OUR BOARD

WHO WE ARE

The Ascension Parks Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors of Ascension Parish. As the fundraising and advocacy arm for parks and recreation in Ascension Parish, the Foundation strives to support and expand access to parks and recreational facilities that promote a healthy, active, and connected community. Formed by a passionate group of local leaders, the Foundation works to create more opportunities for children and families to enjoy safe and welcoming outdoor spaces. Through capital projects, community events, and collaborative initiatives, the Ascension Parks Foundation is investing in the future of the parish—building a stronger, more vibrant community where residents can come together, explore, and thrive.

"My goal in creating the Ascension Parks Foundation is to help our Parish grow as a community, bring families together, and promote healthier lifestyles."

Tia Starr, President

Get to Know Our Board

Nick Schexnayder

Interim President

McKim & Creed

Nick Schexnayder lives in Gonzales with his wife and high school sweetheart, Emily. As a licensed civil engineer at McKim & Creed, he specializes in flood control projects. A lifelong sports and outdoors enthusiast, he enjoys spending time playing pickleball, watching football, and exploring national parks through hiking, backpacking, and camping. His passion for the outdoors and community parks drove him to partner the Ascension Parks Foundation, where he started by building the organization’s website. With a talent for project advocacy, scope development, and creative marketing, he actively promotes accessible recreation and strengthens community connections.

Branden Bennett

Vice President

Methanex

Branden Bennett is the Global Health, Safety, and Security Advisor at Methanex Geismar. A lifelong resident of Ascension Parish, Branden has been involved in local recreation since the age of 16, with his first project being the Prairieville skatepark. As a dedicated husband and father of two, he is passionate about enhancing parks and promoting health and wellness opportunities across the Parish.

Chase Ruiz

Treasurer

Hannis T. Bourgeois

Chase is a CPA and Associate Partner at Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLC, specializing in tax compliance and consulting services. With 13 years of experience, he collaborates closely with clients and their accounting teams to ensure seamless integration and timely results. A lifelong resident of Ascension Parish, Chase currently lives in Prairieville with his wife, Katie, and their two children, Lucas and Clare. He is dedicated to both professional and civic involvement, supporting multiple organizations across the community.

Brian Henderson

Board Member

Hancock Whitney

Brian has been with Hancock Whitney for 13 years and currently serves as Vice President in Commercial Banking, supporting Ascension Parish. He is deeply committed to community involvement and actively supports the Ascension Parks Foundation’s mission to make a positive impact on the parish—aligning with Hancock Whitney's dedication to enriching the communities it serves. Brian lives on a family farm in Covington with his husband and their 17 animals, including horses, pigs, dogs, and barn cats.

Monica Arnold

Board Member

REV

Monika G. Arnold is a proud Prairieville, Louisiana resident, where she lives with her husband, child, and dog. As Manager of Community Relations and Business Development at REV, she works to improve the community through her company's philanthropic efforts and volunteers with various organizations in the Ascension area and beyond. A member of the 2021 Leadership Ascension cohort, Monika and her team, "The Prairie Dogs," led the creation of the Prairieville dog park. With a passion for parks, she joined the Ascension Parks Foundation, helping enhance local parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Kimneye Cox

Board Member

Retired APSB

Kimneye Cox recently retired as the Director of Business Services for the Ascension Parish School Board after a distinguished 22-year accounting career. Born and raised in Gonzales, she graduated from East Ascension High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from LSU, followed by an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Kimneye plans to use her retirement to create new memories with her two nieces and give back to the community she’s always called home. Her expertise includes cash management, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Wes Meador

Board Member

LWCC

Wes Meador is a Prairieville resident and the Facility Manager for Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation (LWCC). A proud husband and father of two, Wes is passionate about community involvement and making a lasting impact. As a member of the Ascension Parks and Recreation Foundation board, Wes brings his professional expertise and passion for public service to support the foundation’s mission of enhancing recreational spaces. A lifelong adventurer and 4 time American Ninja Warrior competitor, Wes strives to promote health, wellness, and community engagement throughout the region.

Falcoln Mire

Board Member

Percy Law

Falcon J. Mire is a Donaldsonville native and an attorney at Percy Law. A graduate of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Falcon previously served at the 23rd District Attorney’s Office, where he gained extensive courtroom experience across various state cases. His passion for helping people through the criminal court process is deeply rooted in his commitment to his community in Ascension Parish. Falcon also serves on the West Ascension Parish Hospital Service District Board. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and cheering on the Saints.

Tia Starr

Advisory Council

Ochsner Health

Tia Starr is a Prairieville, LA resident and the Director of Clinic Operations–Surgical Services at Ochsner. A proud mother of three, she is passionate about giving back to her community. As a member of the 2021 Leadership Ascension cohort, she helped build Prairieville’s first dog park. Her dedication to the community led to the creation of the Ascension Parks Foundation, where she aims to promote family togetherness and healthier lifestyles across the Parish.