Dana Stumpf

Dana Stumpf
Owner, Jesters Soccer Team
President, Gentilly Landfill
Chief Administrative Officer, Durr Heavy Construction

 

Education: Mt. Carmel Academy; Bachelors in Mass Communication and Political Science at Louisiana State University

Family: Parents; brother; sister and dog named Dante.

Mentor: My parents Donna and Stephen and my grandparents

People often ask Dana Stumpf what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry. She’s president of the Gentilly Landfill and is chief administrative officer at her family’s business, Durr Heavy Construction, overseeing hundreds of employees. In 2008, she bought the New Orleans minor league soccer team, The Jesters.

Her business personality has taught her how to be successful no matter the environment. She is also a former horseback riding champion who competed nationally. Stumpf says she has a hard time turning down an opportunity to give back to the community and make New Orleans a better place.


 
Tell us about The New Orleans Jesters? After Katrina, we were very busy with the construction company and the landfill business with clean-up. I began looking for something uplifting and positive, more community-related. The Jesters provided me that opportunity.
 
How did the name Jesters come about? I wanted to appeal to kids. Soccer is the sport of the next generation and Jesters was a fun, entertaining, more local New Orleans name.
 
How much soccer did you play? None. I’m an American football girl.
 
How are you reaching out to the youth of New Orleans with the Jesters? We recently partnered with Carrollton Boosters to assist them with clinics and their recreational program. We’re going to start building an elite-type soccer program for kids ages 4-12.
 
Is this where you saw yourself when you graduated high school? No. If somebody told me I would be running a soccer team and a landfill company, I would have said “No Way.” But that’s the beauty of life. You enjoy the ride.

Speaking of riding. What type of riding competition did you enter? I did everything from Western to Hunter/Jumper. It was an exciting time.
 
Did you have a favorite horse? I won my world championships with Fred — he’s an old man now, but I still love him.

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.

Dana Stumpf

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Sign up for our FREE

New Orleans Magazine email newsletter

Get the the best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.