40 under 40: Meet Lafourche’s top 40 up-and-comers

The Lafourche and Thibodaux chambers and Leadership Lafourche named the parish’s up-and-coming leaders.

Selected by a panel of industry leaders, judges considered career achievements, community involvement and vision for the parish’s future.

Forty Under Forty recipients were recently honored at a banquet in Thibodaux.

Cody Blanchard, 26

Founder, White Car Marketing | Co-Founder, Fathom Media

Cody got his start as Thibodaux’s director of marketing and public relations, shifting into the director seat of Thibodaux Main Street. When he arrived, the Main Street program’s state grant was about to expire. But in two years, he managed to increase profits by nearly 600 percent.

Last year, Cody created White Car Marketing, which he ran out of his apartment. The company now serves local and statewide clients.

Cody is also the co-founder of Fathom Media, which publishes “What Now Magazine” and “Parent Talk Magazine.”

He is a board member of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce and Thibodaux Main Street, and a member of South Louisiana Economic Council Regional Advisory Committee, The Young Professionals of South Louisiana, chairs the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce Organization Affairs Committee and is an elected director of the Nicholls State University Alumni Federation. He is the alumni advisor of Nicholls’ Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and works with Thibodeauxville and Big Boy’s Main Street Cook-Off.

Eddie Callais, 39

Enterprise Services Delivery Manager, Vision Communications

Eddie worked summers at Latelco while he was studying accounting at Nicholls State. When a full-time job became available, he was hired. Since then, he has moved from network engineer to enterprise services delivery manager.

He also volunteers for the Cut Off Youth Center Crawfish Boil and Relay for Life, and serves on the boards for the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce and the Fourchon Oilmen’s Association.

“You should make the most of the opportunities you are given and always be ready for a challenge. You never know where the path may take you or the growth you can obtain from it,” he advises.

Kristen Callais, 33

Assistant Director, Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center

After experiencing a crisis pregnancy, Kristen interned at Crossroads, helping others work through similar experiences. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Tulane University, and now serves as director of Crossroads.

Kristen also volunteers as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children, serves as a motivational speaker for Louisiana Right to Life and a spokesperson for the “A Difficult Choice” campaign. She is a member of the Thibodaux Service League, the National Association of Social Workers and the First United Methodist Church.

Travis Cantrelle, 36

HSEQ & Training Manager, Chet Morrison Contractors LLC

Travis’s civic volunteerism runs deep. He’s given time at the French Food Festival and served on boards and committees such as the Bayou Civic Club, French Food Festival Planning and Auction Committee, Lafourche Parish Beachfront Development Board, CPL’s Contractor Safety Council, Nicholls State Petroleum Services Advisory Board, Larose Biddy Basketball Organization, American Society of Safety Engineers – Bayou Chapter and Our Lady of the Rosary Pastoral Council. Saving Fourchon beach is a priority.

He recently presented a mitigation plan that took the safety culture of his employer, Chet Morrison Contractors, from a C grade to an A.

David Cavell, 25

District Representative, U.S. Congressman Bill Cassidy

David is a member of the Bayou Country Children’s Museum board of directors, and assisted moving the project forward after 14 years of planning and development. An ambassador of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, he is an active member of the Thibodaux Rotary Club and Southeastern Louisiana University’s Alumni Association. He served as SLU’s student body president prior to graduation.

Immediately after college, David served as campaign manager for Jay Dardenne, who was elected Louisiana’s lieutenant governor. David currently manages Rep. Cassidy’s congressional office.

His prior experience includes work with state Supreme Court Justice John Weimer’s and Lafourche District Attorney Cam Morvant’s campaigns.

Norby Chabert, 38

State Senator, Louisiana

After earning a bachelor’s degree in government at Nicholls State, Norby got his start as a political consultant. He worked with the university’s administration for a few years before returning to politics. He currently serves in the state Senate, serving as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He is also a board member for the Nicholls Colonels Athletic Association.

Archie Chaisson III, 29

Parish Administrator, Lafourche Parish Government

Archie is a member of the Lafourche Shrine Club, the Masonic Lodge of Lafourche Parish, president-elect of Nicholls State’s Alumni Association and chairman of the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce.

