Baton Rouge AIDS Society Staff and Board of Directors

Rev. A.J. Johnson CEO / Founder
I thank God for the many years He has allowed us to serve our community, and I thank the community for trusting us to walk alongside you in the fight against HIV. Every life touched, every family supported, and every new infection prevented is a testament to what faith and unity can accomplish together. Our mission is clear: to reduce the number of new HIV cases, to educate, to uplift, and to ensure that no one feels alone. This work is about more than statistics—it’s about protecting our neighbors, strengthening our community, and creating a healthier future for the next generation. When you are called to serve in a mission that truly matters, it no longer feels like work—it becomes purpose. I believe God calls each of us to an assignment. Our responsibility is to answer that call with courage, compassion, and commitment. Through faith in God and unity in our community, we can reduce the numbers, remove the stigma, and restore hope.
Euguene Collins Executive Director - Louisiana
I am honored and excited to serve as the leader of BRASS Louisiana in Baton Rouge—a community where my roots run deep. Baton Rouge shaped my commitment to service, and it is a privilege to help lead this organization to the next level of impact through strong leadership and meaningful community engagement. As a former two-term President of the NAACP local chapter, and with more than a decade of experience serving in this field, I have witnessed firsthand the power of organized communities to create lasting change. I have seen how civic involvement, advocacy, and collective action can move the needle on civil rights and public health issues alike. My commitment is to lead with integrity, to listen to the voices of our community, and to build partnerships that strengthen our reach and deepen our impact. The fight against HIV is not just a health issue—it is a matter of equity, access, and justice. Through collaborative leadership and sustained engagement, we will continue advancing civil rights, empowering our community, and ensuring that those most affected are seen, heard, and supported.
Rev. Wayne Johnson Executive Director - Florida
“The challenges we face are bigger than any one person, any one neighborhood, or even any one state. Real change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to serve.

My life’s work has been rooted in community and service. Whether through civic engagement, grassroots organizing, or advancing public health initiatives, I have always believed that strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and action. Service is not just what we do—it’s who we are when we stand up for one another.

I accepted the Executive Director position at BRASS Florida because I believe in the power of collective impact. The growing number of new HIV cases is not just a statistic—it represents individuals, families, and communities that need support, education, and advocacy. By working together—partners, advocates, and neighbors—we can strengthen outreach, expand resources, and create healthier futures.

United in service, united in purpose, we can achieve lasting change.”
Charles Jean, Jr. Director of Community Health Outreach Projects
Too many people in our community were being diagnosed late or didn’t know where to turn for care without fear of judgment. That reality is what called me into this work. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, quality health services and the dignity of being treated with respect. My commitment is rooted in community—making prevention a normal part of everyday conversation, making care accessible and welcoming, and ensuring that no one feels alone while navigating their health journey. When we remove stigma and replace it with support, we create healthier families and a stronger community for all. Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 1995, this community has given so much to me—opportunity, connection, and purpose. I am deeply grateful, and it is an honor to give back through dedicated service, working every day to promote better health outcomes and uplift the people who make this community home.
Dieldra Square Board President
As President of the Board of Directors, I have witnessed both the progress we have made and the challenges that remain. Beyond my leadership role, I am a wife to a loving husband and the mother of two sons. My commitment to this work is deeply personal—it is rooted in my faith, my family, and my desire to see strong, healthy relationships thrive in our community. Over the years, I have seen how HIV can strain marriages, disrupt families, and impact entire communities. It is not just an individual issue—it is a community concern that calls for honesty, responsibility, and compassion. Healthy marriages and committed relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. When we step outside of that commitment, we not only risk emotional harm but also the physical and spiritual well-being of those we love. Marriage is a sacred bond—beautiful in its unity and strength. Protecting that bond requires intentional choices, faith-centered values, and a clear understanding that our decisions affect more than just ourselves. The consequences of risky behavior can extend far beyond the moment. Through faith, education, and open dialogue, we can strengthen our families, protect our relationships, and support one another in making choices that honor our commitments. When we prioritize love, loyalty, and community responsibility, we build a foundation where families flourish and futures remain secure.
Malcolm Johnson Board Treasurer
As an entrepreneur serving within the Black community, I have had a front-row seat to both the challenges and the resilience that define our neighborhoods. My work has allowed me to engage directly with diverse populations in areas often labeled as underserved—communities facing homelessness, substance use, economic hardship, and limited access to essential resources.

But I do not see statistics—I see people. I see fathers striving to provide, mothers holding families together, and young people searching for opportunity. As a business leader and a father, I understand the importance of stability, access, and positive examples. Our presence in these communities must be consistent, compassionate, and solutions-driven.

It is imperative that we continue expanding services to the areas that need them most. True entrepreneurship is not only about building businesses; it is about building stronger communities. When we invest our time, resources, and expertise into underserved neighborhoods, we help create pathways to stability, dignity, and long-term growth. That commitment is both a professional responsibility and a personal one.
Millicent Foster Board Member
As a Black woman in the South who is thriving while living with HIV, I joined this fight because I understand firsthand how stigma can silence, isolate, and harm. Too often, that stigma is rooted in misunderstanding—about HIV, about treatment, and about the strength and resilience of those living with it.
In the South, where culture, faith, and community are deeply woven together, we have a powerful opportunity to lead with truth and compassion. I am committed to reducing stigma through education, open conversation, and service. When we replace judgment with understanding and fear with facts, we create space for healing and empowerment.
My work is grounded in gratitude—for life, for community, and for the opportunity to serve. I strive to uplift other Black women and all people living with HIV, reminding them that a diagnosis does not define their future. Together, through compassion, advocacy, and collective action, we can fight stigma, strengthen our communities, and move closer to ending the epidemic.
Donna Newman Board Member
As a professor at Southern University, I have had the privilege of educating and mentoring generations of students. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how the changing world shapes the choices our young people make—both the opportunities that inspire them and the challenges that test them. Education is more than academics; it is an act of love and responsibility. As an educator and a parent, I believe in guiding students with wisdom, compassion, and accountability—helping them recognize their potential while preparing them to navigate the realities of today’s world. The future is filled with unprecedented opportunities for growth, advancement, and leadership. At the same time, there are distractions and obstacles that can dim even the brightest dreams. As a mother of two and an educator, I feel that our role is to help all that we can to stay focused, grounded, and hopeful. I have been a supporter of BRASS for over 25 years and I am proud to serve as a board member and to extend my commitment beyond the classroom. Service to community is a calling—one that connects education, love, and leadership. By investing in our students and standing beside our families, we strengthen not only individual futures, but the future of our entire community.
Troy Jones Contracted CPA
From the CEO: Troy is not just a contracted provider, he is a true friend. He has become a vital part of our team and I strongly recomend him to anyone who needs a great CPA!!!
Though much of my work happens behind the scenes, I am truly honored to be part of this team. There is something powerful about collective effort—when each person brings their gifts, talents, and heart to a shared mission, real change happens. Working alongside the dedicated team at the Baton Rouge AIDS Society has been a joy. I have seen firsthand how collaboration, compassion, and commitment can move an organization forward year after year. This is more than just work—it is a shared calling rooted in love for our community. I believe deeply in the mission to empower, educate, and serve. Being part of a team that truly sees the community—its strengths, its challenges, and its potential—is a blessing. Together, through teamwork and unity, we are committed to reducing new cases of HIV and building a healthier, more informed, and more empowered community for everyone.
Troy Jones CPA 225-324-3764