Delgado Foundation Board Welcomes Three New Members

October 08, 2024

The Delgado Community College Foundation is pleased to announce three new members joining its Board of Directors—Kyle France, Ronnie Lançon and Melvin Rodrigue—chosen for their outstanding contributions in their fields and to the greater New Orleans area. The board appointments took effect in March.

The Foundation is comprised of distinguished New Orleans area business leaders whose mission is to develop private financial resources for funding scholarships and promoting and enhancing Delgado’s educational programs, to seek external revenues and to solicit private philanthropic investment as supporting funds for the College. The Foundation Board Members also provide guidance and advocacy to assist Delgado in building relationships with regional business and industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle, Ronnie and Melvin to our board. Their expertise will be instrumental in forging new opportunities to support the mission of Delgado Community College, said Delgado Foundation Chair Lee Giorgio. “We look forward to working together to make a lasting impact on our community.”

Kyle France is a leader whose impact extends across government, education, healthcare and business development. His roots and experiences—from a childhood visit to his grandfather's native Croatian village to working with U.S. Senators Russell Long and John Breaux—influenced his community service. France boasts four decades of service as president and director of the esteemed Kehoe-France Schools and Day Camps, founded by his parents. As managing partner of Whiskey Oaks Development and Louisiana Business Advisory Group, France has played a pivotal role in projects that have generated over $1.2 billion for New Orleans.

Roland “Ronnie” Lançon has over three decades of proven success in the automotive industry, particularly in operational management roles at upscale and luxury dealerships. With expertise in contract negotiations, corporate relations and inter-departmental management, he has excelled in team building, enhancing productivity and ensuring quality assurance. Lançon has held award-winning management roles, overseeing large staffs, managing budgets and implementing strategic initiatives to increase profitability and customer satisfaction. His award-winning experience spans across prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Honda and currently at Walt Massey, where he consistently achieves exceptional results in service management, parts management and overall dealership operations.

Melvin Rodrigue has dedicated his career to the New Orleans hospitality and tourism industry—most notably to elevating the world-renowned restaurant Galatoire’s and promoting New Orleans as a premier destination. Joining Galatoire’s as COO in 1997 and now serving as President & CEO, Rodrigue has guided the restaurant to top culinary honors, including the 2005 James Beard Foundation award for Most Outstanding Restaurant in the U.S. Under his leadership, Galatoire’s expanded with renovations and new locations, such as Galatoire’s "33" Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire. Rodrigue has also contributed significantly to the community through his roles with the National Restaurant Association, the Louisiana Restaurant Association and The Galatoire Foundation, raising millions for local charities. As a commissioner of the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority, Rodrigue enhanced the reputation of the New Orleans Convention Center, spurring billions in economic impact.

Chancellor Larissa Littleton-Steib, Ph.D. said, “Our Foundation Board Members are crucial in shaping the future of our institution through their dedication, strategic insight and generous support. We are grateful for their commitment to helping Delgado Community College build a legacy of excellence and opportunity that will benefit generations to come."

Learn more about the Delgado Foundation and ways to support Delgado Community College here.

Pictured below from left are Kyle France, Ronnie Lançon and Melvin Rodrigue.