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Leadership Jefferson

leadership-jefferson-webpage-logo-header

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 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 Melissa Chesterman at melissa@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 2021 kicked off an exciting year at the Opening Retreat at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel on September 3-4, 2020 . 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 class dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and social hour at Loft18 in Metairie.  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 13th at the Westwego Community Center. The Slone Group facilitated the morning segment which included a simulation of “Pontchartrain Parish.” In the afternoon, the class heard from Jefferson Parish Councilmen Dominick Impastato, Ricky Templet, and Scott Walker.  Following the quality of life panel, the class heard from Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant about the quality of life improvements in Gretna over the last fifteen years. 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 12th 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 8th at The Forum. Participants learned from Kevin Dolliole of the Louis Armstrong International Airport, Cathy Alfonso of the Port of New Orleans, Jerry Bologna of JEDCO, Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc., Stephen Waguespack of LABI, Todd Murphy of the Jefferson Chamber, Simone Maloz of Restore or Retreat, and Evie Sanders and Josh Tatum from GNO, Inc. The class learned about the vital impact the port and new developments have on the region.

    

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 virtually on Tuesday, January 12th. Our morning started off with Rudy Gomez of SSA Consultants sharing about RESET Louisiana’s Future. Following, Dr. Libbie Sonnier spoke about the Policy Institute for Children. Natalie Newton of Discovery Schools closed out the morning session. After lunch, the education leadership panel was dynamic and informative. Dr. James Gray, Superintendent of JPPSS, Jim Garvey, District 1 representative 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.

   

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


Participants spend the day building a shared understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion should mean within the context of workplace objectives; Creating awareness of their personal knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and behavior with reference to diversity; Expanding their knowledge of facts surrounding perceptions that create misconceptions.

The DEI session was held virtually on Tuesday, February 9th and was facilitated by the Slone Group. Guest speakers included Ramona Graham of CASA Jefferson, Martin Gutierrez of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Dr. Monica Sylvain of Sylvain Consulting LLC. The session broadened our class members’ perspectives on DEI in the workplace and our community!

   

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.

On Tuesday, April 13th, Leadership Jefferson was able to experience several aspects of our law enforcement first hand. The day began with a zoom visit to Judge Darensburg’s Drug Court in the 24th District. The class sat through Judge Darensburg’s dockets and was given a unique perspective into how Jefferson Parish is tackling the drug use in our community. The class was given a guided tour of the Jefferson Parish 4-story Crime Lab. This facility is truly state of the art and impressive to see first-hand. The class then headed over to the Emergency Operations Center, where they saw behind the scenes of what goes on during an emergency in Jefferson Parish. Judge Scott Schlegel followed by sharing about his Prisoner Re-Entry Program. The day ended with Sheriff Lopinto speaking to the class. We thank the JPSO and Sheriff Lopinto and his staff for being such generous hosts to the Class of 2021!

   
   

Community Involvement


The Community Involvement session is held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Training Facility. The session touches on the importance of being good citizens, as well as leaders and professionals. The class is even treated to a tour of the facilities where the Saints & Pelicans practice during the year!

The Class of 2021’s Community Involvement Session was held virtually on Tuesday, March 9th. The class heard from Michael Williamson of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Kevin Gardere of Bridge House Grace House, and worked on two projects with Hands on New Orleans. The class day concluded with an invigorating discussion about community service and volunteer work, with panelists Lynn Burkart and Kim Sport.

Closing Retreat

A compilation of all of the sessions and what “stuck out” the most to each participant is reviewed. This is the final session before graduation.

The Class gathered for its final session at Fidelity Bank on Tuesday, May 4. Participants shared reflections of the program year, identified learnings, integrated Emergenetics and program knowledge into how to design a community coalition, and celebrated with a class dinner at Ruth’s Chris.

   
   

Graduation


Program participants gather for the final event, their graduation, for dinner and a ceremony commemorating the learning experiences and friendships they have made.

The Class of 2020 were presented with their graduation plaques after the Closing Retreat. The class will be celebrated with a formal graduation dinner in 2021.


Leadership Jefferson Socials

Holiday Social 2019

The 4th Annual Holiday Social was a hit! The current class and alumni gathered at Zea Rotisserie & Bar for happy hour drinks and appetizers to celebrate the holiday season.

