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Dr. Holton devoted 23 years of exceptional service to Louisiana State University,
where he was Director of the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the
Jones S. Davis Professor of Human Resource Development, Interim Associate Dean for
Distance Learning & Leadership, and Interim Director of the School of Information
Studies. During that time, he worked to establish a one-of-a-kind program for Louisiana,
LSU’s Leadership Development Institute. In December 2023, Dr. Holton returned to LSU
as the Senior Director of LDI and Special Assistant to the Dean of College of Human
Sciences & Education for Leadership Programs. He oversees strategic vision and mission
for the Leadership Development Institute, as well as long range planning, assessment,
advisory board, fiscal management and fundraising. He serves as advisor to the dean
on leadership initiatives, military and veteran initiatives and leadership/workforce
development initiatives. Dr. Holton promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration
within the college, university, state, and beyond in the areas of leadership and workforce
development while positioning the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education as a national
leader in these disciplines. |
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Bringing 20 years of government and organizational consulting and 10 years of leadership development experience across industries, Lacy offers an insightful combination of tried and true, research-based leadership development practices and innovative approaches to transformational and healing-centered leadership. She has 3 master's degrees, is a Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator, an ICF Trained Coach, SHRM-SCP, and is currently finishing her dissertation in Leadership and Human Resource Development at LSU. As a member of Executive Teams in startup businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, Lacy brings with her lived experience of running organizations as well as coaching other executives to improve performance of leaders, teams, and organizations. Lacy leads the implementation of strategies for the LDI, including supporting the team, operations, business development, strategic partnerships, and client delivery. |
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Deana Meredith currently serves as Assistant Director of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) at LSU where she creates solutions that help individuals and organizations realize their full potential through evidence-based best practices in leadership development. Deana is a certified LSU Leadership Development Institute coach, a Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach and Dare to Lead™ trained, with a master's degree in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Louisiana State University. She brings a strong background in leadership and human resource development, project and client relationship management, and business development to this role. In her role as Assistant Director, Deana oversees large-scale programming and provides strategic oversight for LDI’s operations. This includes collaborating with the LDI team on program and content creation, managing systems and processes to ensure exceptional client experiences, and ensuring that LDI’s projects and programs are executed with precision and fidelity. In addition, Deana continues her work as a certified LDI leadership coach, supporting clients across various sectors, with a particular focus on strengths-based best practices in leadership development. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Deana is deeply committed to serving the community she calls home. She is proud to contribute to LDI’s mission of transformation while pursuing her personal and professional growth. Deana remains passionate about being part of an organization that empowers individuals and communities and is honored to be a part of the team shaping LDI’s vision as it grows to serve Louisiana communities and beyond into the global workforce. |
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Adrienne Ourso brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role as the Marketing & Program Coordinator. A proud Baton Rouge native and LSU alumna, Adrienne graduated from the College of Human Sciences & Education in 2016. After earning her degree, Adrienne embarked on an exciting seven-year career with The Walt Disney Company. During her time at Disney, she held various positions that honed her expertise in customer service, team collaboration, and process optimization. Known for her outgoing demeanor and ability to cultivate strong relationships, Adrienne consistently contributed to Guest and Cast Member satisfaction while driving organizational success. Now back in her hometown, Adrienne is thrilled to be part of LDI's transformative work. She is passionate about the opportunities for learning and growth that LDI provides for both herself and the broader community. Her background in relationship-building, business growth, and innovative problem-solving positions her as a key player in LDI’s mission to develop leaders and inspire change. Outside of her professional pursuits, Adrienne enjoys exploring new opportunities to connect with her community and the world through traveling, while also enjoying time to relax at home with a good book and her two cats. |
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Lee has been an administrative assistant and related positions at four universities over the past 20-plus years, as he has followed his wife through graduate school and her career. Most recently he was Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Education at Mississippi State University. In his current position, Lee assists the Director of the Leadership Development Institute with travel, purchasing, scheduling, and other related functions. Lee's extensive background and experience in administration makes him a jack of all trades as he keeps the LDI team on track by managing resources, schedules, and tasks. Lee married his wife in the highlands of Scotland and is father to two kids, two dogs, and a rabbit. |
Elwood F. "Ed" Holton, III, EdD, MBA, Senior Director
Lacy Dicharry, MS, MBA, Director
Deana Losavio Meredith, MS, Assistant Director
Adrienne Ourso, Marketing & Program Coordinator 
Lee Napier, Administrative Assistant