After college, Archie joined a local engineering firm, later taking a parish post as coastal zone administrator. Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph tapped him a few years ago to serve as parish administrator.

In that post, he recently helped create a partnership with Ducks Unlimited and Conoco Phillips that creates more than 30 acres to help protect South Lafourche’s levee system.

Andrea Cheramie-Stentz, 37

Attorney, Cheramie & Stentz APLC and 17th Judicial District Court Indigent Defender’s Office

Andrea is an advisory board member for Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office PACT Place and chairs the Citizens for a Safer Lafourche Committee. She is also a member of the Lafourche Parish Commission on Women, the parish’s Children and Youth Planning Board and the Thibodaux Service League. The hands-on mom also sits on the board of the Thibodaux Playhouse and the Thibodaux chamber, and is a homebound Eucharistic minister for Christ the Redeemer Church.

Chett Chiasson, 37

Executive Director, Greater Lafourche Port Commission

Chett got his start in oil and gas with an offshore oilfield service company. He later made the switch to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, serving as the director of economic development and, today, as the director.

At the helm of the GLPC, he shaved in excess of $75 million from the annual budget.

Chett serves as the Port Association of Louisiana’s board president and sits on the Louisiana 1 Coalition, Restore or Retreat and Fourchon Oilman’s Association boards. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.

Andree Cortez, PE, 36

Principal in Charge/Thibodaux Office Manager, T. Baker Smith LLC

A civil engineer with T. Baker Smith, Andree was tapped to file the role of principal in charge at the Thibodaux office within months of her hire date. She leads a design team on the site development of the multi-million dollar Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center, as well as the design of drainage improvements to Nicholls’ fields.

Andree is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies and the Emerging Leaders Group, as well as the Lafourche and Thibodaux chambers, Bayou Industrial Group, TBS SPARK and the Thibodaux Service League. She also volunteers at Crossroads, the local food bank, and the Juvenile Justice Center, and assists with the TSL’s annual fundraiser, “A Visit to Santa’s Land,” which raises scholarships to Nicholls.

Paul Danos, 37

Executive Vice President, Danos

After earning his MBA from Stanford University, Paul gained experience with another company before joining his family’s namesake. He started as project manager of the offshore construction and fabrication division, moving to division manager for disaster response and recovery before assuming the role of executive vice president.

Within the industry, Paul works with the Offshore Operators Committee and the National Oceanic Industries Association. Outside the industry, he is involved with Council for a Better Louisiana’s leadership and the state Community and Technical College Foundation. Additional memberships and board positions are numerous.

Stephanie Donaldson, 34

Artist/educator/owner, The Purple Penguin Art Company

En route to her microbiology classes at LSU, Stephanie walked the halls of the art building. Following her family’s lead, she changed majors to education. It afforded her the opportunity to explore every realm of art without having to pick a specific path. The move was affirmed during her student teaching. Shortly after beginning her teaching career at Thibodaux High, she “became addicted” to teaching. She opened The Purple Penguin Company, continuing to teach and mentor at the studio. She also donates hours to CASA, Hope for Animals, My Heart’s Desire, Red Cross of Southern Division and Relay for Life. Stephanie also coaches swimming for the City of Thibodaux and Thibodaux High.

Andre Duplantis, MD, 35

Primary Care Physician, Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Andre serves as medical director of Ochsner Home Health and the medical review officer at the Family Doctor Clinic in Mathews. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and is certified with the American Board of Medicine.

His honors include graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Boyd Professors’ Foreaux Society Award.

Andre donates his time giving local athletes sports physicals and promoting community health.

“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My job is extremely rewarding and gratifying,” he said. “The connections you can make as a rural family physician go much further and deeper than you would as a traditional doctor.”

Annette Fontana, 38

Attorney, Morvant & Cavell, APLC | Assistant District Attorney, Lafourche Parish

In her capacity as a lawyer, Annette handles civil matters. She serves on the Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates and has previously served as the president of the Lafourche Parish Bar Association. In addition, she serves as an instructor of family law at Nicholls State.

