Capital Area Finance Authority Hires Mark Drennen as CEO and President
August 29, 2017
Public Service Veteran to Lead Community Advancement of Baton Rouge Region
Baton Rouge, La.— August 29, 2017—The Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA) today announced that Mark Drennen has been hired as President and CEO, effective October 1, 2017. Drennen will provide vision and leadership for the Authority and carry out its mission—to be a positive catalyst for building community and contributing to growth and progress in the nine-parish capital region.
“We are honored to have someone of Mark’s prestige join our organization,” said Cheri Ausberry, Chair of the Board. “His dynamic leadership experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors paired with his vision for collaboration and growth will help bring our strategic plan to life—improving housing for our community and the development of economic and community enhancement projects that will advance the quality of life for all of us here in the Capital Area.”
With more than 30 years spent serving in the government and public policy sector, Drennen brings with him deep relationships in and around the State of Louisiana, including eight years as Commissioner of Administration under Governor Mike Foster. As Commissioner, Drennen led the collaboration between public and private partnerships that had significant impact on the community, including the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge and the development of the Shaw Center for the Arts.
Most recently, Mark led operations for Cornerstone Government Affairs in the State of Louisiana, providing state government relations and business consulting to a variety of clients. Drennen also served as President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, a regional economic development group.
“I’m thrilled to join CAFA and return to a role where I can truly have a positive impact on the community,” stated Drennen. “CAFA is looking to be a partner, to build coalitions and work with community groups, and expand their impact on economic development and job creation. I’m truly excited to lead CAFA in achieving these goals and furthering its mission.”
Drennen currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Saint Francisville Area Foundation and the West Feliciana Tourist Commission, and is a Board Member of The Manship Theater, Shaw Center for the Arts, Julian S. Freehan Foundation, and Visit Baton Rouge.
About Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA)
CAFA works toward advancing vision and opportunity among the nine parishes surrounding Baton Rouge by offering funding to those with a mission to better our community through commercial development, residential development, and public infrastructure, and to those looking to better their lives through home ownership. CAFA issues bonds and uses the proceeds to provide financing for housing in nine parishes: East and West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupe, East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Ascension, Livingston, and St. Helena. CAFA also has Cooperative Endeavor Agreements to offer lending programs in several other parishes throughout southern Louisiana. Since its inception, CAFA has made a major contribution to homeownership and economic development in the Capital Area parishes by providing over $1 billion in competitive conventional market rate funds to more than 16,000 households. For more information on CAFA’s programs, visit www.thecafa.org or call (225) 448-3580.