Core Team

Perry Franklin is a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University where he earned a BS in Business Management and an MBA. Perry is an active member of his community’s civic fabric, including direct community service, non-profit board involvement and philanthropy. He is the President of Franklin Associates.

Perry's professional career spans three decades inclusive of real estate development, real estate brokerage, urban redevelopment, governmental relations, and several aspects of disaster recovery. He holds licenses as a LA real estate broker, Louisiana Contractor, and is a registered lobbyist. Prior to founding Franklin Associates in 2005, Perry served the community by leading Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, a Baton Rouge based non-profit organization which implemented economic development strategies to revitalize the core of the city. In addition, he served in ExxonMobil’s Public Affairs department in Baton Rouge in the late 1990s.

Under Perry's leadership, Franklin Associates has worked on some of the world’s largest disaster recovery projects including hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Sandy and emerged as one of the most trusted consulting firms in the Southeast region, winning numerous awards as the firm continues to deliver cutting edge, innovative solutions to its clients. Franklin Associates' work has touched over 15 different states, conducted over 6,500 in-person engagements, supported the recovery of more than 12 federally recognized disasters, and has helped manage over $15 billion in government funding, all while staying true to the company's motto of "Putting People First." Over the years, Perry has been honored with many awards and acknowledgements for his service to his community as well as his business accumen including being recognized as the Executive of the Year by the Baton Rouge Business Report in 2024.

With more than 30 years of experience in project management and communications, Risa’s dedication to successful conclusions has served the firm’s clients well. Risa joined the Franklin team in 2006 and continues to be a member of the Franklin Leadership Team. She directs special projects, risk/issues management, client relations/deliverables oversight, and provides strategy insights to the firm’s advisory services and disaster recovery/grants management practices as well as its business development initiatives. A Louisiana native, she also remains heavily involved in numerous nonprofit efforts throughout our region.

Her experience includes:

• Organizational improvement
• Program management across a multitude of project spectrums, including FEMA and CDBG-DR funded programs as well as locally and privately funded initiatives
• Program design, initiation and implementation on federally funded programs
• Facilitator of collaborations across multiple layers of project contractors, including employees, executive management and state leadership on statewide projects such as RESTORE LA’s buyout and resettlement programs, Louisiana Watershed Initiative efforts, major transportation planning and implementation efforts
• Community relations management for private and public clients across the state
• Media relations adviser for clients statewide, including planning firms, engineering firms, petrochemical companies, and numerous non-profit organizations
• Effective management of community outreach and interactive public participation efforts on local, parish and statewide projects
• Policy development and refinement on federally funded programs
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute since 2008

Kyla is a prime example of how Franklin’s team breathes life into its motto of “Putting People First” within communities. Kyla joined the Franklin team in 2008, and has since been an integral part of the team as she leads the firm's human resources and operations. Her ability to work with staff across the country is critical to the firm’s growth and success.

Kyla’s 17 years of experience with the Franklin team includes managing the firm's accounting division as well as personnel recruitment and retention, and management of multiple staffing projects throughout the country. Kyla is a member of the Society for Human Resourches (SHRM) and the Greater Baton Rouge chapter of SHRM (GBR SHRM). She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Joining the firm in 2018, Johnathan Hill leads the Advisory Services practice at Franklin Associates. Graduating with a master's degree in Ministry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Johnathan works to bridge the gap between large-scale projects and impacted communities and businesses. Johnathan's commitment to leadership and communication is clear with over 20 years of experience as a strategic communications and public engagement expert.

His prior experience includes work with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, the Louisiana Department of Justice, and Young Emerging Leaders of Louisiana as well as the Capital Area Transit System (CATS), MetroMorphosis, and Imagination Leads. Since joining Franklin, Johnathan has managed diverse public and private sector advisory projects and engagement plans to drive successful delivery, including work with DOTD, on Louisiana's first P3 agreement, and with many organizations throughout the state. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Johnathan is invested in his community's future as he works to shape its future by participating in BRAF Nonprofit Board Fellows, CHANGEMAKERS, Forum 225 Barton Leadership, Leadership Baton Rouge, and the Urban Leadership Development Initiative.

