The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development is proud to announce that Melinda B. Malmay has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Legend in Leadership Award. This honor is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Acadia Parish through personal commitment, professional excellence, and philanthropic leadership.
Melinda’s banking career spans over four decades, beginning at First National Bank before continuing through leadership roles at American Bank, St. Martin Bank & Trust, and Home Bank. Today, she serves as Vice President/Commercial Lender and Manager of The Bank’s Crowley branch, where her focus remains on the relationships she has built with customers and the community she loves.
“Melinda has been a true pillar in our community for as long as I can remember,” said Elizabeth Miller, President and CEO of the Acadia Parish Chamber. “I’ve been fortunate to know Melinda both as a mentor and a friend. Her leadership is not flashy or self-serving; it’s steady, genuine, and full of heart. We couldn’t be more proud to honor her with this award.”
Throughout her career, Melinda has been instrumental in helping banks grow and adapt, overseeing the construction and expansion of branches and guiding institutions through major acquisitions. At every turn, she remained committed to putting people first — an approach that earned her the respect of colleagues, customers, and community leaders alike.
Outside of her professional achievements, Melinda’s devotion to service shines just as brightly. A longtime member of the Crowley Rotary Club, she served as Club President during its 100th anniversary year, leading the project that resulted in the installation of the Rotary Clock in downtown Crowley. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the former Crowley Chamber of Commerce and later with the Acadia Parish Chamber, ultimately chairing the Board during a pivotal period of growth and a transition to a parish-wide economic development focus.
In 2023, Melinda was appointed to serve on the board of directors for Ochsner Acadia General Hospital for a term of three years. In this role, she serves alongside other directors to move Acadia Parish forward and ensure continued access to necessary healthcare services for the community and the surrounding area.
“Melinda has never needed a spotlight to make a difference,” said Miller. “She is a staple at events across Acadia Parish and usually shows up with her hands ready to work and her full support of whatever the cause may be. She embodies what we all hope to see in a leader.”
Her service also extends deeply into her faith community. A lifelong member of The Presbyterian Church of Crowley, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Board of Deacon, Board of Elder, and Church Treasurer for more than 20 years.
A graduate of Crowley High School, LSU Eunice, and USL, Melinda furthered her professional education through the Louisiana Bankers Association and paralegal studies at USL. She and her husband, William (Bill) Malmay, are the proud parents of Megan Duhon (Zach) and grandparents to William Duhon.
Melinda will be formally recognized at the 2025 Acadia Parish Chamber Banquet on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
For more information about the event or the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, visit www.acadiaparishchamber.org or call (337) 788-0177.
