Nicole Payne-Jack, Ed.D. is currently the Training and Development Manager of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC). She has served as a Professional Development Instructor/Trainer, facilitated national training workshops, professional development speaking engagements, created and facilitated organizational training modules, and led the expansion of volunteer and leadership development programs throughout the gulfcoast region. Nicole has served as BREC’s Toastmasters International VP Education for its chartered club.

Prior to her role at BREC, she served as a Professional Development Trainer at Lantec Corporate Training Center where she facilitated soft skills trainings for hundreds of employees from a variety of industries/organizations throughout Louisiana. She holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership with concentration in Human Resources Development, a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, is a Certified Green Belt through the International Association for Six Sigma Certifications and holds over 20 years of experience in leadership and organizational development, training delivery, program development, and performance management. Over the past decade, Nicole has enjoyed developing programs in collaboration with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation and the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services and local organizations throughout Louisiana. Above all, Nicole is a lover of learning with a passion for people. It is through that passion that fuels her purpose in life…to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether they expect it or not! Outside of her work life, Nicole is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys any opportunity to volunteer in service to others. In her spare time, traveling and spending time with her family are top priorities, well at least pre-COVID.

Marcus Sylvas is the Leadership Development Program Manager at the Louisiana Transportation and Research Center.  In his role, he conducts a variety of customized leadership development courses for Department of Transportation and Development employees across Louisiana.  Prior to this role, he worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Louisiana State University where he specialized in faculty, staff, and executive recruitment. 

Marcus earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business from LSU and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Southern University.  He is currently in pursuit of his PhD at LSU after earning a Master’s degree in Leadership and Human Resources Development in 2021.  In addition to earning his second Master’s degree, he also passed his SHRM-CP in 2021.  Outside of his work and academic life, Marcus is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and the Society of Human Resource Management.  In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and trying different foods.

Burgundy Cummings is responsible for the Training and Development program at the Secretary of State’s office. She creates and delivers eLearning and facilitator-led training on various soft skills and leadership development topics. She manages the LMS for the Department and is responsible for the Department's philanthropic projects.

Burgundy has over 10 years of Human Resources experience and has transitioned into a training role within the last 7 years. She has previously served as the VP of Marketing and Communications at ATDBR. She is excited about serving in her new role as the Secretary of ATDBR and looks forward to meeting more members!