Top 20 Under 40 – 2020
THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IS HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine are pleased to announce the nominations for the 2020 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Awards. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work.
Those nominated are DJ Banks, Wells Fargo Advisors; Jerrica Bennett, Discover Monroe-West Monroe; Michael Carr, JPMorgan Chase; Senator Stewart Cathey, Louisiana State Senate; Taurian Collins, Stephens Media Group; Frank De La O, IBM; Sreerag Devadas, IBM; Sara Dickerson, Bureau of Family Health; Quentin Durr, Origin Bank; Mary Earl, Randstad; Dorea Flintroy, Monroe Airport; Katherine Flowers, Lexington Elementary; DJ Fortenberry, LSBDC; Kirsten Gladen, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana; Carolyn Goodin, Carolyn’s Dance Land; Jessica Hale, Faulk & Foster; Chris Hall, Easter Seals Louisiana; Jennifer Harris, Madison James Foster Elementary; Justin Higdon, Origin Bank; Lane Hodnett, Self Employed; Luke Hodnett, CenturyLink; Taylor Varner Hoffman, Cross Keys Bank; Kandice Hunter, St. Francis Medical Center; Jeff Jopling, Coast Professional; Latonya Kimble, JPMorgan Chase; Hannah Livingston, US Senator Kennedy’s Office; Brennan Manning, Manning Law Firm; Montrell Marshall, Carroll Jr. High School; Wesley Martin, Bank of Oak Ridge; Jamie Mayes, Jamie Mayes Educational Consulting; Ashley Mayo, Ochsner Hospital; India McCoy, CF Real Estate; Alex McMorris, Century Next Bank; Brittany McNamara, KTVE/KARD; Brady Middleton, Ascent Health; Joshua Mitchell, Louisiana Catalyst; Jason Morgan, Life Choice of NCLA; LaTeria Moses, Enterprise Holdings; Trey Norred, Norred Fire Systems; Lateef Odeyemi, Parkway Pharmacy; Kersten Puechner, Pecanland Mall; Becky Pullin, Drax; Dr. Daniel Raymond, NELA Dental; Crystal Rogers, Community Rehab Center; Jason Schevchuk, Audibel The Hearing Center; Mark Sisk, Re/Max Premier Realty; Angie Sturdivant, City of Monroe; DeRon Talley, LSBDC; Dr. Verlencia Jordan Tarvin, Walmart Pharmacy; Carlie Taylor; Behavioral Management & Addictive Disorders; Taylor White, Lee Jr. High School, Gail Wilson, IBM; Christal Winfield-Wheeler, Regal Events & Designs; Chelsea Wyatt, Universal Rehab Center.
Presenting sponsors is Origin Bank and JPMorgan Chase. Additional sponsors are Heard, McElroy and Vestal, Certified Public Accountants, NAI Faulk and Foster, Drax, BayouLife Magazine, KTVE, Steel Fabricators, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Stephens Media Group, Patty Stewart Photography, The City of Monroe, and The Radio People.
DON BANKS, JR.
Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors
Don Banks, Jr. (DJ) is the son of Don and Sharlaski Banks and was born in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He is a graduate of West Monroe High School and a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a B.S. in Finance.
Now a financial advisor with the Monroe office of Wells Fargo Advisors, he takes pride in working for a firm that puts you first. His mission is to help each one of his clients plan for a financial future in a way that best meets his or her goals.
DJ is married to his dear wife T’Anna Banks and has been an active member of the local community for nearly a decade. DJ is also an associate pastor at The Greater Realness Cathedral in Monroe, La. Lastly, he enjoys spending time with family, exercising, golfing, traveling and music/singing.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
D.J.: I’m most proud of my recent graduation from Ouachita Leadership. I learned so much about total functionality of government, politics, city management and business relationships. I think it was a great preparation in understanding how I want to operate in my community.
BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?
