The 26th class of the Leadership EXCEL program kicked off a new year with a two-day retreat held at the First Baptist Church of Crowley on Thursday, January 16th & Friday, January 17th. Twenty-three participants from the parishes of Acadia and Jeff Davis were previously chosen to participate in the year-long program.
Chairwoman, Nichole Marks with Rayne Building and Loan comments on the new year and new class, “I am eager to start the Leadership Excel class of 2020 with a phenomenal lineup of high points in our communities along with the challenges that we face. I believe the participants of THIS class will become our future leaders. They will be involved with local clubs and government while giving appreciation of what they will gain throughout this year. I see great things headed our way with this extraordinary group.“
Brent Henley, president of the Pyramid Group, conducted the Orientation Session which included team building activities and the community simulation, SIMSOC, a highly participative simulation reflecting the challenges of society. Participants created their own community complete with political parties, industries, and economic classes. According to Henley, participants learn about each other through activities, demonstrate their ability to work as a team, and experience community leadership through the simulation.
Leadership EXCEL stands for Experience in Community Enterprise and Leadership. The program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to meet the future leadership needs of our community. Through the exchange of viewpoints and experiences, participants are exposed to the challenges, opportunities, and vital issues affecting Acadia and Jeff Davis parishes. The EXCEL program is hosted by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce. This program would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors: The Bank; Jimbo Petitjean, The Acadia Parish Assessor; Suzy Webb, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau; Bank of Commerce; Dugas, Soileau & Breaux CPA Firm; Rayne Building & Loan; JD Bank, Encore Healthcare & Rehabilitation and Kolder, Slaven and Company CPA Firm.
Participants Pictured
Front: Callie Zaunbrecher, First National Bank; LeAnn Cormier, Home Bank; Crystal Broussard, Encore Healthcare & Rehabiliation; Heather LaBouve, The Bank; Joann T. Blair, Secretary of State – Registrar of Voters; Shelly Reiners, Acadia General Hospital; Carnishia Davis, JD Bank; Jessica Landry, Parish Realty; Stephanie Hernandez-Martinez, Dugas, Soileau & Breaux CPA Firm; Jennifer Charlie, Darnall, Sikes & Frederick CPA Firm; Jena Bordes, C.J. Prevost Insurance Agency, Inc.
Middle: Jerad Langley, Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation; Celeste Dolan, Self Employed; Nicole Broussard, Kolder, Slaven & Company CPA Firm; Brooke Hornsby, Jennings American Legion Hospital; Debra Leger, Rayne Building & Loan; Mark Woods, Bank of Commerce.
Back: Kyle Gordon, Gator Custom Graphix; Connie Tregle, JD Bank: William Vincent, Acadian Ambulance; Jeff Cavell, Crowley City Council; Chuck LeJeune, Architectural Designer / Construction Project Manager; Johnathan Murphy, City of Church Point.
