Kristi Gustavson is the chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana.
She started this position in January 2018,
She is highly paid
She has a large well-compensated staff.
She is an attorney by trade.
Her position ensures a constant media presence.
She kicked off a foundation fund for the survivors of the Cedar Grove tragedy.
She obviously did not do her homework.
Now the Community Foundation must refund these donations due to IRS rules.
Seemingly she should have thoroughly researched the IRS issue before starting the fund.
Now the gold standard for community giving is tarnished and questions abound regarding the tax legality of all donations solicited by the Community Foundation.
Her bad decision is now news the day before tomorrow's Give for the Good fundraising effort.
Another questionable program of the Foundation is to give tax breaks for donations that are then steered to the Shreveport Bossier Advocate which is a for profit entity owned by a New Orleans billionaire.
Like all chief executive officers, Gustavson should be held accountable for her decision-making and actions.
Presumably the job performance of Gustavson and her staff is evaluated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors although the board is probably just a rubber stamp.
Gustavan's mistake continues the unfortunate but seemingly constant missteps in assisting the families of the victims and adds salt to the community's collective wounds from this tragedy.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.