Board Members

About Us

Organized in 2006, the Krewe of Atlas is named after the mythological Titan warrior Atlas. Krewe Members are bound together by the belief that Mardi Gras is a “Celebration for the Masses.” After storming Olympus and threatening the Gods, Atlas was sentenced to hold up the world on his shoulders forever. Just as the world encompassed people from all walks of like so does our Krewe, and in the spirit of Atlas we strive to lift up our “area of the world” through our community service projects.

2026 - 2027

President- Jennifer King

Jennifer has been involved with Mardi Gras since 2014 and joined the Krewe of Atlas in 2016 where she was the Duchess of Harmony for season IX. She has been heavily involved in many areas of the Krewe operations including the Lieutenant of Merriment for the X and XI seasons. She was recently Queen XVIII and represented the Krewe with integrity and grace.

Jennifer has worked for Louisiana Truckstop & Gaming as the Director of Casino Operations for over 23 years. She’s been creating memories one day at a time with her life partner, Mike Decker and their four-legged baby, Bailey.

When she is not working or traveling, she enjoys spending time with her friends and
working on her fashion game; she also loves to tap into those creative juices with interior design & party decorating, and of course “all things” Mardi Gras..

Captain XIX - Cassidy Coker

Cassidy is a long time resident of Bossier City LA. This is her third year as a member of the Krewe of Atlas. She is a stay at home mom of two teenage boys. When she is not feeding all the growing men in her house, she likes to spend time serving her community, singing in the worship band at her church, and listening to true crime podcasts. She is also currently serving as a Duchess for season XVIII.

Lt. Fundraising - Tracy Mendels

Tracy is a retired Army Sgt. and Police Sgt. After moving to Shreveport in 1999, joined the Krewe of Atlas in 2002. She has served as President of the Board, Lt. of Fundraising and Lt. of Parades. Served as Duchess twice and Queen VI.

Tracy has been married over 30 years and has 2 adult children.

Lt. Merriment - Jamie Coldwell

Jamie is a proud graduate of La Tech, Jamie currently works as a Telecommunications Project Coordinator at AEP.

Jamie is a competition cook with a passion for crafting award winning bowls of chili and gumbo and has won a multitude of competitions across the ArkLaTex and is thrilled to have qualified for this year's ICS World Championship Chili cook-off in Indianapolis.

Being married to her husband Matthew for 10 years with whom she is raising two boys Brody, 8, and Eli, 3, keeps their days full and hearts fuller.

Historian- Theresa Miller

Theresa is a current Realtor with Century 21 Elite and has been enjoying this role since 2006. Previously she was an HR Manager for 25 years. She is married to her true soulmate, Chris Miller and her King.

She served in this position and served on Board of Directors as President, Treasurer, Secretary, and proudly served as Captain XVI and XVII.

In addition to these Board positions, she served as Queen XII and Duchess of Peace XI. Theresa has been a proud member of Atlas since 2017.

Treasurer - Ruth Burdges

Ruth Burdges is a long time member and supporter of the Krewe and is especially inspired by the needs in our community and all that our local Mardi Gras Krewes do to be of support and fascilitators of community service. Ruth has been the Lt. of Charity for six continuous seasons in the past and is ready to facilitate projects for the current season.

She has recently retired after 30 years in the dental industry. She has three children, Chance, Brett, and Kaitlyn, her youngest, and two grandchildren, with a third on the way. Ruth enjoys gardening, reading, and her precious dog, Remi.

Secretary- John Pumilio

John is a native of Shreveport and has been involved with Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex since the early 1990's. Having been a member of the former Krewe of Apollo, he served numerous times on their court and board, including past Captain and Queen. John joined the Krewe of Atlas in 2013 and serve as Duke in 2015-2016, Captain 2018-2019, Captain 2021-2022, most recent Captain XVIII, as well as serving on the board as President, Treasurer, and Lt. of Merriment.

John is currently employed with Red River Pump Specialists where he works in the accounting department.

Besides Mardi Gras, John enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, trips to New Orleans, Dallas, and Happy Hour! Isn't it Five O' Clock somewhere?

Lt. of Charity - Jana Pierce

Jana is a graduate of Benton High School, where she was a cheerleader, JROTC Corps Commander, and valedictorian. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Political Science and a BA in Religous Studies. Jana received a MA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University. She is a member of the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association and the International Association of Emergency Managers. Jana worked for U.S. Senator John McCain for 15 years, and has been a Program Manager in the State Office Readiness Program for the U.S. Senate Sergent at Arms in Washington, D.C. for the past 7 years. She is also an Emergency Medical Technician licensed in Louisiana.

Jana is a member of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans in Washington, D.C., the Fat Tuesday Children's Parade of Shreveport and Bossier City, and the Krewe of Centaur. Jana served as Duchess of Venus on the Atlas Royal Court VXII and as Atlas Historian for the 2024-2025 season.

Float Lieutenant - Matt Coldwell

Matt is a passionate sports fan (Go Steelers!), Matthew enjoys cheering from the sidelines or talking stats to anyone who will listen. When not watching games, being out on the water, or on family adventures, you will likely find him around a pot of boiling water competing in crawfish cook-offs.

Proudly married to his wife Jamie for 10 wonderful years he is a father of two amazing boys, Brody and Eli. For Matthew its all about good food, great company, and a little friendly competition.