Meet the ConnectLA Team

ConnectLA is working to bring high-speed internet access to communities across Louisiana. Our dedicated team is committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering local residents through connectivity.

","externalResource":null,"internalAsset":[],"internalResource":null,"pageSections":[]}],"teamMembersEntries":[{"id":"5054","title":"Veneeth Iyengar","richText":"

As Executive Director of ConnectLA, Veneeth Iyengar is the first executive director for the state of Louisiana's broadband efforts. Under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, he is responsible for coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local leaders in allocating nearly $1.6 billion in federal funds to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2028, if not sooner.

He and his team are considered thought leaders in the broadband community for their rapid scale up and execution of federal dollars to impact the 1.7 million residents in Louisiana who lack high speed internet. Louisiana's efforts have been recognized nationally, and Veneeth is often asked to speak at events hosted and or organized by leading organizations like the Pew Charitable Trusts, National Governors Association, Consumer Electronics Show, Fiber Broadband Association, National Conference of State Legislators, U.S. Department of Commerce's SelectUSA Summit, Federalist Society, American Enterprise Institute, and Brookings Institute.

From 2018-2021, Veneeth was the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, primarily responsible for economic development. He was involved in the lifecycle of economic development deals and he led the administration's response in helping small business owners during the pandemic.

In 2020, Veneeth was asked by the Governor to co-chair his Resilient Louisiana Healthcare Task Force, which included the CEOs of leading healthcare systems, payors, and rural healthcare organizations in the state. The task force recommended approaches to create an innovative healthcare economy given the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prior to his time as a public servant, Veneeth helped build the Venture Capital/Private Equity healthcare practice for Sage Growth Partners and worked in the office of the former CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation under President George W. Bush.

Veneeth received the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Impact Award in 2023 and the Woodrow Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service from Johns Hopkins University in 2022. He was named a Leadership Louisiana Recipient by the Council for a Better Louisiana in 2020 and a Forty under 40 recipient by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report in 2018.

He is on Ochsner's Health State Advisory Board, with the focus of significantly improving healthcare rankings in the state, and the Board of Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation. He also serves as Chairman for Innovation Catalyst, a non-profit evergreen investment based in Baton Rouge that has made more than a dozen investments startups.

He received his Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Purdue University. Veneeth grew up in Baton Rouge and attended Baton Rouge High School.

","plainText":"Executive Director","headshots":[{"alt":"Headshot of the ConnectLA Executive Director, Veneeth Iyengar.","optimizedImages":{"src":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/veneeth-iyengar.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4942&fp-y=0.2478&dm=1742390344&s=5224ba4ca1b3b628b29eee3c973cff15","srcset":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/veneeth-iyengar.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4942&fp-y=0.2478&dm=1742390344&s=5224ba4ca1b3b628b29eee3c973cff15 576w","srcsetWebp":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/veneeth-iyengar.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4942&fp-y=0.2478&dm=1742390344&s=ca36747d609434bb0b2f6d7c61ba0e99 576w"},"focalPoint":[0.4942,0.2478],"extension":"jpg","url":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/veneeth-iyengar.jpg?w=690&h=690&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4942&fp-y=0.2478&dm=1742390344&s=205ceda0c99e341bcde65f447d18ec3d","__typename":"assets_Asset"}],"__typename":"bioEntry_Entry"},{"id":"5056","title":"Thomas Tyler","richText":"

Thomas Tyler has experience in technology strategy, cybersecurity affairs, economic development, and public policy disciplines. As the Deputy Director for ConnectLA, he has served an instrumental role in standing up key initiatives and leading numerous functions, ranging from policy and government relations to strategic planning and grant program administration. He has received national recognition from a variety of stakeholders—a direct result of the thought-leadership of the office and stewardship of some of the most impactful investments the state has made in its diverse communities over the past several years.

Previously, Thomas served both in the public and private sectors, leading Louisiana Economic Development’s Digital Interactive Media and Software Development Incentive Program, administering and growing one of the nation’s strongest and most comprehensive incentive programs for this industry. He assisted companies and startups of all sizes to facilitate statewide investments into workforce development opportunities, leveraging key incentives and public policy instruments to facilitate significant private and public sector investments in Louisiana communities.

Additionally, he has served as a consultant and advisor for one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity and technology advisory practices. He provided information security and technology strategy, consulting, and training services to a variety of clients crossing numerous sectors, sizes, and complexities.

