William E. Rowe, Chairman and CEO of Stewart Enterprises, Inc. announced the election of Thomas M. Kitchen to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Kitchen is an investment management consultant with Equitas Capital Advisors, LLC in New Orleans. During a 25-year career with Avondale Industries, Inc., the nation's fifth largest shipbuilder, he served as president, chief financial officer and board member. He currently serves on the board of Conrad Industries, a marine fabricator headquartered in Morgan City, La.
Mr. Rowe said, "We are very fortunate to have Tom Kitchen serving on our board. His leadership and experience in pursuing growth opportunities that enhance shareholder value are assets that will guide our organization's vision and strategic planning as we move forward."
Mr. Kitchen holds both an undergraduate degree and master's degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, which recognized him as its 1997 Alumnus of the Year. He is active in many non-profit, educational, community and professional associations, including having served on the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish Business Councils, the American Shipbuilding Association and the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Boys Hope/Girls Hope Program in New Orleans, the Catholic Foundation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the University of New Orleans Foundation Board of Directors and the Jesuit High School President's
Advisory Council. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Louisiana Society of CPAs and the Financial Executives Institute.