Leadership Natchitoches

Leadership Natchitoches is an immersive learning experience designed to engage and activate proven leaders in our community to effect change in Natchitoches Parish. Through the course of this program, this diverse group of professionals becomes one class and one voice, becoming more interconnected not only with each other but with the broader community and region.

The program focuses on these key areas:

Leadership Natchitoches gives graduates first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and provides an opportunity to make a positive community impact through volunteerism and civic engagement. The program consists of eight sessions, including an evening team-building social and a full day of experiential learning. At the end of the program, Leadership Natchitoches participants are celebrated at a graduation ceremony.

Applications for Cohort 7 Are Open!

Please note, submissions will need to include a letter of recommendation and support from your employer.  


Apply Now

2026 Program Dates & Curriculum

Most program sessions begin with a Thursday evening session (5:30 – 7:30 PM) and continue the following day with a full Friday session (8:15 AM – 4:00 PM). The Government and Governance session is expected to take place on a Wednesday, though all currently listed dates are subject to change. All dates will be finalized prior to the selection of the cohort. The curriculum is designed to incorporate a variety of resources and learning techniques.

Launching into Leadership: Opening Retreat

March 19-20, 2026

Kickstart your leadership journey with a deep dive into team-building, self-awareness, and goal-setting. This retreat sets the stage for the experience ahead.

Where History Lives: Natchitoches History, Culture & Tourism

April 16-17, 2026

Explore the rich tapestry of Natchitoches, from its historical landmarks to its vibrant culture. Learn how tourism impacts our community and how you can be a part of it.

Be the Leader: Government & Governance

May 6, 2026

Gain insight into the world of advocacy and policy. Learn how issues are championed, how legislation takes shape, and how you can use your voice to make an impact.

We Make Good Stuff: Business and Industry

June 25-26, 2026

Get an inside look at the businesses and industries that power Natchitoches. Learn what it takes to succeed and how you can contribute to our economic growth.

Together We Can: Education and Workforce

July 23-24, 2026

Delve into the educational landscape and workforce development in Natchitoches. Understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and how we can work together to address them.

Progress & Pitfalls: Healthcare and Public Safety

August 20-21, 2026

Examine the state of healthcare and public safety in our community. Learn about the advancements we've made and the hurdles we still need to overcome.

Naturally Great - Natural Resources

September 24-25, 2026

Discover the natural assets that make Natchitoches unique. From our waterways to our landscapes, understand how these resources contribute to our economy and quality of life.

Forward Together: Sustaining Our Leadership Community

October 22-23, 2025

Leadership is a collective endeavor. This session aims to keep the spirit of community alive, discussing ways to stay connected, support each other, and collaborate on future projects that make a difference in Natchitoches. 

Selection Process

Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic and other organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted based on demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Natchitoches Area, and commitment to the program. Applications are solicited annually in October. A selection committee of Community and Chamber leaders will recommend 15 to 20 candidates, based on a diverse cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age, and affiliations.

Participation Expectations

Leadership Natchitoches meets one Thursday evening and the following full Friday, with the exception of the Government and Governance session, each month to engage with subject matter experts and participate in discussions, field trips, and hands-on activities related to six key community issues: history, culture & tourism, natural resources, business & industry, education & workforce, healthcare & public safety, and government & governance. Participants must agree and adhere to Leadership Natchitoches Policies and Procedures to apply to and graduate from the program and be recognized at the graduation ceremony. The opening and closing sessions are mandatory. No more than one absence is allowed from the six remaining sessions. 

We are working on plans for a day trip to the Louisiana State Capitol as part of the Government and Governance session, giving participants the chance to explore state-level advocacy and the policy process. Please note: these plans and dates are tentative and subject to change.

Tuition for Leadership Natchitoches is $1,000

Limited scholarship funds are available upon request.

Leadership Natchitoches Classes

Billy Meziere, Captain
Natchitoches Police Department

Chari Addison, Senior Loan Officer
Engage Federal Credit Union

Danielle Cobb, Associate Director of Corporate and Community Engagement
Northwestern State University

Dr. Dylan Solice, Assistant Professor of Education/Program Cordinator
Northwestern State University

India Anderson, Owner
Anderson Perseverance

Dr. Jasmine Wise, Assistant Professor
Northwestern State University

JD Cox, Assistant Professor/ARGO Lab Coordinator
Northwestern State University

Jerry Forest, Owner
Repairtech Services, LLC

Jessica Miranda, MST Supervisor
Youth & Family Empowerment Services, LLC

Katrina Evans, Mayor
Town of Campti

Kierra Jackson, Program Manager
Ben D. Johnson Educational Center

Lori Lee, AVP/Staff Accountant
BOM Bank

Meshelle Morgan, Operations Manager
Natchitoches CVB

Morgan Green, Coordinator of Communications & Events
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce

Nicole Niette, Campus Marketing Coordinator - Natchitoches & Sabine Valley
Bossier Parish Community College

Dr. Ross Williams, Jr., Founder & Ceo
MIT Global Enterprises

Russell Meissner, Manager
J&J Extermination Co., Inc.