Annette works felony trials in District A of the 17th Judicial District Court. She was recently awarded the Certificate of Commendation from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office for work on a case she prosecuted.

Away from the courtroom, Annette is an advisory board member for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum and past chairman of the Thibodaux chamber’s board. She has also worked with Red Cross, Bayou Clean Up and Hope for Animals.

Bryan Fontenot, 36

Owner, Thibodaux Driving School | Project Manager, Sternfels Properties

Once the youngest division commander for the Thibodaux Police Department, Bryan was also one of only 11 nationally certified fire and explosion investigators in the State of Louisiana for the state fire marshal. He has devoted 21 years of service as a volunteer fireman and grant writer for Thibodaux and St. John fire departments.

Bryan is a two-time past recipient of the St. John Volunteer Fire Department’s President’s Award, as well as Office of the Year and Fireman of the Year, which was presented by the local VFW. He has also twice served as a keynote speaker at the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association’s annual conference.

In addition, he is project manager at Sternfels Properties and owns Bryco Land Development and the Thibodaux Driving School. Bryan reports growth at the school at 300 percent in five years.

Travis Griffin, 25

Broker/Owner, South Coast Real Estate

At age 15, Travis got his start in real estate. At 20, he became the youngest person in the state to obtain a broker’s license. The following year, he opened his own agency, South Coast Real Estate. Travis recently purchased a Coldwell Banker franchise, making him the youngest such owner in the world. He has sold more than $100 million in properties across south Louisiana, obtaining multiple government contracts and corporate clients.

Travis volunteers for the Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity and serves as president and executive director of Hope United, a nonprofit he created to give to the needy. He also serves on the professional development committee for the Bayou Board of Realtors and is a member of the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce.

Shane Guin, 38

Commercial Real Estate Agent, Carlton and Associates Real Estate

It was two years ago that Shane left engineering for commercial real estate. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Shane also serves on the Lafourche chamber and Bayou Industrial Group boards, and is a graduate of Leadership Lafourche and Leadership Louisiana.

Shane has volunteered to design and build two additional classrooms and office spaces and renovations of other classrooms to optimize space at Little School at the First United Methodist Church in Thibodaux. He is active in Thibodaux recreational activities coaching football, baseball and soccer.

Vera Holloway, 32

Counselor, Psychological Healthcare of South Louisiana | Co-owner, Touchstone Center

Vera is clinic director and counselor of a tri-parish mental health clinic. She is a certified divorce and custody mediator and has done extensive continuing education in sexual and physical abuse. She also operates the Touchstone Center, a local autism center. Vera is a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, the International Marriage and Family Counseling Association and the American Christian Counseling Association.

Away from work, Vera is a member of the Rotary Club of Thibodaux and the House of Prayer Church in Thibodaux. She also volunteers at the Thibodaux Juvenile Justice Facility and the Bayou Christian Academy, chairs the Annual Tour of Homes in Thibodaux and is vice president of the Refuge 127 board.

Ben Jones Jr., 25

Co-Founder, Fathom Media | Jones Insurance Services

While pursuing a business administration and English degrees at Nicholls, Ben worked as marketing manager at his family’s business, Jones Insurance Services. Two years later, he opened Fathom Media, which publishes What Now and Parent Talk magazines. He also manages the Chamber Insight, the Thibodaux chamber’s monthly publication.

Ben serves on the Thibodaux Main Street and Nicholls State Alumni Federation boards. In addition to volunteering at Nicholls’ fundraisers, he is active with the Thibodaux Running Group.

Alaine Donnes Lafaso, 34

Veterinarian, Acadian Animal Hospital

Accepted into LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at age 19, Alaine was among the university’s youngest aspiring vets.

Alaine and husband Tony remodeled the old Nicholls Farm and Stable into the Acadian Animal Hospital. She is a member of the state Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association and serves on Ochsner hospital’s advisory board.

Alaine is also a member of the Femmes Natales, HOPE for Animals and St. Genevieve Church. She volunteers at the church’s Children’s Liturgy and is the baptismal seminar moderator. In addition, she volunteers at Nicholls’ Research Week and regularly visits local schools to encourage others to pursue a science career.

