Property Owners
Charles “Chuck” Bracht and his wife, Cheryl Verlander, a New Orleans native, purchased their property on Royal Street in 2008, and visit the city about 10 times annually from their home base in Houston. He was president of the Delacroix Building HOA for seven years and counts significant infrastructure improvements there among his accomplishments. Chuck is on the President’s Council at Tulane with Cheryl, who is a graduate of Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane. (He graduated from Rice with an economics degree, so they are a mixed marriage…) He has NOLA blood, as both his maternal and paternal grandmothers were born and raised here. In a letter his grandfather sent his sibling early in the 20th century, he professed his love for New Orleans, saying it had become his adopted hometown. Chuck inherited that sentiment. In addition to VCPORA, Chuck and Cheryl are members of Patio Planters, the New Orleans Collection, Friends of the Cabildo, the WWII Museum, as well as enthusiastic supporters of COPS8. Chuck is Vice President of NFP Wealth Management and has been in the insurance and investment business since 1968. His objectives are to help in any way he can to preserve the French Quarter as a safe and delightful place for full-time residents, part-time residents, visitors, and the businesses that serve them.
Nathan Chapman, Board President, first became a resident of the French Quarter in 1985. He served as president of VCPORA from 2002 to 2008, which included facing the unprecedented challenges of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. He is a recipient of three historic preservation awards: VCPORA’s Schwartz-Gage Award, the Vieux Carré Commission’s Elizabeth T. Werlein Award, and the Louisiana Landmark Society’s Harnett T. Kane Award. In 2007, he helped found and currently chairs the Riverfront Neighborhood Alliance, a coalition of downriver historic neighborhood organizations. Professionally, he is president of Firmidable, a niche advertising agency for law firm marketing. In 1988, he and Dennis Alonzo saved and restored the Rome House, a threatened 1860’s-era Greek Revival-style French Creole Cottage on the historic River Road in Ascension Parish. In 1998, he and Dennis purchased and began restoration and renovation of an 1832 Creole Townhouse where they have resided since 1999.
William “Bill” Donkervoet and his wife purchased their property on Dauphine Street in October 2020. They lived in the Slidell and Mandeville areas for approximately 28 years while working for Shell Exploration & Production Company in the Central Business District. Hurricane Katrina displaced them to Houston for work in 2005, where he retired from in 2015. During his career, he received several industry recognitions for his leadership roles of technical standards. He was the Chairman of the Gas Processors Association (GPA), the USA Country Chairman for the American Petroleum Institute (API) for Natural Gas and ended his career as the Chairman for the International Organization of Standards (ISO) for Natural Gas. Being retired, Bill and his wife travel frequently to visit family and friends. Bill is member of the VCPORA Advocacy Committee, and other French Quarter organizations
Lyn Gladney, a French Quarter resident for 22 years, felt an immediate connection to the history, culture, food, and atmosphere as soon as she arrived. As an Esplanade Avenue resident, she enjoys nearby music and street life while jogging and walking around the neighborhood, particularly running into friends and neighbors. As a member of the VCPORA board, Lyn looks forward to encouraging and sustaining that village-like quality of life in the French Quarter. She has volunteered for the organization for years, particularly for events like the At Home in the Vieux Carré and the annual Gala. Lyn has a background in medical office management and speech pathology and has worked at the New Orleans Speech & Hearing Center for the last 15 years.
Kathy Hebert is a lifelong Louisianian; she was born in Shreveport and moved to New Orleans in the 1960s. She has owned property in the French Quarter for over 26 years, becoming a full time resident 12 years ago. Kathy is a real estate professional who received her broker’s license in 1980. She owned her own company from 1980-1985 and has been with RE/MAX N.O. Properties for over 30 years. Kathy was selected as a member in the prestigious RE/MAX 100% Club, which represents the top 2 % of agents in the country. She is the widow of Jeff Hebert, who was a local contractor and realtor. Kathy has been a skilled volunteer for a number of organizations including: VCPORA, Patio Planters, and French Quarter Citizens. Kathy co-chaired two highly successful VCPORA galas, and was instrumental in bringing in French Quarter food sponsors. On Saturdays, you will find Kathy at the WWII Museum as an ambassador. Kathy has enthusiastically embraced VCPORA since she became a member and she has really enjoyed living and working with French Quarter groups to contribute to our historic community.
