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

Pictured: Sam Varela, Wynonia Lazaro, Robin Thibodeaux, and Kathyrn Jenkins (not pictured Mayor Belinda Constant

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:

Lisa Ballay (President) is the Senior Director of Surgical Practice Clinics at West Jefferson Medical Center. She has been part of the West Jefferson family for 8 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.

Teri Tucker (Vice-President) is the Vice President/Business Banking Officer for Citizens National Bank. She has been in banking for 44 years and loves helping others with their financial needs and developing new relationships. Teri serves on several Boards. She is currently the President of Gretna Economic Development Association (GEDA), Co-Chair on the Government and Environmental Committee of the Westbank Business & Industries Association (WBIA), and on the Board of Commissioners for Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO).

Teri has lived on the Westbank all her life. She enjoys the outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying the newest addition to her family, her first granddaughter, Charlotte Rae.

Russell "Rusty" Autry (Secretary/Treasurer) is the founder/owner of The Olive Branch Cafe. Rusty has guided his restaurant's success for over 26 years and now operates 2 locations in Marrero and Algiers. Rusty is a native Westbanker. He graduated from John Ehret High School and the University of New Orleans with a degree in Political Science. He sits on several advisory boards and is active in his church. He and his wife of 26 years raised three children and enjoy spending time together as a family. His commitment to his community is unwavering. Rusty's slogan is Westbank Born - Raised - Proud.

Newly Elected Board members include:

Mayor Belinda Constant (City of Gretna)

Kathryn Jenkins (Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans)

Wynonia Lazaro (Broad Base Service & Rentals, LLC)

Robin Thibodeaux (Clipper Magazine)

Sam Varela (West Jefferson Medical Center)

To learn more about the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation and its mission to support the patients and staff at West Jefferson Medical Center visit wjmc.org/foundation