Deanna Lafont, 33

Customer Service Representative, Entergy Louisiana

Deanna is Entergy Louisiana’s liaison to Lafourche’s government, community and key employers. Prior to joining Entergy, the Nicholls graduate founded D. Lafont Consulting Group.

Deanna is the Southern Economic Development Council’s Louisiana associate director and Young Professional Committee chair. She is also on the executive advisory committee of the South Louisiana Economic Council and the Community Development Institute at Troy University. Deanna volunteers with the Bayou Community Academy PTC and is a member of the South Central Industrial Association infrastructure and golf committees, and she helped create the first Entrepreneurial Training Series in the Bayou Region.

Byron “Buddy” Ledet Jr., 34

Benefits Consultant, Arthur J. Gallagher

Buddy, a two-time graduate of Nicholls, is a state Agent of the Year for a major insurance and investment company. He’s also been given the Lafourche Parish Relay for Life coveted Angel Award for his work mentoring cancer patients.

Buddy is a member of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, Thibodaux chamber, Nicholls Alumni Association, NSU College of Business Alumni Association, the Colonel Athletic Association, the Million Dollar Round Table, Phi Kappa Theta Nu Omega Alumni Association, the E.D. White Catholic High School Alumni Association and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is also president of the Thibodaux Kiwanis Club, a St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parishioner, a youth baseball and soccer coach and a volunteer for CASA of Lafourche. Most recently, he helped build a special needs’ accessible playground at Thibodaux Elementary.

Blake Lee, 33

Terminal Contract Supervisor, Shell Exploration and Production

“Coach Blake,” as he’s known by the children he mentors, spends his professional time at Port Fourchon. Away from work, he sits on multiple boards and founded several charitable events benefitting local youth. Teaching children to work as a team, he says, sets them up for success in other aspects of life.

“Being a part of a team on and off the court affords the opportunity of being a part of something greater than one’s self,” Blake said. “I have always believed that you should treat others the way they need to be treated to become successful and then surround yourself with those people.”

Jeffery Leuenberger, 33

Senior Planner, Lafourche Parish Government

A relatively newcomer to Lafourche, Jeffery is the local government’s senior planner, charged with developing the parish’s comprehensive plan, which is backed by RESTORE Act funds.

Jeffery is vice president of public information for the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association and a board member of Thibodaux Main Street. His vision for the parish is “to ensure its sustainable growth and cultural preservation by supporting each other in both industry and culture.”

John Lombardo, 24

Outreach Coordinator, Restore or Retreat

While an intern at the LA1 Coalition, John saw firsthand the importance of coastal restoration and protection and the critical infrastructure needs of south Louisiana. He now serves as outreach coordinator for Restore or Retreat. His efforts have garnered him a long list of prestigious federal, state and local awards.

John is a National Guard volunteer, a member of the Volunteer Thibodaux Fire Department, board member of the Kiwanis Club of Thibodaux, student-designee to the ULL System board, Lafourche Chamber Ambassador, Lafourche Parish Reserve Officer for victims’ services and an American Cancer Society volunteer.

Simone Maloz, 35

Executive Director, Restore or Retreat

Simone oversees Restore or Retreat, a nonprofit coastal advocacy group that recognizes the Barataria and Terrebonne basins are the most rapidly eroding estuaries on earth and that this erosion represents an economic and ecological crisis. ROR’s membership has grown to more than 150 businesses and individuals during her watch.

Simone serves on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection Restoration and Conservation, Bayou Lafourche Stakeholder Committee, Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lafourche, Women of the Storm and Governmental Affairs and Infrastructure for the South Central Industrial Association.

Brennan Matherne, 34

Public Information Officer, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office

A former radio broadcaster and public information officer for the parish, Brennan is spokesman for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. He also serves as a board member of the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, president of the Lafourche Deputies Association, program coordinator for Crime Stoppers Bayou Region, and co-founder of the Lafourche PIO Group.

Brennan has helped put the national spotlight on Lafourche by serving as the director of Region 6 for the National Information Officers Association. He has also raised funds for the cancer program at Children’s Hospital and participated in several other fundraising activities.

