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Brian Warren, PhD

Assistant Professor, Southern University and A&M College

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Robert Twilley, PhD

Vice President of Research & Economic Development, LSU

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Andy Quick

Senior Industry Advisor, Noteworthy AI

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Stephanie Hartman

Director of Small Business Services, Louisiana Economic Development

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Angie Jones

Vice President of Engineering, AI Tools and Enablement, Block

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Edmund Giering

General Counsel, Baton Rouge Area Foundation

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Joey Coco

President & CEO, Forte & Tablada

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Danielle Brown

Global Head of Marketing, Google & YouTube

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Anita Byrne, Immediate Past Chair

Partner, SSA Consultants

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Padma Vatsavai, Vice Chair

CEO, Vinformatix

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Ross Reilly, Chair

Vice President of Business Development

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London Jackson

Marketing Manager

London Jackson is the Marketing Manager at Nexus Louisiana, where she supports brand and communications strategy and tells the story of Nexus and its role in Louisiana’s tech ecosystem. 

A Baton Rouge native, London brings over a decade of experience in marketing strategy, with a focus on leading multi-channel campaigns and combining storytelling with analytics. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a graduate degree from St. Edward’s University. 

At Nexus, her work includes amplifying the organization’s programs, founders, and partners, using data to guide strategy and measure impact. She’s passionate about marketing that is precise, useful, and grounded in real results. 

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Tony Zanders

president & ceo

Tony Zanders is a tech entrepreneur and innovation leader serving as President & CEO of Nexus Louisiana, where he is guiding a strategic transformation and relocation of the state’s leading innovation hub through 2030. He is also the Founder & CEO of Skilltype, Inc., a B2B SaaS platform used by hundreds of institutions worldwide to manage workforce development with data-driven insights.

With two decades of experience at the intersection of technology, higher education, and economic development, Tony is passionate about building talent pipelines, advancing digital skills, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs in Louisiana and beyond.

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NaTisha Natt

Director of external relations

Na'Tisha is passionate about advancing entrepreneurship and helping communities thrive. As the Director of Marketing and Engagement she develops comprehensive marketing strategies to drive growth for Nexus Louisiana while creating collaborative relationships with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community officials. Before joining NexusLA, Na’Tisha was the director of public affairs for Louisiana Housing Corporation, the state’s housing agency dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions for Louisiana residents, and the director of marketing and communications for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center – State Office. A native of Monroe, La., she holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in marketing and mass communication from Southern University and A&M College and received executive training at the University of Notre Dame. She is a 2020 Leadership Baton Rouge alumna, was named a Northeast Louisiana Top 40 Under 40 Young Professional and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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Kyle Finke

Chief Administrative Officer

Kyle is Nexus Louisiana's Chief Administrative Officer, bringing extensive executive management and operations experience to the organization. Previously, Kyle was Executive Director and CEO of the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators, where he led the transition from in-person to fully online statewide training and oversaw program redevelopment and fundraising.

A native of Missouri, Kyle came to Louisiana in 2004 after meeting his future wife, Heather on a plane. Together they’ve raised three kids and led several non-profit and educational organizations dedicated to improving key outcomes in Louisiana.

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Kendrick Alridge

Director of Founder & Ecosystem Development

Kendrick Alridge is a startup ecosystem and venture development leader with deep experience supporting founders, building partnerships, and strengthening regional innovation economies. He currently serves as Director of Founder and Ecosystem Development at Nexus Louisiana, where he leads programs, strategic partnerships, and founder support initiatives designed to help high-potential startups become venture-ready and scale.

Previously, Kendrick held leadership roles at Greentown Labs Houston and Capital Factory, where he worked closely with early-stage founders, investors, and corporate partners across software, climate, energy, and emerging technology sectors. His work has focused on designing founder-centric programming, expanding access to capital, and cultivating strong entrepreneurial communities.

