Christy Wallace Slater
Director of Economic Opportunity
Christy Wallace Slater is the Director of Economic Opportunity at the Foundation for Louisiana. In this role, Christy manages a grant and Program Related Investment (PRI) portfolio that assists nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing for low-to-moderate income citizens in distressed communities throughout Louisiana. Christy's portfolio also funds non-profit small business intermediaries that help small businesses to recover, stabilize and grow through technical assistance, business resources, and access to capital.
Christy's professional background is a blend of mission-based non-profit work and economic development and customer service experience. Christy was formerly a Program Officer for ECD/ Hope Community Credit Union where she worked directly with Hope's micro-loan program and small business client development. It was during her tenure with ECD/ Hope that Christy gained experience with community outreach and financial recovery resources. Prior to working with Hope, Christy was the Public Investment Project Manager for the Mayor's Office of Economic Development. In this role, she managed the City's Economic Development Fund Grant program, working directly with potential grantees and acting as a liaison to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, City Council and the Mayor's Executive Staff. However, the foundation for Christy's future career path was set during her early days as a cast member with the Walt Disney World Company where her role as a VIP and Magic Kingdom Tour Guide taught her the importance of detail, presentation, and providing excellent customer service.
Christy is a native New Orleanian who understands the necessity of the Gulf Coast's recovery and sustainability. Her passion for and commitment to her City's renewal stems from a deep rooted family history in the area, as well as her personal experience rebuilding four family homes in New Orleans post- Katrina. Christy has earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Louisiana State University. In her spare time, Christy loves to dance, sing, and watch movies with her husband and children.