D.J.: Being committed to ongoing educational opportunities and being accountable to mentors who give me practical knowledge for growing and developing as a person and my career.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
D.J.: Give Northeast Louisiana a chance. Be willing to sacrifice by investing in the growth of our area by employing your talent, education and skills in a work space.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
D.J.: I mainly give back through mentoring youth in my church and community. I participate in mission opportunities of my church; i.e., feeding the elderly and homeless, providing social assistance through community interaction and education. Volunteer as financial literacy educator to families.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
D.J.: To be completely debt free and to be an established philanthropist.
STEWART CATHEY, JR
State Senator
State Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. was born in Monroe, LA, and currently represents the 33rd Senate District of Louisiana. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development along with serving on several other Senate committees and Legislative task forces focused on important issues in LA. Stewart is the only Senator to be appointed as a Chairman of a standing committee in the Senate without previously having served in the legislature.
Stewart is a proud alumnus of ULM and is often seen supporting the Warhawks at sporting events across campus. He enjoys the outdoors and loves to hunt and fish, especially on Lake Darbonne for white perch.
In 2003, Stewart continued his family’s legacy of service by joining the US Army. As a commissioned officer and Army Engineer, Stewart has served multiple combat tours. After both of Stewart’s deployments to Afghanistan, he returned home to Northeast Louisiana. Although his work abroad opened many different job opportunities across the globe, he knew Northeast Louisiana was where he belonged. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a small business here in Ouachita Parish. He has continued his commitment to service by devoting his time and talents to several organizations here in our region.
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?
Stewart: We need to make sure we have a positive attitude about our region. We have so much to offer and be proud of. Whether we realize it or not, the next generation is looking to us, and our attitudes will be reflected in their actions.
BL: What was your first job?
Stewart: My first real job was my freshman year of college working at Heavenly Ham in Monroe for Ann and Bob Brown. Looking back, they were some of the best people I’ve ever worked for!
BL: What is your motivation?
Stewart: Failure and letting people down. I don’t want to fail or let people down who count on me for things, so I work extra hard to try to guarantee that I remain dependable.
BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self?
Stewart: Don’t be in a hurry! Life moves fast, so make sure to embrace every moment of it along the way.
SARA DICKERSON
Maternal Health Coordinator for Northeast Louisiana’s Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health
Sara Dickerson is a Registered Nurse who works with The Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, as a Maternal Child Health Coordinator for Northeast Louisiana. This role is responsible for reviewing fatalities of children under the age of fifteen as well as pregnancy-associated deaths. She works diligently within the community to organize injury and violence prevention efforts across twelve parishes to decrease future fatalities. Sara received a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2012. She was selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Student Award by ULM nursing faculty. Sara is also a nationally certified child passenger safety technician and is the co-leader for Occupant Protection with Northeast Louisiana Highway Safety Partnership. Sara is a mother of two, Chloe, 7 years old, and Brooks, 5 years old. They reside in West Monroe. As a family, they are actively involved members at Christ Church.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Sara: My job role allows me to give back to the community on different platforms. I am able to provide safe sleep, water safety, child passenger safety, and fire prevention education to the community through close relationships with local hospitals and community partners. I was part of a team that secured a grant for free-swimming lessons for children in Northeast Louisiana. I have also collaborated with the Louisiana Passenger Safety Taskforce to provide free car seats to families in need. This is just a glimpse of how I am able to give back to the community in my job role.
BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?
Sara: I schedule time on my monthly calendar for a day of professional development. I often use this time to work on new certifications, refresh or learn new skills. I think that it is important to continue to learn new things and challenge yourself.
BL: What is your motivation?
Sara: My children, Chloe and Brooks, are my motivation. They look up to me, always watching and learning by example. My children see a driven, successful, and compassionate mother and professional. My goal is to show them that hard work does pay off and that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.
