Meet Team AARP Louisiana!

The AARP Louisiana State Office comprises a diverse team of professionals, each bringing a unique range of expertise. Collaborating with dedicated volunteers, we strive daily to enhance the livability of communities across our state for you and your family.

Denise Bottcher serves as the state director of AARP Louisiana and assumes responsibility for advancing the organization's social mission on behalf of Louisianans aged 50 and above, as well as their families. With a membership of nearly 450,000 and a network of 22 volunteer leaders statewide, Denise leads a dedicated six-member team in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, focusing on enabling individuals from all generations to thrive in their own homes and communities through advocacy, education, and service.

Under Denise's strategic guidance and leadership, she and her team have been instrumental in driving social change at both the state and local levels. This achievement is realized through collaborations with policymakers, cooperative organizations, and dynamic volunteers. Her primary areas of focus include family caregiving, healthcare, financial resilience, and creating livable communities.

Denise's association with AARP began in 2010 when she assumed the role of communications director, where she oversaw media and communications strategy for advocacy, community outreach, and member communications. Her career boasts over 25 years of experience across the private sector, government, and non-profit sectors. She possesses a deep background in crisis communications, targeted communication, and advocacy strategies tailored for businesses, politicians, and government agencies. Notably, among her diverse experiences, she served as the press secretary and official spokesperson for Governor Kathleen Blanco during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sean Gasser

Alfred E. Mason is the newly appointed volunteer state president. He leads Louisiana's all-volunteer Executive Council, dedicated to fulfilling AARP's mission and advancing its strategic priorities throughout communities across the state. In this role, he serves as the primary AARP volunteer spokesperson in Louisiana.

Alfred retired from Deluxe Check Printers, Inc. in 1995, where he held the position of department manager at the company's New Orleans plant. Notably, he also has a history of leadership within various organizations having previously served as the president of the AARP Gonzales Area Chapter 1449 and as the District Deputy Grand Master of the P.H. Masons. In the latter role, he oversaw the well-being of over 1,000 men and was responsible for the administration of 17 lodges.

As a dedicated AARP volunteer leader, Alfred actively contributes in a multitude of capacities to support the State Office team. He is a valued member of the Speakers Bureau and helps the national AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, helping callers address questions and concerns related to fraud and scams.

Alfred stands as a steadfast advocate for AARP's mission, championing the rights and interests of adults aged 50 plus at the state legislature. He has played a key role in recruiting, onboarding, and training volunteers. In 2021, he was honored with the Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP's most prestigious volunteer accolade.

Andrew Muhl has served as the state director of advocacy since 2013, contributing his strategic expertise to advance key initiatives for the 50+ demographic within the state legislature and various communities across Louisiana.

He has played a pivotal role in mobilizing thousands of grassroots advocacy volunteers. His efforts have yielded significant legislative victories, including the successful creation of the Community Options Waiver fund and increasing services for individuals who want to live at home. These achievements stand as a testament to his leadership, presence, and influence at the State Capitol. He has positively impacted several hundred thousand caregivers across the state by growing pensions for state retirees and more accessible healthcare options.

Andrew's ability to cultivate partnerships and relationships has translated into tangible support for family caregivers and overall improvements in the quality of life for Louisiana's elderly population.

Before joining AARP, Andrew dedicated six years to advocating for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers with the American Cancer Society. He also served as policy advisor and legislative liaison in Governor Kathleen Blanco's administration.

Sean Gasser

Linedda McIver holds the position of director of multicultural outreach, where she leads our community initiatives in New Orleans, focusing on advocating, educating, and engaging individuals aged 50+ in AARP's social change programs, with a particular emphasis on health security, financial resilience, personal fulfillment, and livable communities.

Linedda's journey at AARP began following her role as the director of community outreach at the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter. During her tenure there, she collaborated on multiple projects with elected leaders and other stakeholders whose interests and efforts align with ours.

As a New Orleans native, Linedda possesses extensive experience in the fields of communications and community relations, boasting a career spanning over 30 years. She has held key positions, including Community Relations Director for New Orleans Public Schools and the Housing Authority of New Orleans. Linedda is a proud alumnus of Loyola University, holding a Bachelor's degree in Communications, and she brings her prior experience as a high school teacher to her role at AARP.

LaTonya Scott serves as the director of communications, responsible for crafting communication strategies to advance the state's initiatives. Her role encompasses overseeing various mediums, such as publications, advertising, web blogging, social media, media outreach and community engagement.

Before joining AARP, LaTonya held the position of director of public relations at Baton Rouge Community College, where she managed all aspects of communications, advertising, and marketing for the college. In 2013, she played a pivotal role in successfully executing the communication strategy for BRCC's merger with Capital Area Technical College and received recognition for her contributions.

A native of Baton Rouge, LaTonya is an alumna of Southern University A&M, holding a Bachelor's degree in mass communications and a Master's degree in public relations. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as a news producer at WAFB Channel 9.

Sean Gasser

Daphney Young, our senior program specialist, plays a pivotal role in managing the AARP Community Resource Center in New Orleans, spearheading the Age-Friendly initiative, and orchestrating volunteer service activities for the State Office.

Daphney's journey to AARP encompasses almost two decades of experience as a senior-level manager, professional recruiter, trainer, facilitator, and educator. She is renowned for her ability to cultivate positive learning environments, characterized by the strong rapport she builds with both participants and leadership. Moreover, her adeptness at responding swiftly to emerging societal needs and trends positions her as a highly valuable asset to AARP.

Although Daphney was born in Buffalo, NY, her connection to New Orleans runs deep, with more than 35 years of residency in the city. She holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Secondary Education from Dillard University. Her involvement as an active member and E-Board Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Beta Omega Chapter as well as her role as a proud board member of Le Sanctuary Book Club and the District 2 Community Enhancement Corporation, exemplify her commitment to community engagement and service.

Sean Gasser

Vanessa Eiland assumes the role of senior operations associate, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the state office. Before joining AARP, Vanessa held a position with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Louisiana State Office (CFF). During her tenure at CFF, she served as the administrative manager, overseeing daily office operations, and assisting in the coordination of events and volunteer efforts.

Vanessa possesses a deep-seated passion for volunteering and community involvement. She has volunteered at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels of local robotics clubs. Additionally, she has been an active volunteer at the regional level for FIRST Robotics Louisiana – Mississippi for the past 12 years. Vanessa also lends her support to different community events and CFF activities.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a project management concentration at Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Lorri Lucas holds the position of director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Louisiana, where she spearheads our community initiatives in Greater Baton Rouge and Shreveport/Bossier.

Lorri joins our team following a three-year tenure as a staff attorney with the Louisiana House of Representatives' Committee on House and Governmental Affairs. In this role, she lent her expertise to matters including governmental ethics, intergovernmental relations, elections, and redistricting. With her background as an educator, elder law attorney, and legislative staffer, Lorri brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, enabling her to navigate the intricate landscape of local, state, and federal legislative affairs, as well as community outreach and organization.

While Lorri was born and raised in New Orleans, she currently resides in Prairieville. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Southeastern Louisiana University and earned her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center.