West Jefferson Hospital Foundation elects new Executive Leadership and announces new five board members

The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation has elected a new executive committee and 5 new members to serve on the Board of Directors. The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to raise philanthropic funds to help enhance patient care at West Jefferson Medical Center. The Board of Directors of the WJH Foundation are community-minded leaders who are passionate about the health of our community. Each director brings their own skills and resources to move the mission forward.

The new executive leadership for the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation includes:

Danica Ansardi (President) is the owner of the financial and investment firm, The Ansardi Group. Born and raised in Plaquemines Parish, Danica Ansardi has been working in the financial services industry for more than thirty years. In addition to the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation, Danica is also a member of The Rotary Club of Belle Chasse, Society of Financial Service Professionals - New Orleans Chapter, Republican Women of Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival and Plaquemines Association of Business & Industry. She also serves as Secretary on the board of the Westbank Business & Industry Association.

Lisa Ballay (Vice-President) is the Director of Surgical Practice Clinics at West Jefferson Medical Center. She has been part of the West Jefferson family for over 5 years, initially managing the Otolaryngology office for 4 years before transitioning to a director position overseeing the Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology and Urology clinics. Lisa is a native Texan where she graduated from Schreiner University with a degree in Nursing. She is a proud New Orleanian and lives in the CBD with her husband who grew up on the Westbank of New Orleans.

Kelly Cowthran (Secretary/Treasurer) is an accomplished and enthusiastic professional with more than 10 years of experience leading strategic marketing and communications. She currently serves as Senior Director of Marketing and Institutional Advancement of West Jefferson Medical Center, where she leads hospital-wide marketing initiatives that reflect the organization’s values, strategic goals and business strategies. When she isn't working, Kelly enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to different countries and volunteering for various charities and organizations.

Newly Elected Board members include:

• Arthur Allen, Jr. (Allen Accounting & Consulting, LLC)
• Russell “Rusty” Autry (Olive Branch Café)
• David Daniels II (Hills, Daniels & Associates)
• Teri Tucker (Citizens National Bank)
• Dan Kennedy (Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans)

To learn more about the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation and its mission to support the patients and staff at West Jefferson Medical Center please visit our website.