 

   


What Leadership Jefferson Graduates are saying…

As someone who recently moved to Louisiana, the Leadership Jefferson program gave me the opportunity to see how as leaders, we can make a difference in our local community.’

– Matt Dixon, New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2019

I would grade my overall Leadership Jefferson experience as an A+. The sessions were diverse and included top notch presenters and  the Sloane group, along with the Jefferson Chamber staff,  did an outstanding job of facilitating. With that said the biggest takeaway for me were the relationships built. I was able to spend 10 months with the leaders and future leaders of Jefferson Parish across all spectrums of industry. The bonds built will last for years to come and I look forward to the future of the parish with the Leadership class of 2017.”

– Troy Roussel, Cox Business
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2017

After moving to New Orleans after graduate studies to pursue the first stages of my career, I was focused on acclimating professionally and personally in a town where I was know as a “transplant” so, I volunteered through various organizations, but, finally, after 10 years of being a transplanted New Orleanian I had the opportunity to be in the 2019 class of Leadership Jefferson, and less than half way through the 9 month program, I had what I humorously annotate as a DNA mutation and the gene for civic responsibility decided to emerge–and now I look forward to spending the next 10 years and beyond being involved in our wonderful community of Jefferson Parish in a new, more engaged way, more than my volunteerism previously did…and the best part, I have a whole krewe of Leaders/Classmates to lovingly stand beside and serve this community.

– Mona Chawla, Tulane Health System
Leadership Jefferson Class of 2019


Leadership Jefferson Announces Class of 2022

This year’s class is a diverse group of business leaders from the community:

  • Aimee Gilberti, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
  • Ajit Pethe, Jefferson Parish Schools
  • Alejandro Mendez, Bourgeois Bennett, CPAs & Consultants
  • Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Jefferson Performing Arts Society
  • Ashley  McLellan, New Orleans Magazine/Renaissance Publishing
  • Claire Barry-Thomas, Discovery Schools
  • Dan Mills, Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans
  • Jacqueline Dardano, Fidelity Bank
  • Janet Galati, JEDCO
  • Jeff Schmidtke, BioSciences of Louisiana, LLC
  • Jillian   Dryden, The New Orleans Advocate/Times-Picayune
  • Jonathan Schultis, Ricci Partners, LLC
  • Joni Bathel, Entergy Louisiana LLC
  • Katie Reed, IBERIABANK
  • Kendal Thomas, Ochsner Health
  • Lisa Bonano, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
  • Patricia Thibodeau, LaPorte, APAC
  • Philip Giorlando, Breazeale, Sachse, and Wilson LLP
  • Sandy Crespo-Mossi, Oracle Lighting
  • Molly Threeton, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
  • Joshua Chenier, OUTFRONT
  • Ryan LeJeune, Peoples Health
  • Candace Washington, OnPath Federal Credit Union
  • Benjamin Hughes, Tulane Health System
  • Jessica Rouquette, Jefferson Ready Start Network
  • Barcley Steib, Barcley J Steib Insurance Agency Inc – State Farm
  • Shelby Wynne, West Jefferson Medical Center
  • Drake Glatter, Cox Media
  • Aaron Ryan, Pond
  • Taylor Marino, Digital Engineering & Imaging
  • Ryan Estaris, Canon Healthcare
  • April LeBouef, Cornerstone
  • Michael Willem, Benefit Analyst, LLC
  • Brandy Smith, Postlethwaite & Netterville
  • Lynne Dabezies, Richard CPAs
  • Amanda Muller, Magnolia Physical Therapy
  • Scott Hosen, Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
  • Deionca Howard, Inclusivcare

Update Your Information

Has your contact information changed since you graduated from the Leadership Jefferson program? Update your information to receive the latest news on the program and alumni social events!