Travis Kenny, Treasurer, has lived in the French Quarter since 1970. He has renovated three homes in the Vieux Carré personally, doing much of this as a labor of love. A retired family physician, he was the last president of the medical staff for Mercy Lindy Boggs hospital which sadly closed after hurricane Katrina. He has traveled to over 100 countries and frequently goes to Pensacola Beach to ride waves. Having previously served as Treasurer, Travis is committed to greatly increasing the investment accounts of VCPORA and encourages members to consider leaving VCPORA a legacy in their will. This will allow VCPORA to increase the legal defense actions for the French Quarter.
Anthony “Tony” C. Marino, Vice President, a resident of the Vieux Carré, since 1976, has served on a number of boards and as an officer, including non-profit organizations, industry group organizations and governmental entities. Such organizations include VCPORA (President from 2000 to 2004); the French Quarter Management District (a State Commissioned Entity where he served as Treasurer from 2011 to 2015); the Vieux Carré Alliance (an inter-governmental agency of Vieux Carré preservation groups, business groups and the City of New Orleans for which he was a founding member and later President in 2004); the Mayor’s French Quarter Task Force under the Ernest “Dutch” Morial Administration in the 1980’s and was part of the creation of the first French Quarter Festival in 1984; and the Petroleum Landmen’s Association of New Orleans. Tony has been a long-time member of VCPORA (where he currently serves as a board member), French Quarter Citizens (where he was awarded a “Lifetime Achievement Award”); Patio Planters; Preservation Resource Center (where he was awarded a “Preservation Hero Award”); Louisiana Landmarks Society (where he currently serves as a board member and First Vice-President); and The Mystic Krewe of Barkus where he is on the board.
In October of 1993, Patty (deceased) and Tony, purchased a vacant and blighted property located at 1028 Bourbon and began numerous phases of restoration of the Greek Revival townhouse and the two dependencies located on the property. On Mardi Gras Day, February 16, 2010, the townhouse, while under a second restoration project, suffered a major fire. The restoration projects have been recognized by the Vieux Carré Commission; the Preservation Resource Center and published in New Orleans Magazine, Remodeling Magazine, as well as several other magazines and publications. Tony annually erects a St. Joseph Altar [The St. Joseph Altar Society on Bourbon Street, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization] during the Lenten Season which was featured in the book “St. Joseph Altars” photographed and written by Kerri McCafferty. Tony is a shareholder at the law firm of Gordon Arata returning to that firm on April 15, 2024, after closing his firm of Slattery, Marino & Roberts where he practiced for 28 years. Tony is also an Adjunct Professor teaching at Loyola Law School since 2014. Tony was also the owner/operator of two restaurants – Trio’s and Feelings Café.
Angela “Angie” Bowlin, Secretary, attended undergraduate school at LSU in Baton Rouge and Tulane University School of Law. She is admitted to the Louisiana State and Federal Bars and has practiced law in the private sector since 1991. She has been involved in civic activities since before college. After law school she joined the Junior League of New Orleans and continues as a sustaining member. She formerly served on the Boards of Directors of Crescent Care/NO Aids Task Force and Project Lazarus and as the Chair of these boards for many years. Most recently she was on the Board of French Quarter Citizens where she served as an executive board member for many years. She has also served on fundraising committees for various charities in New Orleans. In addition, she is a member of Muses, The English Speaking Union, and several legal and civic/community organizations. When Angie originally moved to New Orleans, she lived on St. Charles Avenue, but over 25 years ago she moved to the French Quarter. For the first year she lived on St. Ann near Burgundy, but then moved to the 800 block of Royal Street where she lived until 2020, when she purchased her “forever home” on Governor Nicholls St. She has very much enjoyed living in the French Quarter and has no intention of leaving. She is committed to understanding the problems of the French Quarter and making the French Quarter a better place for its residents.
Jason Waguespack In addition to being the Managing Director of Galloway Johnson, a regional law firm headquartered in New Orleans, Jason serves in leadership positions in multiple professional and civic organizations, including as the treasurer and member of the Board of Trustees of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art; member of the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Film Society; member of the Board of Trustees of the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation; and member of the International Business Committee of the World Trade Center of the City of New Orleans. He is a past President of the New Orleans Bar Association; a past member of the Board of Directors and past President of NOAGE, Inc., an organization established to assist elders; and a past member of the Board of Directors of Project Lazarus, a transitional housing organization operated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is also a past member of the Board of Zoning Adjustments of the City of New Orleans and a past member of the City of New Orleans Zoning and Technical Advisory Committee during the drafting of the City’s Master Plan for the 21st Century.
