METAIRIE, La. – Leadership Jefferson celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2023 during a commencement ceremony at The Moore in Elmwood on Tuesday, May 23. Celebrating the program’s 21st graduating class since its inception in 2002, the event commemorated the learning experiences and friendships made by classmates over the course of the nine-month program.
The Jefferson Chamber Foundation welcomed 38 new alumni of the program as Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson led the ceremony with remarks highlighting the Leadership Jefferson program and this year’s class. Gretchen Williams, Executive Director of Advanced Study Academies and Compliance for the Jefferson Parish Public School System, was nominated by her classmates to deliver a graduation address.
Leadership Jefferson is 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, criminal justice, diversity, community involvement and economic development.
Graduates of the Class of 2023 include:
- Aaron Baker, Cintas
- Madison Boudoin, Cornerstone
- Melissa Carollo, Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
- Richelle Chategnier, Crescent Payroll Solutions
- Melissa Chesterman, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
- Zac Cooper, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
- Kassie Cusachs, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
- Natalie Cusimano, Bourgeois Bennett, LLC
- Daina Dalesandro, ORACLE Lighting
- Annette Dowdle, HUB International
- Joe Eagan, Service Corporation International
- Melanie Garofalo, LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors
- Scott Gerhardt, Postlethwaite & Netterville
- Christopher Guidry, New Orleans Pelicans and Saints
- Beth Himes, Ochsner Health
- Bryan House, Metairie Bank and Trust
- Lauren Kenney, Automated Control Systems, Inc.
- Andrew Koehler, Intralox
- Brett Labasse, Cox Media
- Chris, LaFitte, First Horizon
- Joey LaRocca, Fidelity Bank
- Scott Lovitt, Audubon Care Homes
- Dr. Trent Mackey, Jefferson RISE Charter School
- Andrew Martin, Arete Scholars
- Shona McKinney-Williams, Peoples Health
- Charlie Mentz, Red River Bank
- Adam Miller, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
- Jeannette Neves, Outfront Media
- Ramesh Prabhu, Inclusivcare
- Emily Rebert, Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
- Tiffany Riddle, TCK Property Marketplace of McEnery Residential
- Brandon Scardigli, Entergy Louisiana
- Philip Sherman, Adams and Reese, LLP
- Anthea Smith, JEDCO
- Chanel Stewart-Mouring, Tulane Medical Center
- Teri Tucker, Citizens National Bank
- Gretchen Williams, Jefferson Parish Schools
- Sherrill Woods, OnPath FCU
Applications for the Class of 2024 will be open June 1-30. Leadership Jefferson 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 more information, please contact Melissa Chesterman (melissa@jeffersonchamber.org).
