Tulane alumnus J. David Barksdale returns to Board of Tulane
Tulane University alumnus J. David Barksdale, a seasoned technology investor and telecommunications executive, has rejoined the Board of Tulane, the university’s main governing body. Barksdale previously served on the board from 2007 to 2020 and was re-elected for an additional term at the Board’s fall meeting.
“Throughout the generations, David and his family have supported Tulane in countless ways, advancing the university’s mission to make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of our students, our community and around the world,” Tulane President Michael A. Fitts said. “We are delighted to welcome him back to this vital leadership role.”
Barksdale is a principal of Alluvian Capital LLC, a privately held company with diverse investments in telecommunications and software. He previously served as the chief executive officer (2009-2014) and co-chairman of Spread Networks, LLC's board (2014-2018). As CEO, he led the development of a high-speed fiber optic network from Chicago to New York, expanding services across both major markets.
“It is an exciting time for the university as it expands the downtown campus, continues its remarkable growth in research and focuses on commercialization through the Tulane Innovation Institute.”
- J. David Barksdale
“Tulane means so much to me, my family, friends and the city where we live,” said Barksdale. “It is an exciting time for the university as it expands the downtown campus, continues its remarkable growth in research, and focuses on commercialization through the Tulane Innovation Institute. I’m honored to support that work through service on the Tulane board, and I look forward to playing a part in the school’s continued success.”
Barksdale’s career includes legal expertise as a former attorney at the New York offices of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP. He also served on corporate boards, including as an independent director for Sanderson Farms Inc. and as a board member of the New Orleans-based Servato Corporation. His experience in private equity was honed as a principal of Barksdale Management Corporation, a private equity and philanthropic investment firm.
A New Orleans resident, Barksdale has a long civic and philanthropic engagement history in the region. He is chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation and a past chair of The Idea Village, an organization fostering entrepreneurship in the region. His dedication to preserving history is evident in his former role as trustee of the National World War II Museum. He and his wife, Stephanie, are also heavily involved in the innovation ecosystem of New Orleans. He is a former trustee of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Stephanie teaches in Tulane’s Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship Minor, consults as an executive leadership coach and is a member of the Tulane Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, the Cowen Institute Advisory Board and the John Lewis Public Administration Program Advisory Board at Tulane.
Barksdale also serves as a council member and founding member of the Tulane University Innovation Institute and is on the board of directors for the Murphy Institute. His previous service at Tulane includes roles on the Development and Health Sciences Center Committees, as chair of the Student Affairs Committee (2016-2020), and as a council member for Louisiana on the National Campaign Council, the Tulane Innovation & Entrepreneurship Council, the School of Liberal Arts Dean’s Advisory Council and the Tulane College Dean’s Advisory Council. Barksdale and his father, James Barksdale, were inducted into the Paul Tulane Society in 2008.
Barksdale received his juris doctorate from New York University School of Law in 2005 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from Tulane in 2000.