Matthew Newchurch, PE, 39

Principal, Duplantis Design Group

As principal of the Duplantis Design Group, Matthew manages the firm’s day-to-day operating activities while maintaining an active civil engineering workload. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Council of Engineering Consultants, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Urban Land Institute.

Matthew is a founding member of the Bayou Lafourche Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association and a member of Ducks Unlimited and the St. Joseph Catholic Church. He also coaches flag football and is involved in his children’s athletic endeavors.

Ryan Perque, 27

Executive Assistant to the Mayor, City of Thibodaux

As executive assistant to Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete, Ryan helps oversee the citywide comprehensive zoning proposal and spearheads the implementation of the city’s first transit system. He also serves as director of Thibodaux’s community outreach.

Ryan serves as ambassador of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce and is the alumnus advisor for NSU’s Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He is also a member of the Thibodaux Main Street Board, Bayou Industrial Group, Nicholls Alumni Federation, Lafourche Committee on Disability Issues and the Thibodeauxville Committee. He also volunteers for Relay for Life, Race for the Cure, BTNEP Bayou Lafourche Clean Up and coaches recreational baseball.

Nicholas Plaisance, 32

Financial Services Professional, New York Life Insurance Co.

As a financial services professional with New York Life Insurance Co., Nicholas uses the opportunity to teach youth about finances and budgeting. He has been named New Org Agent of the Year, Life Leader and the Million Dollar Round Table.

Nicholas organizes and directs teams to compete in Hogs for the Cause and Make a Wish Foundation golf tournaments. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, First Baptist Church of Houma, Float SNAFU Charity Committee, the Safari Club Board, the Jerusalem Shrine Temple and the Kajon Grotto.

Dr. Matthew Porche, 33

Co-owner/Clinic Director, Manceaux-Arcement-Pizzolato-Porche and Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Clinic

Matthew has the distinction of being the youngest full partner in southeast Louisiana’s oldest and largest chiropractic clinic. He was named Best Chiropractor in Thibodaux for the last two years. In addition to leading several runs and fitness programs, he treats and rehabs local athletes.

Matthew is a member of the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana, American Chiropractic Association, Thibodaux Rotary Club, Area High School All Stars Board, St. Genevieve Church and the Bayou Industrial Group. He is also a graduate of Leadership Lafourche and served on the Leadership Lafourche Alumni Board. He volunteers with youth sports and NSU Athletics and the Colonels Athletic Association.

Jeremy Punch, 35

Director of Human Resources & Marketing, South Lafourche Bank

In addition to his job overseeing South Lafourche Bank’s human resources and marketing division, Jeremy vice chairs the Lafourche chamber. He is vice president of the Kiwanis of Lafourche, a board member of Restore or Retreat and member of the pupil progression committee for the Lafourche Parish School Board. He also volunteers for Relay for Lifem Larose Civic Center’s French Food Festival and annual Martini Mixer.

“The unique culture and diversity from the southern to the northern end of the parish has persevered even in the face of land loss,” he said. “Our goal now as a parish is to continue restoring and growing into a place where our children will feel safe and our children can have some good ol’ whole hearted innocent fun.”

Paula Rome, 35

Louisiana Business Development Director, Duplantis Design Group

Paula got her start in marketing at Port Fourchon after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nicholls.As business development director at Duplantis Design Group, she’s still “helping build the projects that shape the communities” she loves.

She recently spearheaded Social Networking Live for the Lafourche and Thibodaux chambers and is a founder of the “Best of Lafourche” awards program.

Paula is vice president of the Nicholls Alumni Federation, chairs of the programs committee and co-chairs the New Year’s Eve event committee, is president of Leadership Lafourche, founder of the Tri-Parish Toastmasters Club, past chair of the Lafourche chamber board and a member of the Thibodaux chamber board. She is also communications chair of the Society of Marketing Professional Services, Southeast Louisiana Chapter.

Allison Rouse Royster, 31

Partner & 3rd-Generation Grocer, Rouses Markets

Allison is a third-generation grocer at the state’s and nation’s largest independent grocer. A licensed realtor, she oversees acquisition of new property for Rouses’s expansion. She also introduced My Rouses Everyday Magazine and managed the installation of the grocery exhibit at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum.

