Nominations Open for Board of Directors
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) is seeking nominations of Louisiana residents interested in preserving Louisiana heritage, telling Louisiana stories, and advancing educational outcomes for its statewide Board of Directors.
The LEH maintains a singular presence throughout Louisiana as the only private nonprofit dedicated to making an impact in the cultural and education sectors in all 64 Louisiana parishes. Its mission is to partner with communities, institutions and individuals to explore Louisiana’s past, reflect on the present and imagine the future.
Working with federal, state and local partners, LEH’s initiatives improve educational outcomes and preserve the state’s cultural traditions. Founded in 1971, the organization has established a strong reputation with corporations and foundations and is trusted to deliver responsive, sustainable programs for and with Louisianans, such as the now-franchised Prime Time series of family reading programs and 64 Parishes magazine and its accompanying online encyclopedia that provides reliable, accessible Louisiana social studies resources to K-12 students and their teachers.
Explore the website to learn more about LEH’s work.
In support of that work, the LEH is happy to welcome John Kay, of Baton Rouge, to the LEH Board of Directors.
Kay is the founder and owner of Neutral Ground Solutions, a Louisiana-based government affairs and strategic consulting firm, and previously served in Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration, where
he worked on public policy and stakeholder engagement across the state. Throughout his career, he has worked with communities, businesses, nonprofits and public officials to address challenges and strengthen Louisiana’s future. Kay’s volunteer work includes numerous political campaigns, disaster relief efforts, serving organizations connected to LSU Shreveport and actively participating in the ministries and outreach programs of Jefferson Baptist Church.
“These experiences have reinforced my appreciation for Louisiana’s rich history, unique culture and the stories that connect our communities,” he said. “I am drawn to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, because of its commitment to preserving and sharing those stories through education, literacy, public programming and cultural engagement. As both a lifelong Louisianan and a professional dedicated to the state’s success, I welcome the opportunity to help advance the LEH’s mission and expand its impact for future generations.”
The LEH board is statewide, and members are residents of Louisiana. Members represent the cultural, academic, philanthropic and business communities. Board membership is voluntary, and members typically serve three-year terms with the option to renew twice. Members attend four full board meetings per year, participate with sub-committees to support short- and long-term organizational goal attainment and aid in the cultivation of relationships that support organizational advocacy, fundraising and program/initiative success.
As a statewide organization with a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives, we welcome all qualified candidates.
Self-nominations are not permitted. Nominations must be made by submitting the following:
- a one-paragraph nomination statement on the nominee’s appropriateness for the LEH board
- the nominee’s résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- an interest statement from the nominee
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. All nomination documents must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, in order to be considered.
- Documents submitted via email should be sent to Shantrell Austin, austin@leh.org, with the subject line “LEH Board Nomination-(Nominee’s Last Name)”
- Documents submitted via U.S. Mail should be addressed to “LEH Board Nomination Committee” and sent to 938 Lafayette St., Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70113
The LEH Nominating Committee will review nominations. Selections will be made based on alignment of nominee experience, credentials and interests with the LEH’s current five-year strategic plan and goals. Please email Shantrell Austin, LEH chief of staff, at austin@leh.org with questions.