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
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.
Monika 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
Mary Bird Perkins
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.
Kodie Gaspard
Board Member
Percy Law
Kodie Gaspard is a Louisiana native originally from Ragley. She earned degrees in paralegal studies and history from McNeese State University before receiving her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Kodie now lives in Gonzales with her husband and daughter. She enjoys art, reading, spending time outdoors, and helping individuals, families, and local businesses navigate important legal matters with care and attention.
Samantha Vacarro
Board Member
CF Industries
Samantha is a Procurement Supervisor at CF Industries’ Donaldsonville complex, where she has worked since joining the company as a Procurement Intern in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Nicholls State University and brings strong financial, organizational, and problem-solving experience. A proud Ascension Parish resident of more than 20 years, Samantha and her husband, Seth, are raising their two children, Owen and Elise, in the community. Her family regularly participates in local parks and recreation programs, giving her a firsthand appreciation for the value of parks in bringing families together. Samantha has been involved with the CF Industries Employees’ Golf Tournament Committee since 2015, helping raise funds for nonprofit organizations. She is excited about the opportunity to support the Ascension Parks Foundation’s mission and help improve parks and programs for future generations.
Tia Starr
Board Member
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.
Jaycee Crawford
Board Member
Ascension Chamber of Commerce
Jaycee Gill Crawford is a Louisiana native originally from Boyce. She is a two-time graduate of LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, where she earned degrees in political and strategic communication. Her career has included communications, marketing, events, sales, and client relations across hospitality, higher education, government, nonprofit organizations, and sports. After working with Marriott International in Birmingham, Alabama, Jaycee returned to Louisiana and joined the PACE Center in Gonzales. She now serves the local business community through her work with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce.
Randy Crawford
Board Member
Crawford Photography
Randy Crawford is the owner of Crawford Photography LLC and has proudly served Ascension Parish since 2001. With more than 30 years of professional photography experience, he is passionate about capturing meaningful moments while building lasting relationships with the families, businesses, and organizations he serves. Randy believes in giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career and is actively involved in numerous local organizations, leadership programs, and community initiatives. Whether behind the camera or volunteering his time, he is committed to strengthening Ascension Parish and supporting the people who call it home.