Thomas is recognized for his invaluable contributions to stakeholders, speaking and providing advisory services to organizations like the U.S. Department of Commerce, Pew Charitable Trusts, National Governors Association, Fiber Broadband Association, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Telecommunications Industry Association, Tech Policy Institute, Smart Cities Council, Mountain Connect, Collision Conference, Business Resource Network, Society of Louisiana CPAs, and the Louisiana Bankers Association.

Thomas is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a graduate of Louisiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is an active member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, and in 2022, was named to the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40 list. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife and three children.

","plainText":"Deputy Director","headshots":[{"alt":"Headshot of the ConnectLA Deputy Director, Thomas Tyler.","optimizedImages":{"src":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/thomas-tyler.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.458&fp-y=0.1261&dm=1742390344&s=de01e34c2c987e911e010f5e21a5e7ac","srcset":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/thomas-tyler.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.458&fp-y=0.1261&dm=1742390344&s=de01e34c2c987e911e010f5e21a5e7ac 576w","srcsetWebp":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/thomas-tyler.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.458&fp-y=0.1261&dm=1742390344&s=841faf2d3db25795e2b1fd03031ff3f3 576w"},"focalPoint":[0.458,0.1261],"extension":"jpg","url":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/thomas-tyler.jpg?w=690&h=690&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.458&fp-y=0.1261&dm=1742390344&s=fbcb88368b51120414a9a680dcd0f2bc","__typename":"assets_Asset"}],"__typename":"bioEntry_Entry"},{"id":"5058","title":"Arielle Collins","richText":"

Arielle Collins is an accomplished and dedicated professional who serves as a Program Manager for Louisiana’s Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (also known as ConnectLA). She is also a highly skilled Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of auditing experience in various state agencies within Louisiana. In her role as Program Manager, Arielle will use her financial expertise and acute attention to detail to ensure ConnectLA complies with all requirements related to the federal grants it administers.

Arielle's educational background includes earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2012 and Master of Business Administration in 2013 from Southeastern Louisiana University. She went on to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant in 2016, a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Arielle began her accounting career with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office in 2013. During her time with LLA, Arielle performed and assisted in the external audits of numerous state agencies within Louisiana, including the following: Department of Children and Family Services, Southern University System, Southern University Law Center, Louisiana State Police Retirement System, Office of Group Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Administration.

Additionally, Arielle served as Auditor-In-Charge of the following audits: Louisiana School Employees Retirement System, Office of Financial Institutions, Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation, Louisiana Public Service Commission, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana Department of Revenue, Louisiana Economic Development, and Louisiana Board of Regents.

Following her time with LLA, Arielle joined the Department of Administration’s Internal Audit Section. In addition to typical Internal Audit duties, Arielle assisted with the administration and review of local and state applications related to the Louisiana Cares Act. During the funding review, Arielle ensured LA Cares applications met the requirements for funding and approved or denied LA Cares applications based on review. When necessary, Arielle communicated with LA Cares applicants to obtain any missing documentation or explain why requests were denied. Finally, Arielle composed and submitted the required federal quarterly reports on LA Cares Act funds.

Following her tenure with DOA, Arielle accepted a job as the Internal Auditor for the Louisiana Department of Treasury. In addition to her duties as the Internal Auditor, Arielle assisted with the administration of the Main Street Recovery Program, federally funded by the CARES Act, and also served as the bookkeeper for the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation.

Arielle is a native of Lutcher, Louisiana, and currently resides in Ascension Parish with her husband and two daughters. When not buried in a spreadsheet, you can typically find Arielle relaxing with a good book, watching LSU sports, spending quality time with her family and friends, or listening to Taylor Swift.

Arielle's passion for her work and her commitment to achieving exceptional results make her a valuable asset to her organization and a role model for aspiring professionals in her field. Arielle’s extensive experience with the administration of federal programs gives her a unique skill set required to be the Program Manager for ConnectLA’s federal grants. Arielle looks forward to approaching the administration of all ConnectLA’s grants with integrity and poise, ensuring that the people of Louisiana receive the Broadband internet they deserve.

