal Associates of Baton Rouge, LLC. He has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 2002. Dr. Yegge’s background as a physician and relationships in the local community offer a unique perspective on our banking operations with regard to understanding how we can better serve our customers’ needs.
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