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Brandon is a Baton Rouge native, grew up in Central and attended Victory Christian Academy, Central High School and LSU. Brandon, his lovely wife Andria, and their five precious children are members of Victory Harvest Church. With over 12 years new construction and reconstruction experience, reaching from Baton Rouge to North Carolina, Brandon moved back to his hometown in 2013 to launch Ivey Construction, LLC to serve the people in his community and state. The place he’s proud to call home.
After the original salvage store burned to the ground in 1967, the facility was demolished and remodeled into a brand new home center, which laid the groundwork for the company you see today. Under the current leadership of father-son duo, John and Matthew Holmes, Holmes Building Materials has expanded its reach and services to include two full-line hardware stores, three showrooms, a specialized contractor division, a fleet numbering 100 strong, a Do it Best seal of approval and a staff who is trained, committed and ready to help with all of your building needs.
M&M Glass Company has been providing South Louisiana with custom shower doors and mirrors since 1984.
Diane started the Baum Environmental in 1995 after leaving the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a vision to assist small businesses with the maze of new environmental regulations with lowered costs and better procedures. Diane is a licensed residential and commercial contractor and has credentials in LEED AP, Accredited Green Verifier, Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management (CPMSM) and a Third-Party IECC/Energy Code inspector.
Karen Zito was named President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in August 2017. Karen has dedicated her work for over 20 years in association management, strategic planning, fundraising, and member engagement. She is a two-time graduate of Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Karen received the Army Achievement Medal while serving honorably for eight years in the Louisiana Army National Guard 415th MI BN. Her passion is people and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to be included in the mission of the organization she helps lead. Connecting people to the best resources to grow their business allows her to develop meaningful relationships with those in the industry. Karen is committed to enhancing the services and programs provided to association members. She is married to Devin Zito and a proud mother of three children.
Board of Directors
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Board of Supervisors
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Diane started the Baum Environmental in 1995 after leaving the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a vision to assist small businesses with the maze of new environmental regulations with lowered costs and better procedures. Diane is a licensed residential and commercial contractor and has credentials in LEED AP, Accredited Green Verifier, Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management (CPMSM) and a Third-Party IECC/Energy Code inspector.
Staff
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Karen Zito was named President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in August 2017. Karen has dedicated her work for over 20 years in association management, strategic planning, fundraising, and member engagement. She is a two-time graduate of Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Karen received the Army Achievement Medal while serving honorably for eight years in the Louisiana Army National Guard 415th MI BN. Her passion is people and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to be included in the mission of the organization she helps lead. Connecting people to the best resources to grow their business allows her to develop meaningful relationships with those in the industry. Karen is committed to enhancing the services and programs provided to association members. She is married to Devin Zito and a proud mother of three children.
Melissa Parmelee serves as Vice President, Community and Government Relations of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge. Melissa has over 15 years of experience in annual campaigns and fundraising, event planning and nonprofit/community development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. Melissa is passionate about the Baton Rouge community and has served on the boards of Forum 35, Junior League of Greater Baton Rouge, Association of Fundraising Professionals, LSU’s Manship Advisory Board and Maison Des Ami. She was recognized as Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty under 40, Forum 35 Member of the Year and Forum 35 Inaugural Young BR Original Award. Melissa enjoys meeting new people, helping them find their drive and provide a path to be an active community member.
Danielle Whatley was named Membership Director of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in May 2020. A Baton Rouge native, Danielle has worked in the non-profit world for the past 6 years and is dedicated to giving back to her community. She received her BA in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Theater from Louisiana State University. Danielle went on to work in the film industry throughout Louisiana and Mississippi for 5 years before starting her journey in non-profit at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. People are her passion and she always strives to ensure the members of the HBA have the best experience and know their impact on the home building industry!
Makinzie Sketch was named Director of Marketing of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in February 2020. Makinzie is originally from Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 2019 with a BS in Journalism and Mass Communication with a focus in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Marketing. Makinzie has always been an avid LSU fan and finally made the move to Baton Rouge shortly after graduating college. She has volunteered with Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership since 2013 with the Nebraska chapter and currently sits on the HOBY Nebraska Corporate Board of Directors as the Alumni Advisor, and volunteers with the Louisiana chapter. She is passionate about giving back to the community and to those who have helped pave the path for her success. Makinzie is dedicated to connecting members together and educating the community on the impact of the homebuilding industry.
Megan Maurin was named the Marketing Intern of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in March 2021. Megan is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree at Louisiana State University. Megan is getting her degree in mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in interior design. During her time at LSU, Megan has been a member and a part of the executive board as the Digital Media Director of PRSSA. In Megan’s free time, you can find her catching up on the latest reality shows or spending time with friends and family.
