Renee Chatelain is a graduate of Louisiana State University, holding both a B.A. Degree in History and a Juris Doctor. She is President/CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.  Renee began her career as a professional dancer and has been a guest teacher for Iceland Dance Theater, Cornell University, among others.  She has been a speaker at the Women in Dance Conference and at the Ballet Festival of India in Mumbai. She serves on the Advisory Board of the American Mural Project, supporting visual artist Ellen Griesedieck.  She has served as Executive Director of Manship Theatre and founded dance programs for two independent schools in Baton Rouge.  

Renee is a recipient of the John W. Barton, Sr. Award for Excellence in Non-profit Management, and has been recognized by the Louisiana State Senate for her contribution to African Americans in Louisiana through the Arts.  Most recently, Renee received the Milestone Award from the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Renee considers her passion project the creation and staging of The Fading Line: A Commemoration of the 1953 Baton Rouge Bus Boycott and is grateful to all of those who know the importance of supporting and advocating for the arts.