Shanna LeBrum, Community & Economic Development Director
City of Natchitoches

Stephen Burkhalter, Director of Clinical Resources
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Tristian Neitte, Leadership Development Professional (LPD)
Weyerhaeuser

Alexa Steele, Communications Coordinator
International Paper - Red River Mill

Charnell Brown, MRO Specialist
Alliance Compressors, Inc.

Chris Petite, Councilman, District 3
City of Natchitoches

Dillon Powell, Operations Manager
Alliance Compressors, Inc.

Frank Taylor, CEO
Universal Techs, LLC

Gwen Fontenot, Director of Electronic & Continuing Education
Northwestern State University

Holly Guillory, Business Development Officer
Engage Federal Credit Union

India Rhodes, Renovation Coordinator/Realtor
Rhodes Properties & Development

Jennifer Brumley, Human Resource Manager
City of Natchitoches

Jen Foster, Store Manager
Walmart Supercenter 170

Kathryn Beaudoin, General Manager
Raising Cane's

Kimberly Bryan, Director of Revenue Cycle Management
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Logan Lambert, Senior Account Manager and Assistant Vice President
BOM

Melissa Collier, Banking Center Manager
Hancock Whitney

Michele Waskom, Vice President
First Federal Bank of Louisiana

Orhan McMillan, Owner
dezinsINTERACTIVE / OM Consulting

Ramona Wynder, Grant Administrator & Certification Coach
Natchitoches Parish School Board

Sarah Oubre, Realtor
Bolton Realty

Thorn LaCaze, Campus Director, Natchitoches & Sabine Valley
Bossier Parish Community College – Natchitoches Campus

Trinity Sanders, Administrative Assistant, LA Gear Up
Northwestern State University

Venecia Newton, Senior HR Generalist
Alliance Compressors, Inc.

Azizah Hamilton, Office of The Mayor
City of Natchitoches

Brad Walker, Assistant Chief of Police
City of Natchitoches

Brandi Carpenter, Finance and Operations Specialist
Brandi Carpenter

Clarissa Brown-Smith, Finance Director
City of Natchitoches

Crystal Conway, Community Development Officer
Engage Federal Credit Union

Donovan Ohnoutka
BOM

Felicia Pinkney
Natchitoches Parish School Board

Halie Errington
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Heather Montoya, Financial Analyst 1
Atmos Energy

Kristen Carpenter
BOM

Morgan LaCaze, Executive Director
Women's Resource Center

Sarah Rachal
Natchitoches Parish School Board

Shaunte' Williams, Administrative Officer
Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Susan Johnson, Captain
City of Natchitoches

Troy Henderson
French Market Express

LaCarsha Babers, Vice President Community & Economic Development
Hancock Whitney

Haley Taitano, Assistant Professor, Health & Human Performance
Northwestern State University

Brittani Murphy Linebaugh, Owner
Tobacco Warehouse

Katrice Below, AVP/Consumer Lender
BOM

Dustin Dauzat
BOM

Jessica McGrath, Library Director
Natchitoches Parish Library

Amy Roberson
City of Natchitoches

Emily Harrington
Hines, Squyres & Associates, LLC

Howard Conday
Law Offices of Howard E. Conday, Jr., LLC

Hillary Bennett, President
J Bennett Recruiting

LaKisha McHenry
Weyerhaeuser

Vianka Miranda
Northwestern State University - School of Business

Jeff Townson, Lieutenant, Reserve Unit Commander / Reserve Academy Coordinator
Natchitoches Police Department

Brett Danzy, Mechanical Maintenance Superintendent
RoyOMartin Plywood

C. Edward 'Eddie' Harrington
The Harrington Law Firm

Chad Nelson, Major of Civil Operations Bureau
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office

JoAnna Washington, Assistant Vice President/Branch Administrator
City Bank & Trust Company

Reba Phelps, Agency Manager
BOM Financial Services

Travis Tyler, Executive Director
Natchitoches Parish Port Commission

Grant Eloi
Natchitoches Parish School Board

Shontrell Roque, Planning and Zoning
City of Natchitoches

Phyllis Mason
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Brad Haigler, Executive Chef/General Manager
Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant

Emily Zering
Northwestern State University

Landon Amberg
Northwestern State University

LaQuita Collins
Parish of Natchitoches

Alexa Bernard
Natchitoches Parish School Board

Nikeo Collins
City of Natchitoches

Phil Brown
Retired

Kenyetta Jackson
Northwest LA Human Services District

Carrie Mardorf
Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Anthony Moore
Southern Scripts

Steve McAlister
Westside Baptist Church

Matreka Moses
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office

Carmella Parker
Northwestern State University School of Business

Randee Moore
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

Rachel Proctor
Weyerhaeuser

DeAndrea Sanders
Rhodes Realty

Mark Smith
Weyerhaeuser

Brandon Thornton
Delta Consulting

Donna Wafer
North American Coal Corporation