PAR Leadership Changes Hands
Senior Research Associate Ty Keller will retire from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) staff on July 31st, bringing a close to his highly distinguished, 35-year career. He leaves behind the legacy of a thorough, accurate and non-partisan research ethic to be continued by PAR’s remaining research staff. Jennifer Pike will take the lead as research director after studying under Keller as a research analyst and intern.
Since joining PAR in 1971, Keller authored or directed research for dozens of publications dealing with a wide variety of Louisiana state and local government issues. His studies on economic development, comparative taxes and community colleges received awards for distinguished research and special achievement from the national Governmental Research Association.
Pike transitioned from research analyst to research director on July 1 following an extended succession plan. She now occupies PAR’s state finance endowed research chair. Pike has the skills and experience necessary to build upon the solid foundation laid by Keller. She brings to PAR a background in journalism and public policy research that will enhance the organization’s mission to study and effectively communicate solutions to problems in Louisiana government. She is an alumnus of Louisiana State University, where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in mass communication and Spanish literature and a Master of Arts in Political Science.
PAR regrets the loss of its longest-serving employee and looks forward to continuing a post-retirement relationship with Keller to access his wisdom and knowledge of Louisiana policy and finance matters.