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:
- Art & Culture
- Business & Industry
- Cultural Diversity
- Economic Development
- Education
- Government & Governance
- Healthcare
- Historical Relevance
- Infrastructure
- Law Enforcement
- Natural Resources
- Poverty
- Tourism
- Workforce Development
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 our 2025 (Year 6) program are now Open!
2025 Program Dates & Curriculum
Each session will be preceded by a Thursday evening session (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM), and Friday sessions will last a full workday (8:15 AM - 4:00 PM). The curriculum for this program is designed to use a variety of resources and learning techniques.
Launching into Leadership: Opening Retreat
February 27-28, 2025
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
March 20-21, 2025
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.
Naturally Great - Natural Resources
April 24-25, 2025
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.
We Make Good Stuff: Business and Industry
May 29-30, 2025
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
June 26-27, 2025
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
July 24-25, 2025
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.
Be the Leader: Government & Governance
August 28-29, 2025
Understand the inner workings of local government and governance. Learn how decisions are made, how policies are set, and how you can make a difference.
Forward Together: Sustaining Our Leadership Community
September 25-26, 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 devotes one full Friday per month to hearing presentations from subject matter experts and participating in discussions, field trips, and practical exercises pertinent 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.
Tuition for Leadership Natchitoches is $800
Limited scholarship funds are available upon request.
Past Leadership Natchitoches Classes
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