Wilkinson named to MSAAC

First Federal Bank of Louisiana President and CEO Samuel V. Wilkinson has been named to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee, which advises the agency on issues and opportunities facing mutual savings institutions across the United States.

The MSAAC provides advice and information to the OCC on the condition of mutual savings associations, the regulatory changes, or other steps the OCC may be able to take to ensure the health and viability of mutual savings associations. The committee includes officers and directors of federal mutual savings associations of all types, sizes, operating strategies, and geographic areas around the United States.

Caldwell, Chapman join Visit LC   

Visit Lake Charles expanded its sports sales team to include Aubrey Caldwell as the sports event coordinator, and the sales team welcomed Toni Chapman as the destination services specialist. Caldwell and Chapman will play vital roles in spurring economic development for the Southwest Louisiana region.

Caldwell is a 2020 Barbe High School graduate pursing her Bachelor of Science in business management at McNeese State University, where she is on track to earn her degree this spring. She began her career in hospitality as the assistant manager at The Back Porch, a local restaurant, where she excelled at team management, entertainment bookings, and inventory processing.

Chapman graduated from McNeese State University in 2018, obtaining an Associate of General Studies with a concentration in arts and humanities, as well as a Bachelor of Science in mass communications with a concentration in public relations. Most recently, Chapman was an academic advisor at Sowela Technical Community College, and she is a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles.

Hess named board president

Alliance for Positive Growth has appointed CSE Federal Credit Union’s Chief Lending Officer Ryan Hess to its Board of Directors as President for the 2023 business year.

Hess’ addition to the committee allows him to bring together financial management with innovative growth to the Southwest Louisiana community.

His experience in the financial industry and service to the area will be beneficial in helping Alliance for Positive Growth achieve their mission of advocating consistent growth in Southwest Louisiana.

Alliance for Positive Growth was established as a grassroots effort to actively support sustained, progressive growth and development in their region. Their mission is to work together to promote strong, beneficial growth in Southwest Louisiana.

LSBA honors Abraham

State Sen. Mark Abraham received the Louisiana School Boards Association Legislator of the Year award during the organization’s 85th annual convention.

Abraham received the recognition of his work in supporting public education across the state of Louisiana.

As a representative of Calcasieu, Acadia, Jefferson Davis, and Cameron parishes, Abraham works to further several critical initiatives that are instrumental in the success of public education. These include economic development and prosperity, ensuring that students are prepared for the workforce, and raising the bar however possible to meet the demands of a global economy.

Bessette Realty recognized

Tara Demarie, broker/owner of Century 21 Bessette Realty, is pleased to announce that in recognition of its outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, Century 21 Real Estate recently honored Century 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. with the 2022 Century 21 President’s Award.

The annual award is bestowed upon those independent Century 21 offices that earn the Century 21 Centurion award and the Century 21 Quality Service Pinnacle award in the same calendar year.

The Centurion Award is presented to Century 21 offices that achieve or surpass sales production of $2,830,000 or 490 closed transaction sides within a calendar year.

The Century 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Award is presented to those independent offices that receive satisfaction surveys for at least 80 percent of their consumers surveyed from Jan.1-Dec. 31, with a survey score of 95 percent or better for two consecutive years.

Barker named Citizen of Year

Anita Barker, founder/ mentor for the Girlie Girls Mentoring Program, recently received the 2022 Lake Charles Citizen of the Year award for her service and commitment to female youth in the community.

She was also awarded the Dorothy M. Taylor Champions Award for Equity and Inclusion during the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation annual luncheon and awards ceremony.

Cupit named to state board

BATON ROUGE ­— Rhonda J. Cupit of Westlake has been appointed to the Sabine River Authority by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

The Sabine River Authority’s mission is to provide for economic utilization and preservation of the waters of the Sabine River and its tributaries by promoting economic development, irrigation, navigation, improved water supply, drainage, public recreation, and hydroelectric power for the citizens of Louisiana.

Cupit is a retired universal banker with First Federal Bank of Louisiana.

She will represent Calcasieu Parish.

Burnell named senior director

Acadian Companies has welcomed Rob Burnell as its senior director of business development. Burnell will lead the company’s business development efforts in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Burnell will work to optimize company growth, provide strategic direction, and supervise a team of business development managers and coordinators.

Burnell has 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He was most recently with Stryker Medical Corporation as an executive sales manager in various sales, marketing, and management roles. He has also worked for Boston Scientific as a senior executive territory manager in the Cardiac Rhythm Management and EndoUrology Divisions, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals as a CV Specialty Sales Rep.

Burnell attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a bachelor of science in microbiology, with minors in microbiology, zoology, and psychology.