Board of Directors

Howard Austin is a savvy and innovative CEO of HCO Behavioral Health Services. He is the Founder of HDA Insurance Firm and Elevate Management. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he is a graduate with a BA in Finance from Southeastern Louisiana University. He began his career maximizing success in the healthcare sector.  Austin is recognized in the healthcare industry for more than 15 years of change management expertise, executive leadership, and strategic planning experience. On the rare occasions when Howard’s not working or authoring, you can find him watching sports, enjoying live music, and above all, spending time with family.

Board Co-Chair, Sabreen Thorne, is an education leader focused on alumni engagement, leadership development, and educational equity. As Director of Alumni Strategy for Teach for America Greater Baton Rouge, she connects over 300 alumni and corps members, advancing leadership pipelines and alumni-driven impact. She leads talent-matching initiatives, alumni giving strategies, and strengthens partnerships to expand professional opportunities for educators. Previously, as Manager of Teacher Leadership Development, Sabreen supported corps members to improve student achievement and instructional effectiveness. She has a background in instructional coaching, curriculum development, and professional learning communities. Sabreen is involved in several leadership programs and serves on the boards of the Louisiana Academy of Production and Blossom.

Scott Courrege is an attorney at Due' Guidry Piedrahita Andrews Courrege, LC, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  DGPAC is a boutique firm with a proud history of representing seriously injured clients dating back over 40 years.  Scott also owns and operates Courrege Consulting Group, LLC, which is a law enforcement consulting and training company.  Prior to becoming an attorney, Scott spent nearly two decades as both a federal and local law enforcement officer and now is recognized as a subject matter expert in various law enforcement matters. Scott has a passion for community improvement and brings to the table unique experience and insight into the interplay between community members and public entities such as first responders.

Alex Hains is an attorney at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson in the firm’s Labor and Employment section. She received her undergraduate degree from LSU and her law degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, College of Law. Alex and her husband, Donald, have lived in Baton Rouge since 2015. They have one son, Baker, who attends St. James Episcopal School.

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana and raised in Franklin, Louisiana but residing in Baton Rouge for the past 11 years, Sonia Daniels, PhD is a highly skilled and experienced business owner + consultant with a passion for empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Sonia is a proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of New Orleans, and Southern University and A&M College. She is also a 2023 graduate of the Goldman Sachs Black in Business program and a 2024 Dartmouth College-Tuck School of Business Executive Education graduate. She holds a doctorate degree in Public Policy, Master's degree in Public Administration, and Bachelor's degree in General Studies with a host of other certificates. When she’s not working, Sonia indulges in solo international travel, exploring the arts and painting, reading to children at local schools, and spending time with friends and family, especially her niece and nephew.

Clint L. Sanchez, owner of BlakSheep Creative, a digital marketing agency in Denham Springs, LA, is also a 27-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Fire Department, where he serves as the Chief of Information and Technology. With a remarkable career bridging the worlds of digital marketing and public service, Clint brings a unique blend of expertise to both realms. When he's not transforming businesses online or leading emergency response efforts, Clint indulges his love for the open road, riding his Harley Davidsons with a spirit of adventure. His dedication to his community and his passion for innovation continue to make a profound impact in Denham Springs and Baton Rouge.