Full-time Staff and Interns
Deidre Deculus Robert
President and CEO
Robert brings a wealth of leadership, legal, and community development experience to the role. Most recently serving as Director of State Operations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, she has overseen national economic development initiatives, infrastructure investment, and community revitalization efforts. Her prior experience includes serving as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Louisiana, Executive Counsel at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and General Counsel for the Southern University System. With deep expertise in public-private partnerships, economic development, and strategic planning, Robert is well-positioned to guide BBR’s efforts to create more equitable and vibrant communities throughout Baton Rouge.
Gretchen Siemers
Chief Operating Officer
Gretchen serves as Chief Operating Officer, and is responsible for our urban planning-related programs and place-based initiatives. Prior to joining BBR, she worked at Kaiser Permanente as a Corporate Real Estate Land Use Manager responsible for the land use and property entitlements for the company’s over 1000 building portfolio. With over 15 years of community development experience, Gretchen has worked for Los Angeles County as a Planner and the City of Los Angeles as a Project Consultant providing the best practices for urban planning and real estate. She is a New Orleans native and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona and a Master of Planning from the University of Southern California. She holds an American Institute of Certified Planners credential.
Kendra Hendricks
Director of Operations and Programs
Kendra serves as the Director of Operations and Programs. In this capacity, she leads economic development initiatives, supports program management, and directs finance and agency operations. Prior to joining BBR, she was the economic development manager for Capital Region Planning Commission, where she was responsible for grant writing technical assistance, grant management, project development, and community outreach and engagement for the capital area. Kendra’s previous experiences include higher education, local government, and nonprofit organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with a minor in political science and a Master’s in public administration from Southern University and A&M College. She is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.
Tricia Prewitt
Office Coordinator
Tricia serves as Office Coordinator and is responsible for maintaining a healthy, happy, and efficient work environment, as well as providing a warm, friendly, and informative welcome to anyone calling or stopping by the office. Tricia is from East Feliciana Parish and has lived in Baton Rouge for most of her adult life. In her free time, she works as an independent filmmaker. Prior to joining BBR, she was employed as an Executive Assistant at Baton Rouge City Club.