","plainText":"Program Manager","headshots":[{"alt":"Headshot of the ConnectLA Program Manager, Arielle Collins.","optimizedImages":{"src":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/arielle-collins.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4565&fp-y=0.1435&dm=1742390344&s=f74fadcebecc2f461ebf29d51147ca4e","srcset":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/arielle-collins.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4565&fp-y=0.1435&dm=1742390344&s=f74fadcebecc2f461ebf29d51147ca4e 576w","srcsetWebp":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/arielle-collins.jpg?w=576&h=576&q=60&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4565&fp-y=0.1435&dm=1742390344&s=ee809add5b9823ac40c73a85794b917e 576w"},"focalPoint":[0.4565,0.1435],"extension":"jpg","url":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/arielle-collins.jpg?w=690&h=690&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.4565&fp-y=0.1435&dm=1742390344&s=98bf2fc9d2c5c23347064aa230e12d45","__typename":"assets_Asset"}],"__typename":"bioEntry_Entry"},{"id":"5060","title":"Emmy Hicks","richText":"

Emmy Hicks has direct experience leading data strategy, management, and analysis initiatives and building successful assessment, accountability, change management, and communication strategies from the ground up for a broad range of programs in highly complex environments. Across her roles in public and non-profit spheres, her expertise in statistical analysis and program evaluation drives efforts that enable organizations to scale and support initiatives effectively. Her academic scholarship on federal regulation, consumer perception, telework/remote work and learning, employee stress, and domestic norms has earned her recognition and speaking opportunities at academic conferences across the nation and the American Society for Public Administration Founders Fellowship. She has served on several non-profit boards, contributing her leadership to organizations that support local communities. As Vice President of Membership Services for the Capitol Park Museum, membership tripled as a direct result of popular community engagement programs she built from scratch with extremely limited resources.

Emmy holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master's in Applied Research, Measurement & Evaluation from Louisiana State University. She has completed her coursework for a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Research and is nearing her defense, all while working full-time as a dedicated public servant. She has managed programs, led research projects, and served as a Co-PI and external evaluator on federal grants across several fields. With proven success galvanizing public and private partners with different beliefs and levels of understanding to work together in partnership towards common goals and an eye for ensuring federal compliance, building robust data management systems, and nurturing inter-agency collaboration, her work has significantly enhanced organizational effectiveness while increasing philanthropic, research, and federal grant support.

In her role with Connect LA, she is part of team that manages over a billion dollars in federal grants that capitalize on broadband access to empower Louisiana residents to create strong, competitive communities in rural, underserved, and economically depressed areas, a mission that aligns her professional skills with personal aspirations. She directly manages funds focused on the build and/or rehabilitation of Multi-Purpose Community Centers and the creation of accessible device distribution programs while spearheading the office’s digital accessibility and data management strategies.

Emmy grew up along the bayous of South Louisiana while spending summers with her family in the middle of nowhere, Montana. She understands firsthand small town, rural life and is passionate about improving digital literacy and access to broadband internet for these communities.

","plainText":"Program Manager","headshots":[{"alt":"Emmy Hicks headshot","optimizedImages":{"src":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=1200&h=1679&q=82&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=1f50ebb3af45c7cf4cf11607c4b3b799","srcset":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=1200&h=1679&q=82&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=1f50ebb3af45c7cf4cf11607c4b3b799 1200w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=992&h=1388&q=82&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=6acab3796e1eb13535df0793e54ed0cc 992w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=768&h=1074&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=26d6cf2a38f6e3114adaf039b082cea2 768w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=576&h=806&q=60&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=ecdb4cf96865c9cbb6530a14ec0825a3 576w","srcsetWebp":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=1200&h=1679&q=82&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=e14f87dc540f14aa5a512faa2a983408 1200w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=992&h=1388&q=82&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=a525b62e0fe51b19d3c2f742887eec03 992w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=768&h=1074&q=60&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=b1fea159fdb7a1f7c456334b68a46ed1 768w, https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=576&h=806&q=60&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=0c5b95257a5fad4d2849134a85f8d9c5 576w"},"focalPoint":[0.5594,0.7426],"extension":"png","url":"https://connectla-backend.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Headshots/Emmy-Hicks-Test-2.png?w=1429&h=2000&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5594&fp-y=0.7426&dm=1753883622&s=5e839558027b8ee5dfa884531b77fb9d","__typename":"assets_Asset"}],"__typename":"bioEntry_Entry"}]}}

Meet the ConnectLA Team

Our Team

Veneeth Iyengar

Thomas Tyler

Arielle Collins

Emmy Hicks