Board of Directors

Suzanne O. Middleton

Chair

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.

Andrew “Andy” C. Nelson, M.D.

Vice Chair

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.

John J. D’Angelo

Founder

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.

Anita M. Fontenot

Ms. Fontenot is a Lafayette, Louisiana, resident and has been president of Southwest Fidelity Corporation since 2001. Southwest Fidelity Corporation is the holding company for nine finance companies located in Louisiana's Acadiana region and a full-service independent insurance agency that manages real estate, rental properties, and other investments. She is also involved in numerous civic and non-profit associations in the Acadiana area. Ms. Fontenot's extensive experience in the business community and her significant contacts qualify her to serve on our board.

William H. Hidalgo, Sr.

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.

Rose J. Hudson

Ms. Hudson is the President and CEO of Louisiana Lottery Corporation and has served in that capacity since 2006. Ms. Hudson has served as a director of the Bank since October 2020. Ms. Hudson has been active in service to the Baton Rouge community for many years. She is currently chair of the Woman’s Hospital Foundation board of directors and immediate past chair of the board of directors of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation. Ms. Hudson’s leadership experience, business and management experience, and extensive involvement in the local community qualify her to serve on our board.

Gordon “Don” H. Joffrion, III

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.

Robert “Chris” Jordan

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.

Julio A. Melara

Mr. Melara is the President and CEO of Melara Enterprises, LLC which publishes the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, 225 Magazine, inRegister Magazine, Daily Report online news, 1012 Industry Report, and other specialty publications. He is also the President and CEO of StudioE, a content, communications, and creative studio. He serves and has served on numerous Boards of Directors, including the National Alliance of Area Business Publishers, Tiger Athletic Foundation, and Joe Burrow Foundation. Mr. Melara's background as a businessman and extensive involvement in the local community qualify him to serve on our board. Mr. Melara currently serves as our audit committee financial expert.

Frank L. Walker

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.

James "Jim" E. Yegge, M.D.

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.