News BREC Commission Announces Transition in Superintendent Leadership

Baton Rouge, LouisianaMay 30, 2025The BREC Commission has formally appointed Janet Simmons as Interim Superintendent of the park system, effective June 1, 2025.

Simmons brings more than four decades of executive leadership in the nonprofit sector, with a career centered on workforce development, poverty alleviation, and social enterprise. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of HOPE Ministries of Baton Rouge, where she significantly scaled the organization’s programs and increased revenue by more than 250%.

Respected for her visionary leadership, Simmons has a proven record of accomplishment in forging strategic partnerships, launching sustainable social enterprises, and designing high-impact training programs that drive long-term community benefit.

She holds a degree in Finance and Marketing from Mississippi College and is a published author and curriculum developer. Her work has earned numerous accolades from organizations such as Capital Area United Way, Baton Rouge General Hospital, and John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management. She is also a graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge Class of 2016.

The appointment follows the Commission’s decision to designate May 31, 2025, as the final day of service for current BREC Superintendent Corey K. Wilson. This decision enables the Commission to initiate a leadership transition and commence a national search for a permanent Superintendent, which is now underway. Wilson will continue supporting BREC in a contracted advisory capacity through January 2026 to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

“I remain fully committed to BREC’s continued success and to ensuring a seamless leadership handoff,” said Wilson. “While I had anticipated serving through January 2026, I respect the Commission’s decision to begin the next chapter sooner. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and will continue supporting the organization in every way I can during this transition.”

During his seven-year tenure, Wilson led BREC through a period of transformational progress, including multiple national recognitions, successful accreditation renewals, major capital

improvement projects, critical tax renewals, and the development of the agency’s long-range strategic plan, Imagine Your Parks 3.

BREC Commission Chair Donna Collins-Lewis said, “As a member of the BREC Commission for more than four years, I have had the honor of working closely with Superintendent Corey Wilson. His leadership, vision, and tireless dedication have propelled BREC to new heights. From overcoming significant challenges to achieving historic milestones, Corey leaves a legacy that will positively impact our community for generations. We are confident that his future endeavors will be guided by the same commitment to excellence that defined his tenure at BREC.” For more information about BREC, please visit www.brec.org.