Baton Rouge, LA - On January 09, 2025, Governor Jeff Landry announced appointments to serve on the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Chair of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College: John Scott Ballard

“We are excited to announce Scott Ballard will serve as Chair of this important board. With his previous experience on the LSU Board of Supervisors and vast business and leadership background, I am confident he will do great work for our State and education system,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

Board Member Representing the 2nd Congressional District: Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Roderick “Rico” Alvendia 

“Established in 1860 as a military academy, LSU has consistently upheld its rich military traditions. Given Lieutenant Colonel Rico Alvendia's exensive leadership and military expertise, I am confident he will further strengthen the university's dedication to shaping future leaders,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

Background:

John Scott Ballard has served on the LSU Board of Supervisors, chairing the board from 2016-2017, and is currently serving again in 2024. He is also a member of the LSU Athletic Committee.

Scott is the owner of Ballard Brands, LLC, and is also the founder of Ballard Hospitality, LLC. Scott is a member of the St. Tammany and Greater New Orleans Chambers of Commerce. 

He is an Executive Board member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO Louisiana), Secretary/Treasurer on the Committee of 100, and Secretary on the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) board. Scott is also a member of the Louisiana Economic Development Partnership Advisory Committee. His community involvement extends to board memberships with Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Tammany ChamberPac, Louisiana Boys and Girls Club, ForeKids Foundation, LABI, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, and Home Bank. Previously, he served on the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Board, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the Louisiana Student Assistance Commission. 

In recognition of his support for employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve, Scott was honored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a Patriotic Employer. 

Scott graduated from Tulane University with a degree in political science and economics. He is married to Kristi Ballard and is the father of three children.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Roderick “Rico” Alvendia is an Iraq War veteran, an accomplished Louisiana Attorney, and was appointed by President Biden to serve on the Board of Visitors at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Rico was born and raised in Louisiana and studied at Jesuit High School in the Philippines when his Father served abroad as a Diplomat. He is a 1998 graduate of Loyola Law School in New Orleans. 

He is the founding partner of the Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm in New Orleans, which has successfully represented Louisiana Businesses, Clients and Municipalities for over 20 years.

Rico served honorably for 25 years as an Officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in 2004 with the Louisiana 256th Infantry “Tiger” Brigade. Rico was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service during Combat Operations.

Rico continues to serve our Nation as a U.S. Presidential Appointee on the West Point Academy Board of Visitors. Additionally, in 2012 together with other Combat veterans, Rico co-founded the “Legion of Mars Mardi Krewe”, the first New Orleans Carnival Organization dedicated to honoring and assisting veterans and first responders.

Rico is married to Kristin Alvendia, a devout LSU Alumni and advocate for Mental Health awareness. Above all, Rico’s greatest accomplishment is being a Father to his son Noah Alvendia, who attends Jesuit High School in New Orleans.