Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lady Fontenette Brown

Baton Rouge,LA

Summary

Accomplished event producer, legislator, and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in orchestrating large-scale events, policy development, and community programs. Proven track record in executing arena-scale concerts, corporate events, and cultural festivals while enhancing civic engagement and forging partnerships that empower communities. Expertise in grants management, legislative resolutions, public health initiatives, and team leadership, supported by a strong foundation in digital marketing, fundraising, and project management. Committed to driving impactful initiatives that foster collaboration and inspire positive change across diverse populations.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Founder

Small Town Arts & Festival Foundation (Division of The Chief Lady & Co)
01.2021 - Current
  • Produced annual festivals and cultural programs, drawing 3,500+ attendees and generating $3,000 per local vendor in revenue.
  • Increased sponsorships from $15,000 to $35,000 in one year for the International French Bread Festival.
  • Acted as liaison for Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District, securing $6,500 in state grants for community cleanup initiatives.
  • Boosted community engagement by 40% through targeted outreach, creative campaigns, and collaborations with local artists and organizations.

District 12 Councilwoman

Iberia Parish Government
01.2020 - Current
  • - Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, leading initiatives in emergency management, community health, and wellness.
  • - Draft, review, and vote on resolutions, ordinances, and budgets impacting infrastructure, public health, and quality of life.
  • - Apply Roberts Rules of Order to conduct structured, effective council meetings.
  • - Secure and manage grants and funding for community programs.
  • - Foster collaborations with state and federal partners to expand services.
  • - Promote civic engagement through town halls, hearings, and voter-access initiatives.
  • - Advocate for mental health services and cultural enrichment programs.

Mental Health Advocate

BeeThe1 To Help Someone
04.2018 - Current
  • Organized the 5K Walkathon Virtual Fundraiser, engaging participants nationwide and raising funds to expand access to mental health resources.
  • Coordinated Mental Health First Aid Training for community members, equipping participants with tools to recognize and respond to mental health crises.
  • Launched the “Grandparents Raising Awesome Grandkids” Back-to-School Drive, supplying 500+ essential school items annually to low-income, custodial grandparents and their grandchildren.
  • Directed public relations and advocacy campaigns, amplifying awareness of suicide prevention, mental wellness, and intergenerational support.
  • Built partnerships and community outreach strategies, increasing engagement and broadening the reach of mental health and family-focused initiatives.
  • Distributed mental health awareness literature to 10+ local schools, reaching thousands of students with resources on emotional well-being and suicide prevention.

Founder & Executive Producer | Independent Event Manager

The Chief Lady & Co
10.2008 - Current
  • - Lead arena-scale concerts, cultural festivals, and corporate events for audiences from hundreds to tens of thousands.
  • - Design and manage corporate events for clients in logistics, waste management, and other industries.
  • - Oversee budgets from $50K to $350K while maximizing efficiency and quality.
  • - Implement marketing strategies and registration analytics that increase attendance and engagement.
  • - Direct virtual and hybrid events, expanding participation and fundraising outcomes.
  • - Manage and train teams of staff and volunteers, improving efficiency and event execution.

Director of Administration & PR

GameTyme Foundation
01.2010 - 01.2018
  • Organized 4 annual Community Giveaways across the U.S. in partnership with NBA teams, distributing everyday essentials to underserved families and assisting up to 1,000 individuals per event.
  • Managed event operations, budgets, and donor relations, contributing to 20% year-over-year organizational growth.
  • Oversaw resolutions and internal policies, ensuring compliance and alignment with long-term strategic goals.
  • Increased media visibility and social media engagement by 50%, significantly boosting program awareness and donor support.
  • Supervised 25+ staff and volunteers, reducing turnover by 15% and improving overall team performance.
  • Planned and executed youth-focused programs and events, positively impacting 2,000+ children and families annually.

Fundraising Coordinator, Acadiana Region

MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Exceeded an annual fundraising goal of $200,000 by executing strategic campaigns and cultivating a strong donor portfolio across Southwest Louisiana (Morgan City to Lake Charles).
  • Expanded recurring donor base by 25%, strengthening long-term revenue stability and donor retention.
  • Planned and executed major fundraising events including Muscle Walk, Team Momentum, and Fill the Boot campaigns, raising six-figure contributions annually.
  • Secured $40K+ in new sponsorships and corporate gifts, increasing year-over-year revenue by 30%.
  • Strengthened community engagement through outreach and partnerships, resulting in 20% higher donor retention and increased volunteer participation.
  • Managed donor relations, reporting, and compliance systems to ensure accuracy, transparency, and strategic alignment.
  • Supervised and trained volunteer teams, improving event execution and reducing turnover.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication, Public Relations

Southern University A&M College
Baton Rouge

Community Health Care Worker

Delgado Community College
New Orleans

Skills

  • Event Production & Concert Management
  • Corporate & Community Event Planning
  • Policy Development, Resolutions & Legislative Relations
  • Roberts Rules of Order & Parliamentary Procedure
  • Grants & Funding Strategy
  • Social Media & Digital Marketing
  • Sponsorship Development & Fundraising
  • Project Management & Team Leadership
  • Public Relations & Media Campaigns
  • Budget Oversight & Contract Negotiation

Accomplishments

  • Iberia Parish 20 Under 40 Award – Recognized for leadership and community impact.
  • Rho Omicron Foundation & Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 2025 Humanitarian Award – Honored for dedication to service and community uplift.
  • President, Louisiana Police Jury Association Black Caucus – Elected leader advancing initiatives for Black representation and community advocacy.

Certification

  • Certified Special Events Professional (ILEA)
  • Google Ads for Beginners (Coursera Project Network)
  • Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing (Google)
  • Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce (Google)
  • Fundraising and Development Foundations (University of California, Davis)
  • Introduction to Project Management (Coursera Project Network)
  • Negotiation Fundamentals (ESSEC Business School)
  • Sales and CRM Overview (Salesforce, Pathstream)

Timeline

Founder

Small Town Arts & Festival Foundation (Division of The Chief Lady & Co)
01.2021 - Current

District 12 Councilwoman

Iberia Parish Government
01.2020 - Current

Mental Health Advocate

BeeThe1 To Help Someone
04.2018 - Current

Director of Administration & PR

GameTyme Foundation
01.2010 - 01.2018

Founder & Executive Producer | Independent Event Manager

The Chief Lady & Co
10.2008 - Current

Fundraising Coordinator, Acadiana Region

MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
01.2007 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication, Public Relations

Southern University A&M College

Community Health Care Worker

Delgado Community College