Shaun McLain has lived in the French Quarter since 2006, moving here from Tampa, Florida to set up a marketing division for an engineering firm that was suddenly very busy with disaster recovery work. Originally envisioned as a two to three year experience-gathering position, he still hasn’t left. Currently living on Esplanade Avenue, Shaun has served on the Police Commission Advisory Board, and the VCPORA Gala Committee. He is a proponent of the Quarter as a neighborhood, with actual neighbors and services, and historic preservation. Before retiring earlier this year, Shaun was active in recovery work as a Certified Professional Services Marketer and a Certified Grant Writer. His hobbies include tennis, sailing, reading, and professional stoop sitting.
Michael A Skinner is a fourth generation New Orleanian, the great grandson of Judge Edward K Skinner and Judge Robert J Skinner. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and an MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans. Michael has been interested in preservation since high school, frequently participating in PRC events and served on the Vieux Carré Commission during both Mitch Landrieu administrations. He has had a successful career as a Software Consultant and in IT Management.
Rental Residential Category
Kirk Guidry and his wife Carolyn moved into their first place in the French Quarter in the spring of 2021. What began as a weekend retreat from their home in Baton Rouge quickly became much more. Within three months, they realized the only times they were returning to Baton Rouge were for Carolyn’s hair or their doctor appointments. In 2024, they sold their Baton Rouge home and made 628 Toulouse their permanent residence. Kirk is a retired educator who spent 40 years in the field, serving as a teacher, principal, and later as Director of Leadership Development and Professional Development for the Louisiana Department of Education. After retiring, he continued his work in education as a consultant, traveling across the United States to provide professional development for principals and teachers focused on improving instruction.
Today, Kirk serves as Vice President of Patio Planters, where he oversees membership, social media, and volunteer recruitment. He also volunteers as a docent at both the Beauregard-Keyes House and the Old Ursuline Convent. Kirk loves living in the French Quarter for its architecture, history, and—most of all—the people who call it home. His goal is to raise awareness that the French Quarter is not only a historic destination, but also a vibrant residential community that welcomes visitors and supports the businesses that serve them.
Scott Tilton is the co-founder and director of the Nous Foundation – a cultural center, creative studio, and fund supporting the revitalization of heritage cultures (including Cajun, Creole, and Indigenous communities) in Louisiana and across the United States. Prior to Nous, he worked as a consultant at Ernst & Young France on projects for the European Union, the UN, and the French government. He graduated with a dual degree in Political & Social Thought and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia, as well as a master’s degree in International Relations from Sciences Po Paris. Along with his fellow cofounder Rudy Bazenet, Scott launched and spearheaded the initiative that saw Louisiana become the first U.S. state to join the International Organization of the Francophonie in 2018.
Commercial
Stephanie Davis Sherman’s connection to New Orleans began in 1989, when her future husband, Richard Keil Sherman, introduced her to his family and the city’s vibrant culture. Frequent visits evolved into lengthy stays, which led to the purchase of their Chartres Street home in 2017.
Stephanie’s 36-year career in the arts began in St. Louis galleries and continued at L.A. Louver Gallery in Los Angeles, coordinating projects, exhibitions, and publishing of books and prints for internationally recognized artists. Together with Richard, she opened and ran DAVIS/KEIL art in Naples, FL. Following a move to Chicago, she shifted DAVIS/KEIL’s focus to curating and collection management for private and corporate clients. In all locations, she has participated in fundraising efforts and served on nonprofit boards focused on education, health, and the arts.
Stephanie is honored to join VCPORA’s board, following in the Keil family’s 4+generation legacy as shopkeepers and property owners in the French Quarter. (Founded in 1899 by Hermina Keil, carried forward by Margaret Keil, continued by Nanette Shapiro of Royal Antiques and Andree Moss of Keil’s Antiques, both former VCPORA board members, whose children and grandchildren continue the business today.) Stephanie, too, is determined to support VCPORA’s efforts in guiding both the private and commercial aspects of the Quarter into the future while preserving its past.
Lily Soniat is the co-owner of Zhang Bistro on Decatur St. Originally from Thailand, Lily moved to New Orleans at age 21, where she met her husband, Justin Soniat. Their shared love of food and exploring the city’s restaurant scene has been a constant source of inspiration in her work. Lily’s passion for cooking began in her childhood kitchen, watching her mother prepare traditional dishes and learning techniques that can’t be found in books. She first mastered staples like Pad Thai and Red Curry under her mother’s guidance, and later deepened her love for Chinese cuisine during four years of study in Sichuan, China. She continues to draw inspiration from her travels, often returning with new ideas that shape Zhang Bistro’s evolving menu.
