JOURNAL SPORTS
Caddo Parish Schools superintendent Keith Burton has added another prominent local role in 2026, moving up to chair the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Foundation as the local bowl celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Burton, a longtime educator who officiated high school football and basketball for over 30 years before being named superintendent in September 2024, succeeds the Foundation’s 2025 chairwoman, Sarah Giglio.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as chairman of the Independence Bowl Foundation during such a special year. The 50th anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate the incredible legacy built over five decades, but also to position the Independence Bowl for an even stronger future,” said Burton. “I look forward to working alongside our outstanding staff, volunteers, and Foundation members to deliver another great bowl experience for our community and college football fans.”
The entire 2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors slate includes some of Shreveport-Bossier City’s most influential leaders and citizens. The executive committee and board members collaborate with the full-time board staff, led by veteran executive director Missy Setters.
Burton leads one of Louisiana’s largest school systems and works closely with educators, community leaders, and business partners to improve educational outcomes and expand opportunities for students. Prior to becoming superintendent, Burton served the district in several leadership roles, including chief academic officer and school principal.
A longtime resident of the Shreveport-Bossier area, Burton has been actively involved in numerous civic, nonprofit, and community organizations. His service includes leadership roles with the Committee of 100, the Rotary Club of Shreveport, the Norwela Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Community in Schools/Volunteers of America (CIS-VOA), and the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council.
Burton has been a member of the Independence Bowl Foundation for many years and currently serves on its Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Selection Committee. As chairman for the 2026 game, he will help lead the organization during the Bowl’s milestone 50th anniversary season, working alongside staff, volunteers, and board leadership to strengthen conference relationships, enhance the bowl experience for participating teams and fans, and position the Independence Bowl for continued success in the evolving landscape of college football.
The 13-member Independence Bowl Foundation Executive Committee for 2026-27, with their professional affiliations in parenthesis:
- Chairman: Keith Burton (Caddo Parish Public Schools)
- Vice-Chairman: Greg Lott (Progressive Bank)
- 1st Vice-Chairman: Tim Wilhite (Wilhite Electric)
- 2nd Vice-Chairman: Doug Bland (Shelter Insurance – Bland Agency, Inc.)
- Treasurer: Jayce Simpson (Community Bank of Louisiana)
- Secretary: John David Person (WIELAND)
- Immediate Past Chairwoman: Sarah Giglio (Gilmer & Giglio)
- Three-Year Term: Crystal Wooldridge (Raymond James)
- Three-Year Term: Bert Schmale (Home Federal Bank)
- Two-Year Term: Tyler Williams (Edward Jones)
- Two-Year Term: Victor Mainiero (Caddo Parish Public Schools)
- One-Year Term: Taylor Jamison (NextEra Energy Resources)
- One-Year Term: Lee Holmes (U.S. Air Force Reserve)
- Title Sponsor Ex-Officio: Jerry Skievaski (Radiance Technologies)
The Independence Bowl Foundation has a total of 89 active members of the Board of Directors. The entire board roster can be found at IndependenceBowl.org/team/#board.