Ben
Real Estate Professional
Education: Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa; Bachelors in Finance from the University of Florida
Family: Wife, Allison; daughter Ande Elizabeth,10 months
Mentors: My father, Brad Tiller
Allison
Attorney
Education: Newman High School; Bachelors in History from the University of Virginia; Juris Doctorate from University of Virginia
Family: Husband, Ben; daughter Ande Elizabeth,10 months
Mentors: My parents, Darryl and Louellen Berger
Ben Tiller moved to New Orleans in 2007 because his wife, Allison, is from New Orleans and, as he says it, the gravitational pull is strong for New Orleans natives to return home.
They met at a wedding in Florida, where she was a bridesmaid and he was a groomsman. She was living in Washington, D.C. practicing law and he was living in Florida doing commercial banking. After dating long-distance, they started a life together in New Orleans two years after Hurricane Katrina hit.
Ben and Allison committed to the city quickly, serving on several boards of non-profit organizations. Allison is on the executive committee board of NOCCA, the Downtown Development District and is involved with Hands On New Orleans.
Ben is involved with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and on the board of CASA, which organizes court-appointed special advocates for children. The both also work in the real estate industry. In their free time, they enjoy walking in Audubon Park with their 10-month-old daughter Ande.
Why take the time to serve on boards? Ben: You can use your background, for me its business and finance and be a valuable tool to an organization.
How do you choose what organizations to help? Allison: I worked at Louisiana Appleseed, a start up organization that has a great mission. It was right after Katrina and I was exciting to be part of an organization that was a part of the rebuilding.
What’s your first memory of community service? Allison: My mom had us do a lemonade stand on the corner of State Street and St. Charles to raise money for libraries. We had a big sign and everyday after summer camp we’d sell lemonade. We ended up raising $1,000.
Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest? Ben: Mardi Gras. I like all the tradition and fanfare and how it involves everyone in the community. The fact that it’s free is just a remarkable endeavor.
What is your favorite new restaurant? Both: Patois.
Any New Year’s resolutions? Allison: I’m not going to look at any electric devices once I’m in bed. Ben: That’s a joint resolution.
iBERIABANK is proud to present a series of profiles featuring entrepreneurs, volunteer activists and artists whose work is making a difference. As iBERIABANK continues to make significant investments in our community, this special feature focuses on a few individuals who are doing the same.
While we can not include everyone who is inspiring change and worthy of recognition, we are proud to highlight a select few who give tirelessly to our community with their time, energy and passion.