Leadership Jefferson

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 2019 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 poolside 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!

             

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.

Leadership Jefferson held its first session for the Class of 2019. On Tuesday, October 9^th, the class met to discuss Quality of Life and Place in Jefferson Parish. The Westwego Community Center hosted the class as they explored what quality of life and place means to us as citizens and how we can be more aware and active in our communities. The Slone Group presented the class with activities that provoked thought and discussion. After lunch, the class was able to hear from leaders of Jefferson Parish. Chief Operating Officer, Keith Conley, Councilman Dominick Impastato, and Councilman Ricky Templet shared exciting new things happening in the parish, as well answered many questions from the class. Topics covered include drainage, coastal restoration, and the revitalizations of neighborhoods. The class was also able to tour the Westwego Museum to get a glimpse of Jefferson Parish’s past. This session set the tone for the rest of the year as the class tackles the issues of Jefferson Parish.

     
     

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.

Our Healthcare session was held on Tuesday, November 13^th. We were once again graciously hosted by Tulane Health System at the Tulane Lakeside Hospital. Class of 2017 alum, Francis Maness, opened the session with a focus presentation on leadership and its role in Tulane’s environment. We had a our healthcare leadership panel with Nancy Cassagne, CEO of WJMC, Dr. William Lunn, CEO of Tulane Health System, and Erin Wray, VP of Ochsner Health System. The class was able to hear from the panel and ask direct questions about healthcare in our parish and region. The class was also treated to a Germ Glo presentation and activity and an informative flu presentation by Dr. Christen Mayer. The afternoon focused on the very important topic of mental health with an amazing panel. Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, Jefferson Parish Coroner and Leadership Jefferson Alum, Chuck Credo with the Coroner’s office, and Lisa Romback with NAMI spoke to the class about the struggles we face as a community with the opioid crisis and mental health issues. It was an incredible informative day, and we truly appreciate Tulane Health System for graciously hosting us again year.

   

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.

Our Economic Development Session was held on Tuesday, December 11^th at the Port of New Orleans. The Class of 2019 took a field trip down to the river to see the port for themselves and learn about its vital and direct impact on our region. Jasmine Haralson with the Port welcomed the class with a general overview of the Port and its functions. Some of our incredible Leadership Jefferson alums from JEDCO, Kelsey Scram, Kate Moreano, and Kate Wendel, created an activity for our class so they could get a glimpse of what it is like to attract businesses to Jefferson Parish. We were then able to tour behind the flood wall and see the expansive working properties of the port. It was amazing to see all that goes into the port and its function.  After lunch, we had an amazing panel of three main players and drivers of economic development in our parish, state, and region. Jerry Bologna, CEO of JEDCO, Stephen Waguespack, CEO of LABI, and Michael Hecht, CEO of GNO, Inc, spoke to the class about the strengths and weaknesses of attracting and retaining businesses to Jefferson Parish and Louisiana. They are all so informative and motivational, and we are so excited they were able to speak to the Class of 2019. The Port of New Orleans was a gracious host with a beautiful view, and we appreciate them letting us visit with them for the day.

       

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 Archbishop Chapelle High and Alfred Bonnabel High round out the day). We take a look at all of the types of educational systems we provide in Jefferson parish – private, public, parochial and the newly added charter school.

The Class of 2019 held its Education session on Tuesday, January 8^th. JEDCO hosted us at its beautiful conference center, and they were a gracious host. Our morning panel was dynamic and informative. Dr. Cade Brumley, Superintendent, JPPSS, Lucy Lejeune, Career & Technical Director, JPPSS, Jim Garvey, President, 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, 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.  In the afternoon, Dr. Christel Slaughter spoke to the class about the vital work and vision of LA Calling in developing a stronger workforce in the state. This day proved to increase the perspective and understanding of education and its connection to economic development and overall strength of Jefferson Parish and our region.

         

Participants spend the day – Building a shared understanding of what “diversity” 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 Class of 2019 participated in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion session on February 12. Thank you to Session Sponsor, Councilman Dominick Impastato, generously sponsoring the day at the Pontchartrain Center.

The Slone Group facilitated the day as the class expanded their perspectives on diversity and inclusion within themselves, their communities and workplaces. Deacon Martin Gutierrez with Catholic Charities spoke to the class about the popular misconceptions of immigration and his personal experience with it. Ramona Graham with CASA Jefferson provided an eye-opening and thought provoking activity so the class could see various points of view. It was a successful and important day of conversations and understanding amongst the class.

    

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, March 13^th, Leadership Jefferson was able to experience several aspects of our law enforcement first hand. The day began with a visit to Judge Darensburg’s Drug Court in the 24^th District. The class sat through Judge Darensburg’s and Judge Falkner’s dockets and was given an unique perspective into how Jefferson Parish is tackling the drug use in our community. After, the class was given a guided tour of the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. This was a very eye-opening experience, and the class learned so much from the JPCC staff, especially the need for more correction officers. The class then headed over to the JPSO Crime Lab where Sheriff Joseph Lopinto and Chief Scanlan spoke to them about the strengths and weaknesses of the law enforcement in Jefferson Parish. The day ended with a guided tour of the amazing crime lab. This facility is truly state of the art and impressive to see first-hand. The Governance Session was a success, and we thank the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Lopinto and his staff for being such generous hosts to the Class of 2019.

    

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!

On Tuesday, April 9^th, the Class of 2019 completed its final monthly session for the year. Our Community Involvement Session was once again held at the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans practice facility in Metairie. We kicked off this day with Kevin Gardere, Executive Director of Bridge House/Grace House, sharing his story with the class. As always, he left quite an impact, and also gave the class a perspective of the importance of Bridge House & Grace House is in our community. The United Way was on hand to keep the rest of the day informative and interesting. Michael Williamson and his team spoke to the class about the strengths & goals of United Way in Jefferson Parish. Chris Cameron, Executive Director for HandsOn New Orleans, led his team and the class through an eye-opening activity. Additionally, the class was able to do their part to give back to the community. The United Way and HandsOn teams led the class in constructing massive Scrabble boards that will go into libraries, schools, and summer programs so children can learn while having fun. We ended the day with a tour of the facility which is quite impressive. A huge thank you to United Way for helping so much with this special day, and a huge thank you to the New Orleans Saints and Mrs. Benson for always being such a gracious host to Leadership Jefferson!

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.

   

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

The Leadership Jefferson Class of 2019 and Alumni gathered for a beautiful night on the patio of Flamingo A-Go-Go for their Spring Social on April 10!

The 3rd Annual Holiday Social was a hit! The current class and alumni gathered at Fleming’s Steakhouse for happy hour drinks and appetizers following the Economic Development session.

              

Old classmates reconnected and fellow alumni bonded at the Alumni Dinner at Fleming’s on October 15! Attendees were also treated to an interactive discussion with sports writer Larry Holder.

Alumni and current class members came together for drinks, appetizers, networking, and fun! Thanks to Mellow Mushroom for hosting and taking good care of our group!