Leadership EXCEL, a joint program between the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce and the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the members of the 2024 Class. The selected participants represent a cross section of the community’s business, civic, and non-profit sectors.
2024 Leadership EXCEL Class:
Hunter Bernard, Dugas, Soileau & Breaux LLC
Titus Brown, First Baptist Crowley
Tessa Butler, City of Crowley
Hank Capel, Crowley Main Street
Christopher Chiasson, Double C Automotive
Carmen Cormier, CPCDC
David Douget, St. Martin Parish Fire District
Benjamin Doughty, Rice City Designs
Angela Duos, Bank of Commerce and Trust Company
Benjamin Hetzel, Jeff Davis Electric Co-op
Lesa Higginbotham, CSE Federal Credit Union
McKinley Horaist, First South Farm Credit
Carter Ledbetter Prejean, Shop Rite/Tobacco Plus
Brice Meche, Broussard Poche, LLP
Lynette Miller, Ochsner Health-Ochsner Acadia General Hospital
Kristi Peltier, Rayne Building and Loan Association
Christine Semien, Save the Children Head Start
Elizabeth Tautkus, First National Bank of Louisiana
Colby Trahan, First Guaranty Bank
Andre’ Venable, Acadia St. Landry Hospital
Corey Vincent, Acadia Parish Police Jury
Malissa Withers, City of Crowley Police Department
Bailey Woods, Ochsner American Legion Hospital
Britney Thibodeaux, Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Randy Whetstine, Jeff Davis Tourist Commission
Leadership EXCEL was established to prepare a diverse group of professionals for leadership positions in the community. The program lays the groundwork for a well-rounded understanding of the community, sparks community involvement, and exposes participants to a variety of community leaders, new opportunities, and leadership skills.
The program focuses on topic areas such as education, city and state government, economic development, the arts and culture, and social services. Graduates leave the program with first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive civic-engagement.
The eleven-month program begins in February. From February-November, the class devotes an entire day each month for discussion with community and business leaders, exclusive visits throughout the community, and engaging exercises pertinent to the program topics.
