Our 2025 Leadership EXCEL class closed out the year with a full and unforgettable Lafayette Focus Session — a day packed with innovation, regional perspective, and behind-the-scenes experiences that spotlighted the power of Acadiana.
From medical innovation to media, regional economic strategy to high-tech retail, this final session tied together everything our participants have learned this year: leadership, curiosity, collaboration, and understanding the systems that drive our region forward.
The day kicked off at Tides Medical’s Tissue Bank with Andree Gonsoulin, where participants explored how advanced medical tissue products are developed and distributed. This tour gave the class a fascinating look into the science, precision, and impact behind a company that serves patients and physicians nationwide — all from right here in Acadiana.
Next stop, One Acadiana where Troy Wayman, CEO, shared a forward-looking perspective on growth, competitiveness, and the economic future of our nine-parish region.
The Acadiana Outlook session dug into workforce trends, business recruitment, and major projects shaping our area — connecting perfectly with the leadership principles the class has explored all year long.
Participants enjoyed a little lunchtime freedom to explore Lafayette’s downtown restaurants and businesses — a welcomed “choose your own adventure” break before the afternoon tours.
From there, the group headed to KATC, where General Manager Sean Trcalek walked them through the fast-moving world of broadcast journalism. The class stepped inside studios, learned how news is produced in real time, and saw firsthand how local media keeps Acadiana informed and connected.
The final stop of the day — and of the 2025 program — was Golfballs.com, where COO Chris Thompson and CEO Greg Palmer shared insights into e-commerce, branding, and growing a national retail operation headquartered in Lafayette. It was an energizing way to close out the year, reminding participants how innovation and entrepreneurship fuel our region.
This Lafayette Focus Session wrapped up an incredible year of growth for our EXCEL participants. They’ve explored government, agriculture, industry, culture, tourism, education, leadership, and now — regional innovation.
Each session connected them more deeply with the people, places, and possibilities that make Acadiana home. A huge thank-you to our session presenters and our 2025 program sponsors, especially FNB Louisiana, for making Leadership EXCEL possible. And to our participants — congratulations on completing a year of discovery, connection, and leadership development. We can’t wait to see how you apply it.