Allison is an advisor for Idea Village, a member of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, advisor to Southern Food & Beverage Museum and sponsors the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair. She also volunteers at Second Harvest, local schools, Nicholls State University and many other charitable organizations.

Donny Rouse, 32

Managing Partner, Rouses Markets

Donny initially wanted to be a game warden after graduation but decided to go into the family business instead. He started as a bag boy, working his way up to managing partner. He played an instrument part in Rouses Markets’ growth, including the recent acquisition in Alabama.

Rouses Markets has stores in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and employees more than 5,000 people.

Donny is a member of the Thibodaux chamber board and the Young Business Leaders of Lafourche. He is also a big supporter of Nicholls athletics.

Brandon Ruttley, 32

Associate AD for External Affairs/Executive Director of the Colonel Athletic Association, Nicholls State University

Brandon is Nicholls’ associate athletic director for external affairs and director of the Colonel Athletic Association.

He chairs the Seafood Extravaganza, Toast for Tennis and the Athletic Scholarship Fund. He serves on the committee for the Manning Passing Academy, Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame, Nicholls Homecoming and the Lardarius Webb Camp.

Brandon is also the Southland Conference fundraising liaison to the National Association of Athletic Development Directors. He is a member of the Thibodaux chamber, SCIA, the Nicholls Alumni Federation, Ellender Memorial High School Booster Club, Coastal Conservation Association and Quality Deer Management.

Travis Terrebonne, 34

President, Industrial Diesel Service LLC

Travis has owned a number of leading companies, including Industrial Diesel Services LLC.

He is a board member and committee vice chair of the Bayou Civic Club. He also chairs the Annual Wild Game Supper, which benefits the long-term endowment for the Larose Civic Center and co-chairs and sponsors a food booth at the French Food Festival.

Travis is a member of the Lafourche Roping Club, Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, the Lafourche chamber and coaches and sponsors Larose youth basketball. He is a founding member of the Fourchon Oilman’s Association (FOA). In its’ first year, FOA created a revenue of over 500,000 and an economic impact of more than $2 million and continues to grow strong three years later.

Lori Trotti, 35

Accounting Supervisor, John-Deere of Thibodaux

During her 10-year tenure, Lori rose from an entry-level position to her role as accounting supervisor at John Deere of Thibodaux.

She is co-founder of the Thibodaux Chapter of the Women’s REACH group – an organization sponsored by Deere to help promote careers of women. She is also treasurer of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce. Lori’s volunteer activities include Thibodaux Relay for Life, Bayou Country Children’s Museum, the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and the Christmas Lights for Thibodaux.

She is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Lafourche and was treasurer of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority Alumnae group.

Joni Tuck, 35

Grants Administrator, Greater Lafourche Port Commission

Joni made the move to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission after working for the National Park Service in Thibodaux as an interpretive park ranger. In that role, she conducted weeklong wetlands camps for children. After living abroad for a few years, she returned to Lafourche and assumed the port’s grants administrator job.

Joni volunteers for Restore or Retreat’s Barnstorming to Save Our Coast fundraiser and the Larose Civic Center’s Wild Game Supper. She is a parishioner of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral of Thibodaux, an officer for the Lafourche chamber and board member of Leadership Lafourche.

Brooks Wallace Sr., 39

District Manager of the New Orleans District, Daiichi Sankyo and Realtor, Weichert Realtors, Real Estate Express LLC

In his capacity as a realtor, Brooks has been given the Gold Cup Award several times, the Platinum Performance Award and the Diamond Excellence Award.

He volunteers at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and serves as the youngest board member.

Brooks is an AAU board member, assistant coach for Thibodaux Express and NSU advisor for Kappa Mu Chapter – Alpha Phi Alpha.

“Lafourche is a great place to live and work, and I consider myself fortunate to be a part of it,” Brooks said. “Putting time into our youth is the key to sustaining and growing this area I hope to see many doors of opportunity open to our youth to fulfill this.”

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