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Igniting Louisiana’s Potential

We empower Louisianans to turn real problems into powerful solutions. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, Nexus builds pathways for progress across every community in the state.

We build more than startups

At Nexus, we believe technology is a tool for transformation — not just profit. Our programs are designed to help founders develop solutions that serve Louisiana’s people, industries, and future.

Purpose before profit

Purpose before profit

Purpose before profit

Nexus exists to strengthen communities and create lasting impact, putting people and purpose at the center of every decision. Profit is not the goal; it’s the byproduct of doing meaningful work that serves others well.

Beyond incubation

Beyond incubation

Beyond incubation

Nexus is more than an incubator. Through programs, capital access, partnerships, and hands-on support, we help builders turn momentum into long-term success.

International reach, local roots

International reach, local roots

International reach, local roots

Access world-class entrepreneurs and industry leaders who understand Louisiana's unique ecosystem.

Leadership & Team

Meet the people guiding Louisiana’s next era of progress.

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Tony Zanders

president & ceo

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Kyle Finke

Chief Administrative Officer

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NaTisha Natt

Director of external relations

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Kendrick Alridge

Director of Founder & Ecosystem Development

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London Jackson

Marketing Manager

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Our Board

Strategic minds driving progress across Louisiana’s growing tech landscape.

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Ross Reilly, Chair

Vice President of Business Development

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Padma Vatsavai, Vice Chair

CEO, Vinformatix

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Anita Byrne, Immediate Past Chair

Partner, SSA Consultants

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Danielle Brown

Global Head of Marketing, Google & YouTube

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Learn More

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Joey Coco

President & CEO, Forte & Tablada

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Learn More

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Edmund Giering

General Counsel, Baton Rouge Area Foundation

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Learn More

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Angie Jones

Vice President of Engineering, AI Tools and Enablement, Block

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Learn More

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Stephanie Hartman

Director of Small Business Services, Louisiana Economic Development

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Learn More

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Andy Quick

Senior Industry Advisor, Noteworthy AI

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Learn More

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Robert Twilley, PhD

Vice President of Research & Economic Development, LSU

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Learn More

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Brian Warren, PhD

Assistant Professor, Southern University and A&M College

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The Nexus Impact

Behind every number is a story of progress. Nexus tracks growth not just in dollars or data, but in the ideas, people, and solutions reshaping Louisiana’s most critical sectors.

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Engaged Engineers

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Network of engineers interested in solving critical challenges

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Startups

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Founders working with Nexus to build tech solutions

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Prototypes Developed

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Projects addressing statewide challenges across health, education, and infrastructure

Trusted by Louisiana’s leading changemakers

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Our innovation campus

A purpose-built environment where founders connect ideas to outcomes. Every detail is designed to accelerate meaningful work for Louisiana’s future.

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Collaborative workspaces

Collaborative workspaces

Flexible, tech-enabled environments built for both heads-down problem-solving and spontaneous collaboration — adapting to each founder’s pace and process.

Steve Jobs

Apple Inc.

Private Offices

Private Offices

Dedicated office space for founders who need focus and privacy without losing connection to the broader innovation community. Work independently while staying plugged into the people, ideas, and opportunities.

Steve Jobs

Apple Inc.

Community commons

Community commons

A shared gathering space for cross-disciplinary exchange where ideas, partners, and progress converge.

Inside Louisiana’s Technology

Stories and insights from the founders and partners shaping the state’s tech future.

Champions of the DevDays HealthTech Challenge, Yukta Karki, SianRose Vincent, and Nirjara KC, pictured with their faculty advisor Prasanthi Sreekumari, awarded $5,000 prize.

Healthcare

All-Female Team Wins DevDays HealthTech Challenge

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Tony Zanders, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana, speaking at a professional event.

Other

Nexus Louisiana Announces Tony Zanders as New President & CEO

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A gold circular emblem with a trophy icon and laurel leaves on a dark background.

Education

Nexus Louisiana Announces the Finalists of the Technology Cup

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