BOARD MEMBERS BIOGRAPHIES

 

 

 

David J. Garland - President

David Garland graduated from Warren Easton in 1962 and attended Tulane University from 1966 - 1971, receiving a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. David worked for the Boeing Company from 1968-1973 and was a design engineer on the Saturn V (Moon Rocket) Program. David formed and owned Engineering Dynamics, Inc. from 1973 - 2008. The company developed the SACS System of structural analysis programs that is used in 32 countries worldwide to design and analyze offshore oil producing structures. In 2009 David developed Garland Associates, LLC, a consulting engineering firm for the offshore oil structural design market.

 

Robert Delle - Vice President

Robert "Bobby" Delle is a 1966 Easton graduate. Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Loyola University in 1972. In 1990, Robert received his Masters from Loyola University. He received the Bernard Bassich Award (Most Outstanding Graduate in Education) and performed with the Loyola Symphonic Band. From 1977 to 2006, Robert worked in the St. Charles Parish Public School system as a Band Director, Assistant Principal and finally serving as Principal at New Sarpy Elementary for seven years.

 

Jeff Zapata - Secretary

Jeff Zapata is a Warren Easton graduate of 1966 and a founding member of the Easton Hall of Fame Committee. He is currently the Executive Police Liaison Officer for the Kenner Police Department and the City of Kenner. He formerly worked many years with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Jeff owns and operates Security One, a security management consulting and pre-employment screening company. A Warren Easton Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff was responsible for creating and implementing the current annual Hall of Fame Scholarship program and continues to be involved in the school today.

 

Brenda Kingston Christiansen - CPA

Brenda received her BS degree in Accounting from LSU in May, 1981. She has 30 years of accounting experience, including 20 years in public accounting and 10 years in the private business sector. She is currently working in various capacities as an office manager for a law firm and an accounting consultant to other companies. Brenda has volunteered in many different areas through her children's schools, as well as other charitable organizations. At St. Catherine of Siena School, she served as the President, Treasurer and Parliamentarian for the Women's Co-Op, was a Scout Leader and Treasurer for the Pack, was treasurer for the Gala and the school fair and served on many committees. For Jesuit High School, she was the chair for the Gift Baskets at the Christmas Bazaar, chaired an auction table and volunteered annually at the Spring Bazaar. For Mount Carmel High School, Brenda has co-chaired the Fall Fest for many years and was named an Honorary Alumnus in 2009. Brenda has also volunteered for Junior Achievement and chaired the Auction for the Harry Thompson Homeless Center. Brenda has been a board member for the Warren Easton Charter School for one year and is currently the Treasurer and Head of the Finance Committee.

 

DIRECTORS

 

Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald graduated from Warren Easton in 1954 and attended Tulane University. He worked for the Sherwyn Williams Paint Company in New Orleans for 39 years. Ron retired as a reserve officer from the N.O. Police Department with the rank of Captain. He also worked for the N.O. Recreation Department for 49 years. Ron is a member of the Easton Hall of Fame Committee and a member of the All-American Amateur Baseball Association.

 

David Napoleon

David Napoleon graduated from Easton in 1987. He attended the University of N.O. from 1987-1992, earning a B.A. in history. David graduated from Loyola University in 1997. He has a Doctorate of Jurisprudence; Vice President of the Student Bar Association; member of the St. Thomas Moore Society and Student Teacher and Advisor of the Street Law Program. David has worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish for one year; as the Assistant City Attorney assigned to Traffic and Municipal Court for three years, and is the Manager of the Napoleon Law Firm, LLC.

 

John Broussard

John Broussard attended Warren Easton from 1993 -1996. John was a committee member that helped earn Warren Easton a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon school in 1996. He attended the University of N.O. and Tulane University for Information Technology. John has worked for more than ten years in the Information Technology sectors. He presently oversees the complete technology operations for the W New Orleans and the W French Quarter Hotels. John has not only worked in technology but has also worked for the Cultural Ambassador's Office of New Orleans and previously has been licensed in insurances and personal finances.

 

David Benelli

David Benelli graduated from Warren Easton in 1969 and received a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from Tulane University in 1981. David also attended the Louisiana Peace Officers Standards & Training Instructor's School. David served in the United States Air Force from 1970 - 1974 as Security Police/Law Enforcement. As a Viet Nam Veteran, David was awarded the U.S.A.F. Commendation Medal. He worked for the N.O. Police Department from 1974 and retired as District Platoon Commander in 2007. He also worked for the Louisiana Spirit Hurricane Recovery Program from 2007-2010. He currently works as an Investigator for the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office. David is also a member of Easton's Hall of Fame.

 

Arthur Hardy - EX-OFFICIO

Arthur Hardy, class of 1965, served as Chairman of the Warren Easton Hall of Fame Committee from 1994-2011 and is a founding member of the Warren Easton Charter Foundation. He holds a BME degree from Loyola University. Arthur served as Fine Arts Department Chairman and band director of Brother Martin High School from 1974 - 1989; State President of the Louisiana Music Educators' Association from 1978 - 1980 and is a member of the LMEA Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Easton Hall of Fame. Arthur owns a successful publishing company that specializes in books and magazines about New Orleans. His national reputation as an expert on Mardi Gras has earned him a contractual position with WDSU television and WWL radio. Arthur has been the subject of numerous national print and television interviews and has appeared on the Today Show six times.

 

Sal Genovese - EX-OFFICIO

Sal Genovese is a graduate of the Warren Easton Class of 1969, distinguishing himself as the Senior Class President and Co-captain of the football team. Mr. Genovese is one of the founding members of the Warren Easton Charter Foundation and served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for 5 years. He is also one of the founding members of the Warren Easton Hall of Fame committee. Mr. Genovese received his B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. He has been employed by Stewart Enterprises, Inc., since 1977 and is currently the Payables Manager and Group Leader.

 

William "Billy" Hatchett III- EX-OFFICIO

Billy Hatchett, class of 1960, served as president of the Warren Easton Charter Foundation for its first five years. He was a founding member of the Warren Easton Hall of Fame Committee, served as chairman in its early years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. At Easton he was captain of the football team, earned All-State honors and was elected president of the senior class. After playing football at Tulane for two years, he transferred to LSUNO and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Hatchett is a state licensed home inspector, a registered wind mitigation surveyor and owns several inspection companies in New Orleans. Appointed by Governor Foster as a founding board member of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (LSBHI), he fulfilled a nine-year term and now serves as past-chairman. As a licensed pyro-technician he has been involved in many special events, including Super Bowls, World Cup Soccer, Olympic events and Presidential Conventions.