Alexandria, La. (3/5/2026) — The GAEDA special meeting concluded with commissioners approving all agenda items Wednesday morning in Alexandria.
The Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority board met March 4 at 9 a.m. at its headquarters on Murray Street.
All current members of the commission attended the meeting. Chairman Steven R. McGee presided over the session.
Vice-Chair Ronald Morgan, Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Earl Williams Jr., and Commissioner Zendrea Whitehead also attended. Executive Director Angela Varnado was present as well.
The meeting began with a call to order, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners then conducted a roll call.
Afterward, the board addressed active agenda items related to pending litigation.
Specifically, commissioners discussed the lawsuit styled John Callis v. Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority and Angela Varnado.
The discussion included recent legal filings. Those filings include a Motion for Enforcement of Judgment and Return of Public Funds.
Additionally, the filings include a Motion to Set and Tax Costs and Attorney Fees.
Next, commissioners approved a motion to enter executive session. They cited Louisiana Revised Statute 42:17(A)(2), which allows discussion of litigation strategy.
The board then entered executive session to discuss legal strategy and considerations related to the pending lawsuit.
After the closed session concluded, commissioners returned to open session and continued the meeting.
The board then considered retaining separate legal counsel for co-defendant Angela Varnado in the litigation.
Commissioners also considered authorizing legal counsel to file pleadings and take appropriate legal action to defend GAEDA’s interests.
Ultimately, the board approved all agenda items during the meeting.
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