Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business
Published 8:17 am Sunday, December 17, 2023
Istre to chair local board
Jennifer Istre, public relations manager of First Horizon, has been appointed as chair of the 2024 Family & Youth Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is composed of 23 diverse community leaders committed to the interests of children and families in Southwest Louisiana. These individuals work tirelessly to advance the mission of Family & Youth, providing guidance to all eight of our divisions.
Alongside Istre, the Executive Board Committee is comprised of Vice Chair, Megan Hartman of Phillips 66; Treasurer, Travis Furs of Hancock Whitney; Secretary, Michelle Jordan of Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court; Immediate Past Chair, Michael Hankins of Hankins Development and Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana Liaison, Mark Hanudel of R&H Refectory Services.
Our additional dedicated 2024 Board of Directors are: Ann Barrileaux, E.T. Browning, Lorena Ceasar, Owen Clauton, Lawrence David, Marty DeRouen, Caitlin Guillory, Sol Haliburton, Karen Harrell, Jeremy Istre, Blake Lumpkin, Emily McDaniel, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Mariel Molina, Gene Pittman, Nora Popillion and Owen Thompson.
Istre graduates from FBI Academy
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division Lt. Ty Istre graduated from the 288th session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Va., on Dec. 7. He was one of 198 law enforcement officers who participated in the academy, which consisted of men and women from 45 states and the District of Columbia along with those from 24 international countries, 4 military organizations, and 6 federal civilian organizations.
The National Academy Program offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected law enforcement officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. Nationally, fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend this program.
Istre also completed the 6.1-mile obstacle course, which is known as one of the most challenging courses for law enforcement leaders.
Istre has 15 years of law enforcement experience and has been employed at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office since 2008.
Ryder honored with Star Award
Jeremy Ryder, registrar services coordinator at Sowela Technical Community College, received the Customer Service Star Award for Fall 2023 at the annual employee Christmas luncheon.
Sowela’s Customer Service Star Committee selects award winners from nominations submitted by faculty and staff of the college.
Those nominating Ryder stated, “He is consistently willing to help solve problems quickly and serves as a role model for coworkers and peers. He easily and quickly recognizes the needs of others, takes ownership and responds immediately.”
Ryder has worked at Sowela since 2011 and served in various roles, including tutor, telepresence proctor and enrollment specialist/advisor. He currently works with Sowela’s high school partners and home study parents to enroll students in courses under Sowela’s dual enrollment program, as well as host informational sessions and orientations.
Haymon, Allen elected to board
The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation has selected Vernon Parish Police Juror Kenny Haymon as its chairman for 2024 and Leesville Mayor Rick Allen as its vice-chairman for 2024.
Established by the Louisiana State Legislature during the 2022 regular session, LITACorp is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Louisiana Municipal Association and Police Jury Association of Louisiana, the first partnership of its kind.
LITACorp’s mission is to provide technical assistance and matching grants to rural and economically distressed communities across Louisiana so they are better equipped to compete for federal funding as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Haymon currently serves as 1st Vice-President of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana Executive Board and Allen serves as 1st Vice President of the Louisiana Municipal Association Executive Board. Both are set to become president of their respective association’s executive boards in spring 2024.
Haymon has served as police juror since 2008 and Allen has served as mayor since 2014.
Visit LC wins Adrian Award
Visit Lake Charles will be recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International with the Bronze Adrian Award for its outstanding achievements in travel marketing.
Visit Lake Charles won in the Experiential Marketing category for this year’s launch of the “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In” campaign. Created by Miles Partnership, the campaign highlights the destination as a haven of year-round playful experiences that flawlessly blend excitement and relaxation. To kick off the campaign, VLC hosted a vibrant, two-day activation in May at the Pecan Street Festival in the nearby emerging drive market of Austin, Texas.
During the festival, thousands of attendees visited the VLC booth and VIP area to participate in trip giveaway competitions, sample Cajun cooking, casino table games and enjoy rhythmic Zydeco music by award-winning artist Sean Ardoin.
HSMAI will honor VLC at its 67th annual Adrian Awards Celebration in New York in February 2024.
