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 2025 Class. The selected participants represent a cross section of the community’s business, civic, and non-profit sectors.
2025 Leadership EXCEL Class:
Susan Allardyce, First National Bank of Louisiana
Shantel Alleman, City of Crowley
Stefan Blanchard, Home Bank
Jude Boudreaux, RecLand Realty
Nicholas Bourque, South Louisiana Community College
Salman Chaudhry, Cheauxdhry Group
Grant Clark, Grant’s Crawfish and Catering
Kayla Doga, Hampton Inn & Suites
Dr. Carrie Guidry, The Point Primary Care
Wendy Harrington, Acadia Parish Tourist Commission
Gage Higginbotham, Acadiana Tire & Lube LLC
Ann Langley, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital
Cole Latiolais, First South Farm Credit
Darla Lejeune, Realtor
Amelia Lyons, Church Point Community Development Corp.
Lauren Meyer, Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health
Tara Miller, Southern Crumbs, LLC
Melanie Roge, Acadia St. Landry Hospital
Alysia Unkel, JD Bank
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.