Portia, a native of Louisiana, joined the Franklin team in 2023. As Vice President of Disaster Recovery and Grant Management, Portia leads a dynamic team of grant and project managers overseeing program activities and management services for clients across the country and statewide funded by CDBG, CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, CDBG-NDR, U.S. Treasury, and programs offered through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Portia spent more than 14 years in state government with service to the Department of Children & Family Services, the Office of the Governor, the Division of Administration, the Office of Community Development-Disaster Recovery Unit (OCD-DRU) and the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC). During her six years at OCD-DRU, she helped plan, design, and implement housing, buyout, resettlement, and economic development programs spanning multiple disaster recovery grants with a focus on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Portia later served as the Policy Director for the LHC where she spearheaded policy research and reform in the administration of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and CDBG-DR dollars for the development of affordable housing statewide.

Portia is a licensed attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree from Southern University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University.

Jude has been the Growth Lead for Franklin Associates since 2023. In this role, he uses his skillset to manage all aspects of business development, marketing, and client relations. In that time, he has helped increase Franklin's local and national footprint while increasing Franklin's industry presence in Advisory Services and Disaster and Grants Management. Jude has been involved with the development of over 100 opportunity responses in his time leading business development efforts and has been able to establish and enhance working partnerships with other industry firms across the country.

In 2020, Jude began his work with Franklin Associates as an intern while attending The University of Miami where he would graduate from the Herbert School of Business with his bachelor's degree with concentrations in Marketing and Finance in 2021. After graduating, Jude joined the Franklin team full-time and has held roles including the first General Manager of Franklin Associates' inhouse events venue, The Executive Center, where he wrote the original business plan, facilitated the execution of over 250 events, and still oversees the facility's management. Jude also uses his management skills to spearhead the planning of Franklin’s annual philanthropic event, The Taste of Mid City, an event that has raised nearly $45,000 for deserving non-profits over its first three years.

James C. Taylor joined Franklin Associates in 2011 and has over 30 years professional consulting experience, 20 as an AICP certified planner. His specialties include community development, corridor and recreation system master plans. His portfolio of projects spans public engagement aspects of NEPA-driven state transportation infrastructure planning and construction projects, as well as public engagement for downtown, corridor, small area, or recreational facility master plans. James served six years as Information Officer for the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Having entered the profession through the study and practice of landscape architecture, James has been instrumental in site assessment and demographic data aggregation, analysis, and display of trends utilizing GIS software and online platforms. Reaching people where they are is a challenge James endeavors to achieve in his work, utilizing traditional in-person presentations to groups, pop-up exhibits at community events, or through digital means employing hybrid audio-visual meeting and engaging online polling tools.

Emily Harris-Shears joined Franklin Associates in 2024 with more than 12 years’ experience in program development and administration related to affordable housing development and ending homelessness. Her experience in government and non-profit settings includes person-centered program design, technical assistance to HUD recipients, Fair Housing education, stakeholder collaboration, and affordable housing funding strategy creation and deployment.

Immediately prior to joining Franklin, Emily served as the Senior Housing Policy Specialist for the City of Missoula, Montana. In that role, Emily implemented programs and strategies to meet the goals of the City's adopted housing policy, including the design of the state's first municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Voluntary Incentives Program for housing developers.

As a Senior Project Manager in the Disaster Recovery and Grant Management practice, Emily manages a variety of activities for clients in Louisiana and across the country for affordable housing programs funded by CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, HOME, and Public Housing sources.

Emily holds a Master in Social Work degree with an emphasis in public policy and administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor in Social Work degree from Northern Arizona University.

Andrew joined Franklin Associates in August 2021, became a Project Manager in the Disaster Recovery and Grant Management practice in 2023 and a Senior Project Manager in 2024. Currently, Andrew manages a variety of program management activities, including policy and procedure development, systems analysis, and creation and delivery of training tools for clients in Louisiana and across the country for affordable housing programs funded by CDBG-DR. He also has extensive expertise in providing technical assistance to local governments to identify and apply for federal grants and loans funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Prior to joining Franklin, Andrew was an officer in the United States Army. He served in Afghanistan and Korea and held a number of leadership roles before leaving the Army as a Captain. Andrew has an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and earned his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Ted joined Franklin Associates’ Disaster Recovery and Grant Management practice in 2018. He is a seasoned Project Manager with over 25 years of experience in construction management, housing rehabilitation, and disaster recovery. His expertise spans project planning, contractor selection, relationship management, compliance monitoring, cost estimation, and technical advisement, particularly within federally funded housing and community development programs. Ted’s continuing education includes trainings and certifications from FEMA, NeighborWorks America, and Alliance Safety Council. Ted possesses a deep knowledge of construction best practices, safety protocols, and project management methodologies. Ted has been instrumental in developing program standards, procuring contractors, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, all while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.

