Board of Directors
Henry Hays
PresidentHenry Hays, a visionary CEO and co-founder of DisruptREADY, spearheads a cutting-edge business intelligence firm focusing on emerging technologies, specially Artificial Intelligence. As co-founder and CEO of DisruptREADY, Hays leads the effort to make AI simple and effective for business executives. To date, DisruptREADY has built custom Large Language Models (LLMs) in banking, healthcare, commercial real estate, state government, retail and chemical companies. As an Adjunct Professor at LSU’s Roger Ogden Honors College, he imparts his expertise by teaching courses on AI and LLMs, shaping the minds of future innovators. Globally sought after, he delivers keynote speeches on Disruptive Innovation. Before founding DisruptREADY, Hays played a pivotal role in developing the commercial facet of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, a company that was acquired for $3.5 billion in cash in 2014. His multifaceted experience and entrepreneurial leadership continue to fuel advancements in tech and business strategy.
Sherry Swanner
SecretaryA native of Tyler, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana, Sherry Lewis Swanner is lifelong educator with a commitment to serving others, particularly students and youths. She graduated from Captain Shreve High School in 1973 and from Louisiana Tech 1976 with a Bachelor of Art in English Education. Ms. Swanner worked as a legislative assistant for the State Board of Regents from 1978-1981, then taught English at Trafton Academy from 1981-1988. In 1993, she returned to the classroom and taught English at Episcopal High School (1993-2008) and the Dunham School until her retirement in 2022. An active member of her church, The Chapel on the Campus, she served as assistant director of the Children’s Ministry as well as participating in other ministries for women, college students, and international missionaries. She also volunteered at a local school, Wildwood Elementary as part of the church’s outreach efforts. Ms. Swanner and her husband of forty-three years, John, have three children, Matthew, Allyson, and Sean (married to Meredith) and two grandchildren, Gibson and Harper. Together, they enjoy traveling, especially to Ireland and New England.