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 education, healthcare, quality of life concerns, criminal justice, diversity, community involvement and economic development.

The application process takes place each June 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 Alicia Frazier at alicia@jeffersonchamber.org.

Program Overview

Kick-off 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 program emphasizes teamwork, and the orientation session focuses on recognizing individual leadership abilities and their application in a team environment.

The Leadership Jefferson Class of 2020 kicked off an exciting year at the Biloxi Visitors Center on the Gulf Coast. The class learned 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 learned more about how and why we act and react in various situations. The class also enjoyed time getting to know each other with a social hour and dinner. The retreat closed on Friday afternoon with everyone prepared to take on the issues of Jefferson Parish with new and more focused perspectives!

Quality of Life

This session bridges the Kick-off retreat with the framework for the rest of the year. A trip to Westwego kicks off the first official session of the year. The day’s focus includes, but is not limited to, the elements that improve the quality of life/quality of place.

The Quality of Life session was held on Tuesday, October 9^th at the Westwego Community Center. The Panel included Jefferson Parish Councilmen Keith Conley, Dominick Impastato, and Ricky Templet, and was moderated by Leadership Jefferson Alumni Brian Moldaner. The class also toured the Westwego Museum and learned more about the history of our great parish.

Healthcare

Healthcare is crucial to the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The session seeks to identify the key concerns our region is facing (i.e. reimbursements) and participants are asked to give their solutions to a snowballing problem.

The Healthcare session was held on Tuesday, November 12^th at Tulane Lakeside Hospital. Speakers included Beth Walker, CEO of Ochsner Baptist, Dodie McElmurray, COO of West Jefferson Medical Center, and Tom Patrias, COO of Tulane Medical Center. Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office representatives, Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich and Chuck Credo, and NAMI representative, Shannon Williams, spoke to the class about mental illness in our community. The session closed with a presentation by Dr. Gregory Stewart, Director of the Sports Concussion Management Program at Tulane University.

Special thanks to session sponsor:

Economic Development

A bright and healthy future for Jefferson Parish rests on the area’s economic development. By introducing participants to the major players in the Parish’s development (like JEDCO and GNO, Inc), the program successfully makes a large concept an understandable subject.

The Economic Development Session was held on Tuesday, December 10 at the Port of New Orleans. Participants learned from Cathy Alfonso of the Port of New Orleans, Jerry Bologna of JEDCO, Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc. and Natalie Newton of T. Parker Host about the vital impact the port and new developments have on the region. Special thanks to Kelsey Scram and Kate Wendel of JEDCO for leading a case study activity with the class!

Special thanks to session sponsor:

Education

Historically, a panel is invited to field questions by participants on the growing concern of our national educational 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 connection to economic development and overall strength of Jefferson Parish and our region.

The Education session was held on Tuesday, January 14th at the JEDCO Conference Center. Our morning panel was dynamic and informative. Dr. Cade Brumley, Superintendent of JPPSS, Jim Garvey, President of BESE, and Paula Polito, Owner/Director of Beary Cherry Tree, took time to present to the class and enlighten them on the importance, struggles, and initiatives of our education system. After lunch, Melanie Bronfin spoke about the Ready Louisiana Coalition and the Policy Institute for Children. The class took an informative tour of Patrick F. Taylor Academy and were able to get a first hand look at the future and possibilities of education. Bill Slaughter spoke to class about vital work and vision of LA Calling in developing a stronger workforce in the state. The day ended with Sal LaRock of the Kiwanis Dawn Busters Reading Program.

Diversity & Inclusion

Governance

A major challenge every community faces is trying to inform citizens about government. Many perceive the political structure to be complicated and beyond their reach; the program works to give the participants an up close look at our parish’s political structure to demystify and educate everyone on local government. The highlight of the day is when participants are able to take a jail tour and see what life is really like behind bars.

Community Involvement

Closing Retreat

Graduation