Prior to joining Franklin, Ted held leadership roles as the Superintendent at Global Industrial Contractors and the Community Development Manager at Mid-City Redevelopment Alliance, where he specialized in housing analysis, code compliance, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. Previous experience with Quadel, the Louisiana Office of Community Development, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and East Baton Rouge City Parish informs his approach to regulatory compliance and emergency response programs.

Ted holds a Bachelor of Family and Consumer Sciences from Southern University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

Aymee began working for Franklin Associates in 2007 to support the innovative Road Home Program, providing intensive community outreach, policy inputs and Tier 2 case management/issue resolution across Louisiana and in multiple external states. Aymee has continued to support the firm with various projects since that time, always bringing to bear a critical balance between compassionate, creative and deadline-oriented solutions. Aymee’s 25 years of experience in housing, emergency management and project management calls upon her CDBG-DR knowledge, problem solving, and team management to provide clients and impacted individuals with exceptional service as they navigate post-disaster realities. In her current role as a full-time Project Manager with the Disaster Recovery and Grant Management practice, Aymee plays a key role in barrier resolution and issues management for large scale housing programs.

Aymee’s experience, adaptability and insight is influenced by living and working in diverse areas across the country. Her comprehensive housing system knowledge informs her approach to emergency management. Her housing experience also includes Planned Unit Developments, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Community Association Management, and property management. Aymee’s project management skills are honed to see the big picture while focusing on the details that lead to success.

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Laura joined Franklin Associates in 2023 as a Project Manager with a background in strategic planning, community engagement and environmental policy. Her diverse portfolio of projects includes program development, communications planning, and climate action initiatives. As a Baton Rouge native, Laura is passionate about strengthening communities through equitable solutions and inclusive decision-making.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver. Laura is a 2024 fellow of the Next City Vanguard, an association of urban leaders who work to improve cities across sectors. Her experience and education bring a valuable perspective to project management efforts, helping business improve their operating processes and ensuring that sustainability and equity remain at the core of her work.

Stephanie joined Franklin Associates in 2023 and quickly advanced to her role as a Project Manager on the Advisory Services team. With over 15 years of experience in administration, event planning, client relations, and public outreach, she brings a wealth of knowledge from non-profit, governmental, corporate, and higher education sectors. Stephanie collaborates closely with clients to understand their objectives and goals, crafting personalized strategies to meet each client’s needs efficiently and effectively. She believes Franklin’s mission statement, “Putting People First,” is the key to driving projects to success and exceeding client expectations.

Stephanie holds dual degrees in Management and Marketing, with a minor in Speech from McNeese State University, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern University A&M College. Committed to lifelong learning and development, she also earned her Certification as a Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice to support other moms in achieving their lactation goals. A proud product of the East Baton Rouge Public School system, Stephanie is a mother of three Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts (BRCVPA) Superstars and an active member and past president of the PTO.

Angela Noote joined Franklin Associates in 2023 and has over 30 years of experience in media relations, communications, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement. She has extensive project experience in tech, higher ed, nonprofits, government, hospitality, and financial services. Her portfolio of projects includes developing and implementing communication strategies for large transportation projects and managing stakeholder engagement and media relations for localize planning revitalization efforts.

Her communications expertise is evident in her commitment to keeping stakeholders and the public well-informed as she leads the implementation of public engagement strategies and delivers project-specific communications plans on transportation and improvement projects as well as organizational improvement projects at Franklin. Angi, a native of Northern California, majored in Public Relations at Chico State University and spent 11 years as a journalist before turning her attention to corporate communications. She has lived in Baton Rouge since 2021, after spending 25 years in Georgia as a communications executive, including five years as a lobbyist.

Angi has had articles published in national media outlets and won multiple awards for her writing and creative communication campaigns. Her husband owns a comedy theater in Baton Rouge, and in her spare time you can often find Angi teaching an improv class or performing improv or standup comedy.

With nearly two decades of experience, Cris joined the Franklin team in 2020 to lead the team’s overall graphic design, web development and social media strategy. With a bachelor's in graphic design and marketing from Universidad de Guadalajara, Cris fluently speaks Spanish and English. Her bilingual skills enable her to communicate seamlessly across teams and audiences, bridging clients and collaborators while ensuring accessible messaging for all audiences. She is a dynamic creative who is a stickler for efficiency while meeting deadlines, and maintains a unique eye for detail and balance with all of her projects. Cris oversees creative content across all the projects she touches, ensuring each one not only meets client objectives but also is visually impactful as well.

