Newsmakers: Business leaders making a difference in the area

Walton First Bank CCO

Former Houma resident Ann Walton has been named chief credit officer of Business First Bank.

Before moving to Baton Rouge in 2009, Walton worked in Houma for 37 years, primarily as a commercial banker and, early in her career, a compliance officer. She was active in the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, the South Central Industrial Association and the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority. She is a Nicholls State graduate.

A CCO, Walton is responsible for credit, underwriting and loan operations. She was been with Business First since 2010.

Sorrel joins TRMC med staff

Pediatrician April Sorrel, M.D., has joined Thibodaux Regional Medical Center’s active medical staff.

A member of The Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Sorrel earned a bachelors degree from Texas Tech University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Texas. She completed her residency at UT’s Health Sciences Center at Houston.

Sorrel is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Chamber honors Badeaux

The Lafourche Chamber of Commerce tapped Jimmy Badeaux, of the South Lafourche Levee District, as its 2014 Employee of the Year.

Badeaux and five nominees were recognized at the chamber’s annual Employee Appreciation Crawfish Boil. Approximately 300 employees and their employers turned out for the event, which was held at the Cut Off Youth Center.

A 15-year employee of the levee district, Badeaux serves as the levee board operations superintendent.

Nominees included Melissa Adams of Danos, Megan Boudreaux of Lafourche Parish Government, Megan Boudreaux of Broadway Elder Living and Rehabilitation, Brittney Charpentier of the W.L. Gaiennie Company, and Mark Dobson of Vice Communications.

“Each year, the chamber takes pride in its annual Employee Appreciation Crawfish Boil for its membership, where businesses have an opportunity to recognize their dedicated employees,” said Lin Kiger, Lafourche chamber president and CEO. “We look forward to this event every year.”

Bollinger names Remont program management director

Bollinger Shipyards has named Chris Remont director of program management, responsible for the company’s Lockport new construction facility, with an emphasis on the U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter program.

“Mr. Remont’s extensive background and experience in engineering, planning and production, and his proven ability to successfully perform in all aspects of shipbuilding and repair makes him a great addition to our team,” Ben Bordelon, Bollinger executive vice president and chief operating officer, said.

Prior to joining Bollinger, Remont was director of Engineering, Central Planning and Production Control at Avondale Engineering and Construction, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries. He also held the director of electrical engineering post at Ingalls Shipbuilding, and has more than 22 years of experience in the U.S. in commercial manufacturing, including shipbuilding.

Remont earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Louisiana Tech University, and an MBA from Nicholls State.

Daigle to lead USI La.

Edward J. Daigle, CIC, has been named president of USI Insurance Services’ Louisiana practice.

Daigle is responsible for growing USI’s middle-market brokerage practice in Louisiana. He operates out of the Houma office.

Daigle has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been with USI for 24 years. Prior to the promotion, he was an executive vice president at USI’s Houma site. In that role, he was property-casualty leader and commercial lines producer for mid- to large-sized accounts in the marine, industrial and oil industries.

“Ed has a long history of success in cultivating strong and trusted relationships with both his clients and colleagues,” John Collado, regional chief executive officer for USI’s Southwest region, said. “He brings a wealth of talent and industry knowledge to the table and I am confident that, as president of our Louisiana practice, Ed will play a significant role in expanding USI’s market share in the Gulf Coast and Mississippi regions.”

OB/GYN joins TRMC med staff

Obstetrician/gynecologist Huong Pham, M.D., has joined Thibodaux Regional’s active staff.

A member of Dr. Natchez Morice’s practice, Pham attended the University of Houston, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She completed her residency obstetrics and gynecology training at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Pham is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Jambon Tulane scholar

Tulane University sophomore Jack F. Jambon, a resident of Galliano, will continue his schooling courtesy of state Rep. Jerry “Truck” Gisclair.

Gisclair awarded the 2013 South Lafourche High grad a one-year scholarship to Tulane. Each academic year, Tulane allows each state lawmaker to award the scholarship to a deserving student.

Jambon is pursuing a degree in international business and international political science.

Testroet Realtor of the Year

Boutte Latter & Blum Inc.’s Pam Foreman Testroet was named 2013 Realtor of the Year by Louisiana Realtors at the association’s Spring Into Action Conference & Expo.

The award was established in 1958 to recognize the real estate agent who contributed most to the advancement of the profession and the community at large during the year. Local Realtor boards and associations throughout the state provide nominees. A selection committee makes the final choice.

“Pam displays sincere commitment and devotion to the real estate industry and her community. She certainly deserves this award and we are so proud to have her as an active member of LR,” said Norman Morris, Louisiana REALTORS CEO.