Brenna Benson Lamb
Chief operating officer, baton rouge area foundation
Brenna Benson Lamb currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation where she leads strategy and operations for the organization. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of New Schools for Baton Rouge for seven years. In addition to managing the day-to-day operation of the organization, she was also the chief architect of the >$70M Excellence Fund to launch and support excellent schools of choice. Brenna began her career in education with Teach for America in New Orleans. She has served in a variety of capacities and leadership roles across the education sector. As Chief Information Officer for KIPP New Orleans Schools, Brenna led the organization’s data and technology teams, financial planning process, and strategic initiatives. Brenna has also worked as an independent consultant, helping shape portfolio strategies for major urban school districts on the East Coast, as well as providing support on organizational health and operational effectiveness to large state agencies. Brenna previously worked at McKinsey & Company, specializing in strategy and operations. Brenna received her undergraduate degree, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude from Duke University and her MBA from Tulane University. Her husband, Jared Lamb, is the principal at BASIS Materra. Together, they have three high-spirited children -- Ethan (9), Olivia (6), and Evelyn (4) -- and one very patient dog.
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE CPEX BOARD?
I joined the CPEX board because I deeply believe in their mission to create better communities through thoughtful planning and design. As someone dedicated to advancing opportunities and quality of life in Baton Rouge and beyond, I see CPEX as an ideal partner in driving meaningful, long-term change. Their collaborative approach aligns with my values, and I’m honored to contribute to their impactful work.
WHY IS THE WORK THAT CPEX DOES SO IMPORTANT?
CPEX’s work is critical because it bridges the gap between vision and action in shaping communities. They bring together stakeholders—government, businesses, and residents—to develop plans that are not only sustainable but also equitable and inclusive. In a rapidly changing world, having a guiding force like CPEX ensures that growth happens in a way that benefits everyone, preserves our unique character, and prepares us for the future.
WHAT CPEX PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m especially proud of CPEX's work in advancing our State's alternative energy priorities. This work highlights how innovative planning and collaboration can drive sustainable solutions while fostering economic growth. By advancing alternative energy initiatives, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also positioning Louisiana as a leader in the energy transition.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN YOUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
In the next five years, I’d like to see more progress in areas like early childhood education, affordable housing, and public transportation. I’d also love for Baton Rouge to become a model for how mid-sized cities can innovate in urban design, environmental resilience, and inclusivity. Above all, I hope for a community where everyone feels they have a voice and a stake in our shared future.
Landon Hester
Communications Lead
Landon joined CPEX in 2021 as the Communications Manager to lead in creating and distributing multimedia content that elevates CPEX’s values and expertise and advances its mission. He firmly believes that effective communication can lead to meaningful change.
Before starting with CPEX, Landon served as the Communications Coordinator for the Baton Rouge Bar Association. He has a background in non-profit communications and earned a master’s degree in Strategic Communications and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Louisiana State University.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Landon has a deep rooted love for its people and culture and is passionate about making it better. He is married and has two adorable pups, Gus and Rue. His hobbies include spending time with his family, community activism, and anything involving animals or the arts. Landon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Animals Alliance and the Baton Rouge Gallery.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CPEX?
I have been with CPEX for three and a half years.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB FIT INTO THE CPEX MISSION?
Working collaboratively across our organization, I develop communications strategies that amplify the impact of the plans and projects we undertake. Through my work, I help bridge the gap between complex planning concepts and the communities they’re designed to empower, transforming technical ideas into relatable, actionable stories and materials that inspire action and help create a shared vision for Louisiana’s future.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?
My job is all about developing and executing a cohesive communications strategy that amplifies CPEX’s work and mission. I collaborate with our team to ensure our messaging aligns with our goals and highlights the impact of our projects. From creating engaging content and building media relationships to refining our narrative and developing collateral, my work ensures that CPEX’s voice is clear, consistent, and impactful.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
What I love most about my job is being in the communities we serve and seeing how our work inspires positive change across the state. Whether it’s a small town revitalizing its main street or a city adopting resilience measures, being able to witness the tangible impact of our efforts reminds me why this work is so important.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR?
The best career lesson I’ve learned is finding the balance between being ambitious and not being too hard on yourself. It’s important to push yourself, but also recognize that mistakes are part of the journey. Rather than dwelling on missteps, I’ve learned to embrace them as opportunities for learning and growth.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING?
When I am not working, I love being active in the community. I serve on the boards of the Baton Rouge Gallery and Friends of the Animals, where I get to champion the arts and advocate for animals—two things I’m most passionate about. When I’m not busy with work or board meetings, you can find me cheering on the LSU Tigers, spending time with family, or traveling with friends.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR WHAT PLANNING CAN ACCOMPLISH IN LOUISIANA?
I believe planning has the power to help Louisiana realize its full potential. It's easy to love this state, but it’s no secret that living here often comes with challenges. My vision for planning in Louisiana is to transform these challenges into opportunities. It can guide us toward creating communities that are walkable, vibrant, and full of life—places where people feel genuinely excited to live.
Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap is a strategic planning effort designed to ensure that our state and our communities are able to make informed decisions and share in the potential benefits as this industry develops. This project is about planning for the future—figuring out how to attract businesses, create good local jobs, and protect our environment as we expand renewable energy. With input from experts and local voices, the Roadmap will help Louisiana take full advantage of this opportunity while ensuring the benefits are shared across communities.
PROJECT GOAL:
The Roadmap’s goal is to create a clear plan for bringing offshore wind to Louisiana in a way that works for everyone. By involving communities, businesses, and environmental groups, the project ensures that offshore wind development is not just about building turbines but also about strengthening Louisiana’s economy and protecting its unique natural resources.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT SO IMPORTANT?
Offshore wind energy is a big opportunity for Louisiana. It means clean energy, more jobs, and a stronger economy. But without proper planning, the benefits might not reach the people and places that need them most. This project ensures that offshore wind development is done thoughtfully and with input from the people it affects.
WHAT IS CPEX’S FAVORITE PART OF THIS PROJECT?
CPEX loves bringing people together to plan for Louisiana’s future. Facilitating public meetings, workshops, and further discussions in 2025 will give communities a voice in shaping this major initiative. It’s exciting to see how planning can connect big ideas—like offshore wind—to the everyday lives of Louisianans.
WHAT HAS CPEX LEARNED WHILE WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
We’ve learned that a project like this isn’t just about technology or energy; it’s about people. Careful planning is essential to make sure offshore wind benefits everyone, from local workers to families living along the coast. By listening to communities and balancing different needs, Louisiana can make this a win for the state and its people.