Leadership Jefferson

Leadership Jefferson is a nine-month program designed to develop a diverse network of dedicated business and community leaders. Facilitated by a professional leadership team, the interactive workshops expose participants to local leaders and activists working to resolve critical issues facing Jefferson Parish. Specific session topics include civic & community engagement, healthcare, economic development, education & workforce development, equity & inclusion, criminal justice, and advocacy & state government.

Click Here For Class of 2026 Details

The application process takes place each Summer and is a benefit for members of the Jefferson Chamber. A company must be a member of the Jefferson Chamber in order to submit an application. For further questions, please contact Alyssa Bergeronat alyssa@jeffersonchamber.org.

Program Overview

Opening Retreat

To facilitate the intense discussion and interaction we expect from program participants, we must allow them to develop a mutual respect and connection with each other. The opening retreat focuses on recognizing individual leadership abilities and their application in a team environment. During the overnight opening retreat, program participants engage in a full day and a half of sessions and enjoy a class dinner to end the first full day. This retreat is the start of learning new leadership skills, challenging their comfort zones, and forming new friendships.

The class learns about the Emergenetics of their brains and how we all work together as structural, analytical, social, or conceptual leaders and colleagues. Through activities and discussion, each class member learns more about how and why we act and react in various situations.

Civic & Community Engagement

Healthcare

Economic Development

Education & Workforce Development

A panel is invited to field questions by participants on the growing concern of our national education system and how new bills/laws will affect us locally. A visit to a Jefferson Parish school rounds out the day. This day proves to increase the perspective and understanding of education and its direct relationship to the economic climate and workforce development of Jefferson Parish and our region.

Equity & Inclusion

Criminal Justice

A major challenge facing communities across the country is educating and informing citizens about our government and criminal justice systems. This session gives program participants an insight into our parish’s courts, law enforcement, and emergency operations. Historically, this session includes a behind the scenes tour of the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and the JPSO Crime Lab.

Advocacy & State Government

This session immerses participants in the heart of Louisiana’s political landscape through a trip to the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Participants will attend committee meetings, meet with legislators, and receive a comprehensive overview of the legislative process. This session is designed to empower participants to effectively advocate for their interests and engage with state government.

Closing Retreat

Graduation

What Leadership Jefferson Graduates are saying…

Leadership Jefferson was truly one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. Being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate about moving this parish forward reminded me why I care so deeply about this community. Every session offered new insight, not just into the issues we face, but into the incredible potential we have when we come together. It was inspiring, energizing, and reaffirmed my belief in the power of local leadership to create real change.

– Grant Roberts, Jefferson Parish Council: District 5
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2025

My time in Leadership Jefferson has been an eye-opening and transformative experience. Although I was born and raised in Jefferson Parish, I was surprised by how much I had yet to discover about the place I call home. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the parish’s diverse assets and challenges. I had the privilege of connecting with a wide range of passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in our community. Each session—from discussions on education and economic development to explorations of our criminal justice system—offered meaningful insights and sparked important conversations. Leadership Jefferson not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my sense of civic responsibility and pride in our parish.

– Lillian Guilbault, Jefferson Parish Schools
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2025

Participating in Leadership Jefferson’s monthly sessions has provided me with an understanding of our community and the challenges we encounter. This program has enlightened me on how we, as leaders, can actively engage and bring about positive change in Jefferson Parish. I deeply appreciate the connections I’ve formed during this time.

– Dana Silvey, First Horizon Bank
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2024

The Leadership Jefferson series really opened my eyes to the opportunities within Jefferson Parish to make a difference. It was refreshing to meet with the local leaders of the parish as well as parish-led agencies and see how diligently they are working to make positive impacts both in Jefferson Parish and neighboring communities.

– Stephen Abadie, RNGD
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2024

Leadership Jefferson Class of 2026

The 2026 class comprises a diverse group of business leaders from the community.

Ashley Abrusley
LAMAR Advertising
Jordan Bloom
Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLC
Andrew Boylan
New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
Jackie Bryant
Fidelity Bank
Blake Burmaster
Bonvenu Bank
Ashley Carey-Betts
Dr. Ashley Carey-Betts, LPC
Cristin Cortez
Woodward Design + Build
Ben Donald
OnPath Credit Union
Erin Ducote
First Horizon Bank
Paul Fischer
JEDCO
Andrew Folse
Atmos Energy
Shane Gerdes
Ochsner Health
Karen Henderson
Discovery Schools
Phoebe James
Entergy
Felicia Jones
New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
Cohen LaCour
Red River Bank
Dani Lisotta
LAMMICO
Leslie Louviere Keen
Peoples Health
Mark McCormick
Kenner Police Department
Sean Melendreras
Dignity Memorial
Amanda Morey
Chateau Golf & Country Club
Michael Naquin
Port of New Orleans
Brent Neal
Barriere Construction Co.
Natalie Nguyen
EisnerAmper
Mitch Olinksy
Xplore Federal Credit Union
Savanna Orgeron
Jefferson Parish Council: District 5
Vincent Orlando
Quality Engineering & Surveying
Joseph Ory
DDG
Frank Rabito
LaPorte APAC
Mignon Richard Diaz
NAI Rampart
Ashley Ruckert
GNO, Inc.
Stephanie Sarrat
Primary Care Plus
Michael Schilling
LCMC
Dixie Sevin
Cornerstone
Justin Soileau
Cox Communications
Lucian Stamps
InclusivCare
Sophia Stevens
CSRS, LLC
Kathleen Sullivan
Jefferson RISE Charter School
Trista Thomas
Hilton New Orleans Airport
Heather Troxclair
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust
Alexis Vinson
AV Services, LLC
Amberlyn Walsh
T. Baker Smith, LLC
Chance Williamson
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

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