Karen Profita named as Executive Director of Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board

A Baton Rouge radio show host, and former President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Capital Area United Way, Karen Profita, has joined the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board as the new executive director.

Ending a three-month search to replace former Seafood Board executive director Ewell Smith, Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne has announced the signing of Profita as the new executive director representing the states 12,000 fishermen, as well as seafood processors of crab, crawfish, finfish, shrimp and oysters.

In an email to seafood board members he said, “I am pleased to announce that Karen Profita has accepted the position as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing. I am happy to have Karen on board and hope you will join me in welcoming her to this new assignment.”

Profita currently is the principal of her own Baton Rouge firm, KJP Impressions.

Profita currently is the principal of her own Baton Rouge firm, KJP Impressions. The company assists in developing business skills, presentation confidence and the professional appearance necessary for success. She also hosts a weekly local radio program offering a broad range of lifestyle information and tips.

Her firm was responsible creating the Woman’s Hospital Annual Campaign radiothon, which raised more than $42,000.

Previously she was President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Capital United Way. During her leadership she assisted in turning around the image after the organization faced a crisis of donor confidence. She has also served as a Sr. Vice President for the Childrens Miracle Network.

During the search assistant director Kristin McLaren has headed the Seafood Board’s day-to-day operations.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with all of you,” said Profita who was hired by the Lt. Governor in an email to her new board. “In the coming weeks I would like to spend some time with each of you to understand your goals and objectives for Louisiana Seafood. In the meantime please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”

Profita, is a graduate of Louisiana State University, and holds a Masters in Health Service Administration from the University of St. Francis in Chicago.  She will start immediately in her new position.