Annette Fitzgerald

Director of The Foundation
Since 2022

Annette comes to St. James Place as its’ Foundation Director with over 9 years of experience in fundraising, capital campaigning, public relations and marketing. She has always lived by the adage, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t step forward, you are always in the same spot.”

Annette is a graduate of Louisiana State University with my BA and a Minor in Journalism. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career and continues to push forward and achieve the goals she has set. She has held positions, volunteered, or is a member of many non-profit organizations throughout East and West Baton Rouge including NCEA; National Catholic Educational Association, West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, Diocese of Baton Rouge, and Greater Baton Rouge Habitat for Humanities.

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Dick Wager

Dick Wager

President & CEO

Dick Wager, President/CEO of St. James Place, is responsible for leadership, management and daily operations of the Life Plan Community. He has 40-years of experience in a wide range of eldercare services, including retirement, assisted living, home health, pharmacy...

Thom Melancon, CPA

Thom Melancon, CPA

Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer

Thom Melancon is responsible for the executive oversight of the organization’s finance & accounting functions, as well as information systems. Thom also serves on the Finance Committee of St. James Place. Thom received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from...

Mike Champagne

Mike Champagne

Executive Director, Assisted Living & Memory Care – St. James Place

Mike Champagne is proud to serve as the Executive Director for Assisted Living and Memory Care at St. James Place. With over 15 years of experience in senior healthcare, Mike brings extensive leadership knowledge and a deep passion for enhancing the lives of older...

Trey Ashford

Trey Ashford

Director of Information Services

Trey Ashford has been with St. James Place since October 2010. Trey holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science from Louisiana State University with a Minor in Financial Accounting. His working background is in computer programming and computer...

Ellen Rooney

Ellen Rooney

Director of Compliance & Safety

Ellen joined the team at St. James Place in 2013. She had previously served in management positions for over 15 years and has over 18 years of service in the Episcopal Church. Her love of people drew her to Human Resources, where she is in charge of the Compliance...

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St. James Place is proud to be named a 2025 Best Independent Living community by U.S. News & World Report. We also received two Emblem Awards for high performing scores in Food & Dining and Activities & Enrichment.

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