20 complete Leadership Class after year-long COVID delay

The Leadership EXCEL Advisory Board has announced the conclusion of its 2020-21 year.
The 26th Leadership EXCEL Graduating Class met at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday, Nov. 17, for a reception and graduation ceremony.
The evening began with a cocktail hour prior to the graduation where graduates, sponsors and families of the graduates were invited to attend.
Michael Doughty, chairman of the Advisory Board, served as the evening’s emcee and began by welcoming those in attendance. Jeremiah Meck, Advisory Board member, recognized the year’s sponsors, including Jimbo Petitjean, Acadia Parish Assessor; Bank of Commerce; Dugas, Soileau and Breaux; Encore Healthcare & Rehabilitation; Kolder, Slaven and Company; JD Bank; Rayne Building and Loan Associate; Suzy Webb, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau; and The Bank.
Doughty introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Justin Robichaux, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, assistant women’s softball coach.
Robichaux addressed the graduates on the importance of leadership and getting involved in their respective communities.
Graduate Chuck Lejeune, sponsored by the Church Point Community Development Corporation, provided a recap of the 23-month program. Lejeune made light of the chaos the world has put forth over the last two years and encouraged his classmates to apply their recently gained knowledge to make the world a better place.
Founding member Katie Chiasson presented plaques to graduates to complete the evening.
Members of the 2020-21 graduating class include:
• Joan Blair, Jeff Davis Registrar of Voters
• Jena Bordes, C.J. Prevost Insurance
• Crystal Broussard, Encore Healthcare & Rehab
• Nichole Broussard, Acadia Parish Police Jury
• Jeff Cavell, Upland Services
• Jennifer Charlie, Darnall, Sikes, and Fredrick
• LeAnne Cormier, Home Bank – Jennings
• Kyle Gordon, Gator Custom Graphix
• Brooke Hornsby, Jennings American Legion Hospital
• Heather LaBouve, The Bank – Iota
• Jessica Landry, Parish Realty
• Jerad Langley, Southwind Healthcare and Rehab
• Debra Leger, Rayne Building & Loan
• Chuck Lejeune, Church Point Community Development Corp.
• Stephanie Martinez-Hernandez, Kolder, Slaven and Co.
• Jonathan Murphy, Town of Church Point
• Shelly Reiners, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital
• Connie Tregle, Lakeside Bank
• William Vincent Jr., Acadian Ambulance
• Mark Woods, Bank of Commerce
Leadership EXCEL is an annual leadership development program of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce.
The program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to meet the future needs of our community and strives to develop informed, resourceful, civic-minded leaders committed to making our community a better place to live and work.