The 24th class of the Leadership EXCEL program kicked off a new year with a two-day retreat held at the First United Methodist Church of Crowley on Thursday, January 18th & Friday, January 19th. Twenty participants from the parishes of Acadia and Jeff Davis were previously chosen to participate in the year-long program.
Advisory Board Chairman, Paul Molbert, welcomed the new class. “The participants of Leadership Excel Class XXIV represent a excellent cross-section of current and future leaders from Acadia and Jeff Davis Parishes. Through the support of employers they represent and community business sponsors, they will experience personal growth and networking opportunities that will position them to better lead their organizations and communities.”
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 Crowley Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured:
Bottom Row l-r: Rachel Broussard, Acadia-St. Landry Hospital; Tiffany Richey, Education Professional; Claire Benoit, Rayne Building & Loan; Ali Klentzman, Acadia General Hospital; Candi Richard, Church Point Wholesale; Jazzy Leger, Church Point High School. 2nd Row from Left: Chris Kratzer, Acadia General Hospital; Angie Bourgeois, Central Rayne Kindergarten; Kayla Duhon, Dugas Soileau & Breaux CPA Firm; Megan Malmay, Crowley Chamber of Commerce; Dale Robertson, Griffith Lumber; Tears Mickens, JD Bank; Jenny Foreman, Bank of Commerce & Trust. Back Row from left: Paul Molbert, Advisory Board Chairman/Lafayette General Health System; Jay Domingue, Reach4 Communications; Jeremy Leleux, First National Bank; Brian Oustalet, Bubba Oustalet Automotive Group; Chance Oustalet, Bubba Oustalet Chevrolet Cadillac; Eric Gautreaux, Jeff Davis Electric Co-op; Jimmy Prevost, Rayne Realty/Prevost Insurance.