Update Information

Leadership Jefferson Alumni

Class of 2021

Kevin Bohrer
Postlethwaite & Netterville
JoLena Broussard
Cornerstone
Ron Childress
Tulane Health System
Angela Comstock
Ohio Management, LLC
Philicia Douglas
New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
Christopher Dupre
Palmisano, LLC
Rob Folse
Design the Planet, LLC
Steven Guillory
Chamberlain University
Tiffanie Hartenstein
Oracle Lighting
Kristen Hillburn
Trane
Ann Johnson
Entergy Louisiana
Josefine Kelly
Peoples Health
Coretta LaGarde
American Heart Association
Patrick Landry
Fidelity Bank
Ruth Lawson
Jefferson Parish Finance Authority
Lesha Nugent Freeland
Keller Williams Realty
Kimberly Rayford
InclusivCare
Sarah Richmond
Magnolia Physical Therapy, LLC
Malekah Salim-Morgan
Jefferson Parish Schools
Javier Sanchez
OnPath Federal Credit Union
Austin Schott
1st Lake Properties
Stuart Seiler
Urban Systems
Caitlin Sistrunk
Renaissance Publishing
Jeffrey Southerland
Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana
Charles Stewart
IBERIABANK/First Horizon
Brandi Theard
OUTFRONT Media
Sharon Truxillo
Cox Louisiana
Brookley Valencia
Jefferson Chamber
Jean-Marc Villain
Ochsner Health
Noel Williams
Legacy Restoration and Referral, LLC
Shawn Williams
Metairie Bank & Trust
Toni Woodson
The New Orleans Fireman’s FCU

Class of 2020

Emily Anderson
Jefferson Chamber
Jose Araujo
Bourgeois Bennett, CPAs & Consultants
Lou Bartels
Fidelity Bank/NOLA Lending Group
Dominique Becnel
Gambel Communications
Sara Bradford
GNO, Inc.
Valerie Brolin
Jefferson Parish
Zach Butterworth
Butterworth Strategies
Lauryn Donaldson
Ochsner Health
Joshua Dupuis
Acadian Ambulance
Michelle Gonzales
Jefferson Parish
Nick Gremillion
Peoples Health
Kevin Guitterrez
Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
Alyssa Herbert
Metairie Bank & Trust
Casey Hunnicutt
BW Terminals
Celeste Favrot
1st Lake Properties/Favrot & Shane
Michael Flowers
Michael Flowers Insurance Agency, Inc.
Derrick James
New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
Mary Martens
JEDCO
Mallary Matherne
Renaissance Publishing
Daniel Maurin
IBERIABANK
Brad Melancon
OUTFRONT Media
Gabe Misfeldt
Jefferson Parish Schools
Michael Morse
Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC
Tricia Phillpott
Lakeside Shopping Center
Tiana Randolph
InclusivCare
Melody Reed
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
Daniel Russo
OnPath Federal Credit Union
Shelsey Salgado
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
Billy Schmidt
First American Bank & Trust
Teasha Sepulveda
Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
Beau Tichenor
Atmos Energy
Roselle Ungar
Jewish Family Services of Greater New Orleans
Anjea Vindel
Northwestern Mutual

Class of 2019

Mona Chawla
Tulane Health System
Patrick Cresson
OUTFRONT Media
Kristen DeDual
ASI Federal Credit Union
Matt Dixon
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
Dr. Jeremy Dumas
Jefferson Community Health Care Centers, Inc.
Todd Elliott
First American Bank & Trust
Andy Estrada
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
Leslie George
Bourgeois Bennett, CPAs & Consultants
Germaine Gilson
Jefferson Parish Public Schools System
Marcel Gonzalez
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co.
Bradley Goodson
Ochsner Medical Center
Patrick Hamby
Entergy Louisiana, Inc.
Jennifer Lapeyrouse
JEDCO
Cassandra LeBlanc
Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
Curt Leibfritz
Cox Communications
Chris Lopiccolo
Hancock Whitney Bank
Brennan Manale
Renaissance Publishing
Larry Manshel
ITC4Promos
Lynda Marshall
Humana
Toni McCord
Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, APAC
Dodie McElmurray
West Jefferson Medical Center
George Mueller
Chehardy Sherman Williams
Tim O'Brien
Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC
Lindsay Quebedeaux
Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
Ryan Quick
Event Producers
Staci Ritchie
RICHARD CPAS
Justin Sablich
Fidelity Bank
Amanda Schott
1st Lake Properties
Diana Surprenant
Adams and Reese, LLP
Bradley Tate
Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Jennifer Wilson
Southern Construction, L.L.C.
Alex Zarookian
Jefferson Chamber

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