In the restaurant, Lily oversees the Thai station and collaborates closely with her culinary partner, Mr. Li, who leads the Chinese station. Zhang Bistro has earned a loyal following from locals and visitors, with many customers returning on every visit to New Orleans to enjoy Lily’s dishes and the restaurant’s signature sauces. Lily prides herself in building relationships that turn customers into friends and family and understands that a successful business in the French Quarter depends on cultivating a local fan base.
Associates
Jenna Burke is a sixth-generation native of the Irish Channel but has spent plenty of time abroad in the French Quarter. Formerly the Assistant Director at VCPORA under Meg Lousteau, she found a deep passion for neighborhood advocacy while working to protect and preserve the Vieux Carré. She then served as Director of Land Use and Chief of Staff for District B City Councilmember Jay H. Banks. Having spent time on both sides of the Council dais, she is keenly aware of the important work of community advocates. Jenna earned her undergraduate degree at LSU, then completed her Master’s work at UNO in Urban and Regional Planning, with a concentration in Historic Preservation. She has also served as the Garden District Commissioner on the HDLC and worked with the city’s master craftsmen to promote traditional building trades. Jenna has been heavily involved in community activities, particularly those celebrating the Irish in New Orleans. She currently lives uptown near Magazine Street and cherishes evening strolls through the neighborhood with her husband and new daughter.
Annie Irvin, a native New Orleanian, grew up with a fond appreciation of the city’s unique historic and cultural traditions. Much of her career has been devoted to heritage conservation and the preservation of the built environment. She is the former Executive Director of the Historic B K House & Gardens and other past work includes program management as the Preservation Resource Center, co-founding the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, and ownership of a small business. She brings a unique combination of experience in historic preservation, business development, and non-profit management. Ms. Irvin has been recognized professionally as a graduate of the Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum and a 2021 Gambit 40 Under 40. Her passion for historic preservation and civic engagement is reflected in previous and current board service for the Irish Channel Neighborhood Association, the Committee for a Better New Orleans, the Nous Foundation, and Save Our Cemeteries. Annie has also collaborated with VCPORA for several years to produce informative educational programming and lectures.
Brook Tesler is an architectural historian and preservationist. Ms. Tesler holds a Master of Preservation Studies from Tulane University’s School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She currently serves as the Senior Historic Preservation Manager for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, leading efforts to maintain and preserve historic structures under the purview of churches and deaneries across Southeastern Louisiana. She previously led the VCC Foundation as Executive Director, established Tesler Preservation Consulting, and created the highly regarded Vieux Carré Virtual Library. In addition to practical preservation work, Ms. Tesler is involved in the preservation community in several ways. She shares her expertise as an Adjunct American Architectural History Lecturer for the Tulane University Historic Preservation Program while serving as Co-chair of the Student Engagement Subcommittee of the Tulane Alumni Council. She also serves as the Co-Chair for the Membership & Development Committee for VCPORA and regularly volunteers at the BK House & Gardens.
Staff
Erin Holmes, Executive Director, a native Louisianian, made New Orleans home in 2006. She received a Bachelor of Interior Design from Louisiana State University and worked for a small commercial interior firm before deciding to further her education, specifically in the field of Historic Preservation. She obtained a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans with a double specialization in Historic Preservation and Economic Development. Upon graduation, she joined the staff of VCPORA as Assistant Director. She later moved on to the Preservation Resource Center, serving as the Advocacy Coordinator for preservation policy initiatives, while serving on VCPORA’s Board of Directors. She returned to VCPORA in January on 2019 as Executive Director. In her downtime, she can be found exploring New Orleans neighborhoods, traveling, and parading with the Krewe of Goddesses.
Gretchen Byers, Membership & Outreach Coordinator, a California/Nevada native, moved to New Orleans in 2012. She received her Bachelor in Anthropology with a minor in Archeology from the University of Nevada Reno, and is currently pursuing a masters from the University of New Orleans in Cultural Resource Management (Archeology). Gretchen has worked as an archaeologist in New Orleans, and has worked at sites such as Storyville and the Brulatour House. In her spare time she sews historical costumes and collects miniature portraits.
Caroline Rowe, Events Coordinator,
Office Hours:
The VCPORA office at 816 N. Rampart is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call ahead (504-581-7200) or email (info@vcpora.org) for an appointment.