Cris is deeply committed to environmental stewardship in her personal and professional life, which influences her approach to sustainable design practices and daily living as she strives to create a more sustainable future.

Abbe brings over 15 years’ experience in human services and communications to the core team at Franklin Associates. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in French from Widener University. Her background includes an extensive history in supporting youth-serving nonprofits and uplifting marginalized communities, and it is through this experience she has honed skills in crisis management and de-escalation, relationship building, and creative problem solving.

Abbe joined Franklin in 2023, serving as the Public Information Officer for critical infrastructure projects across Louisiana. She has a proven record of delivering impactful communication strategies and materials. Abbe specializes in community outreach and engagement that connects key populations to vital information.

A native of Baltimore, Abbe has lived and worked across the country, always in the pursuit of her passion: to serve others. She loves the vibrant culture and community she has found in New Orleans, where she lives with her family.

Mallory began her professional career with Franklin in 2021 and succeeded in a variety of customer service and project coordination roles before joining the Disaster Recovery and Grant Management team. Mallory assists our Senior Project Managers with projects spanning the project portfolio.

She has gained valuable experience in programs funded by CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, CDBG-NDR, U.S. Treasury, and those stemming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and supports program implementation in coordination with our various state and local government clients. Mallory is a skilled writer and researcher with a strong background in policy and procedure development, creation of tools, templates, and graphics, and project management.

Mallory has a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Crystal, native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, joins Franklin Associates in 2024 as a Project Coordinator with years of experience from the public and private sector in different types of engagement. She was integral to work at The Salvation Army, Fidelity Charitable, and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (LA DCFS) before joining Franklin. Crystal brings attention to detail and operations improvement knowledge to her work helping others. Her passion for connecting with people infuses her work in the public engagement and advisory services arena, including her success in implementing pathways to community resources, hosting community events, and social media marketing.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. During her college career, she won awards for her spirit and energy. She brings this same energy to her work and volunteer activities.

Hannah began working with Franklin Associates in 2024. As the firm's Proposal Coordinator, she utilizes her writing experience, attention to detail, and communication skills to help the team in its growth. Hannah coordinates the creation and submission of responses to public solicitations, updates and maintains the firm's client and partner engagement database, and manages the firm's social media.

Her organizational and logistics skills are also used in the planning of Franklin's annual philanthropic event, Taste of Mid City. Graduating from Nicholls State University with an honors degree in Mass Communications and a dual minor in Political Science and English, her prior administrative experience includes serving as Greek Life Treasurer and Television Station Manager at Nicholls.

Hailing from Chauvin, La., Hannah has seen the effects of disaster relief and is excited to contribute to the Franklin Team.

A native to Baton Rouge, Kent joined Franklin Associates in 2022 as an Administrative Coordinator. Kent is the welcoming first face many visitors to the Franklin office see. She has more than 30 years of experience in administrative assistance activities in a variety of companies and over a decade of experience in bookkeeping. Kent assists the team in many different back office capacities through her roles in operations and human resources. She is always looking for new ways to apply her experience and skills to further the goals of Franklin Associates. Kent has a bachelor's degree in history.

Ayiana joined the Franklin Associates team in 2024. As a Staff Accountant, she leverages her expertise in auditing and cost accounting to aid the operations team in verifying the financial accuracy of Franklin programs and projects. Additionally, she has an unwavering passion for budgeting and variance analysis as exhibited by her experience supporting operations for Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). Ayiana continually generates new reporting tools that allow our management team to drive forward with data-based decisions.

Ayiana Givens holds a B.S. in Accounting from Louisiana State University of Alexandria.

Leah is a life-long Louisiana native and has been in the hospitality industry for over a decade. She previously worked as the event coordinator for the LSU Alumni Association and Ruffino’s on the River. With customer care and relationship building being key focal points throughout her career, she strives to make every guest’s experience exceptional.

Leah joined the Franklin team in March 2024, and currently works as The Executive Center’s event coordinator. Her goal is to help The EC flourish in the Baton Rouge community. When Leah is not in the office or coordinating events for the Franklin team, you can find her cheering on the LSU tigers.