NEW ORLEANS — The Emeril Lagasse Foundation is proud to announce that Antonia Keller has been named vice president. In this role, she will expand her reach as she continues leading event fundraising and the Foundation’s expanding programs in efforts to provide opportunities for youth to reach their fullest potential.
Recently named a New Orleans Magazine Top Female Achiever, Keller previously served as director of operations and lead the development and implementation of a number of strategic initiatives aimed at furthering the organization’s impact locally and nationally.
With more than 17 years of experience working in the special events industry in Dallas, Las Vegas and New Orleans, Antonia has played a key role in the planning and execution of the Foundation’s annual signature events since joining the team in 2006. These include the New Orleans-favorite Boudin, Bourbon & Beer festival and renowned Carnivale du Vin charity wine auction and gala. The events have made it possible to grant over $9.5 million to children’s charities along the Gulf Coast and nationwide.
Her strategic leadership and dedication to development efforts have laid a clear path for the Foundation’s continued support of New Orleans-area organizations that are making a positive difference in the lives of the city’s youth. Such organizations include New Orleans-based Café Reconcile, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Liberty’s Kitchen, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans and St. Michael’s Special School among many others.
Founders Emeril and Alden Lagasse, along with the Foundation’s dedicated board of directors and staff, work to support youth in the community more and more each year. With the help of Keller’s efforts, the Foundation was able to give over $1.8 million in 2017 alone to 36 deserving non-profit organizations, marking a record-breaking year of giving.
“Antonia is a vital asset to everything we do at Emeril Lagasse Foundation,” said Brian Kish, president of the Foundation. “Her hard work and dedication has allowed us to increase our impact year after year in this community and beyond.”
Keller received her bachelor’s degree from LSU. She is a past member of the advisory board for Special Events Magazine and current board member of Friends of Lafitte Greenway.