QUENTIN DURR
Co-founder Louisiana Catalyst
Regional Business Development
at Origin Bank
Quentin Durr currently resides in Ruston, LA. He is a graduate of Farmerville High School and Louisiana Tech University in 2007 in management and entrepreneurship. Durr’s career started at Origin Bank in 2007 with a focus in lending and he currently works as Regional Business Development across North Louisiana. He is a co-founder of Louisiana Catalyst which is a co-working space in Downtown Monroe that serves as an incubator and accelerator program for businesses. Working for Origin Bank, Durr has had the freedom to pursue his passions: entrepreneurship, community service and finding ways to enhance the quality of life in North Louisiana. He has served on the Union Parish Chamber Board since 2011, Chairman for the Fireworks over Lake Darbonne Committee since 2013, and on the Board of the Union Growth and Development Foundation.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Quentin: By age 50, I want to contribute to building the entrepreneur ecosystem in North Louisiana. This collaboration between multiple agencies and cities will help insure that the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to thrive in North Louisiana. This includes multiple business incubators, mentorship programs and increased access to resources to ensure those who want to start a business have the opportunity to chase their dreams.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Quentin: Get into your field and prepare to start at the bottom. It’s an age old lie that a college degree will bring you a large salary. In today’s world, you need the degree, the experience and the opportunity if you are going to attempt to climb the corporate ladder. For those seeking self-employment, even with the degree, people want to see what you have done.
BL: What was your first job?
Quentin: My first job was with Johnny’s Pizza and to this day, I still have a great relationship with that organization which still supports my community efforts.
BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?
Quentin: My advice on leadership is to listen and never stop learning. What is relevant today can change overnight. If you are not willing to do it, then I question if it’s worth doing.
KATHERINE FLOWERS
Assistant Principal
at Lexington Elementary
Katherine Flowers is the assistant principal at Lexington Elementary. Katherine grew up in Monroe and attended college at Ole Miss where she majored in Elementary Education and received her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She began working at Lexington in 2009 where she taught fourth grade. Katherine has since taught 2nd grade, been a gifted teacher for the district and served as Curriculum coordinator for Lexington. She became assistant principal in 2018. Katherine is married with two children and is an avid reader. She enjoys spending time with friends and family during her time off. Katherine loves to laugh, and quotes Buddy the Elf saying, “Smiling’s my favorite.”
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent:
Katherine: Put much greater value in education and academic achievement. There are many great things about Northeast Louisiana but one area we could improve upon is acknowledging and rewarding the young people who achieve at a high level academically. Education is one of the main building blocks of any community and ours should consider placing more value on it and resources into it.
BL: What is your motivation?
Katherine: Being an educator is my greatest motivation. I feel educators are given a huge responsibility. Every child that walks through our door will impact the world in some way. Some may change it for many people, and some may change it for a few. Not only is it our duty to parents to teach their children, it is our duty to everyone to be more. We are cheerleaders, motivators, and role models. We shape the future.
BL: Something most people do not know:
Katherine: I studied abroad in England during college, and worked in their schools as a student teacher. Also, at 36, I am still able to do the splits.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Katherine: Over the next few years most of you will realize that life isn’t always fair. Remember that just because life isn’t fair, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be.
BL: What was your first job?
Katherine: I worked at Baskin Robbins when I was in high school.
KIRSTEN GLADEN
Regional Manager at
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
Kirsten Gladen is a transplant to the Twin City area after relocating from her hometown of Atlanta in 2011 to join her family, while her father Ret. Colonel Herbert Sanders, Jr. served as the JROTC instructor for Grambling State University, University of Louisiana Monroe, and Louisiana Tech University. In 2003, Kirsten enrolled at Columbus State University. She studied Professional Writing with a minor in Communications (Public Relations emphasis). Upon arriving in Louisiana, Kirsten was interested in exploring other career options in the social services field. She was hired as a Placement Specialist for Goodwill of Northeast Louisiana where she assisted persons with mental and physical disabilities secure gainful employment by equipping them with job readiness skills. It was her first job in social services, and nearly 10-years later she has furthered her education and experience in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. Kirsten has also worked as a Case Manager servicing the state’s top 3% at risk youth by facilitating services, as a Mental Health Specialist providing Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) and Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) to mentally ill adults and children, a substance abuse instructor providing services to individuals with both mental health diagnoses and substance abuse issues; an ABA Therapist providing therapeutic services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and as a Psychometrist providing clinical assessment for children with ASD. She is currently employed at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana as a Regional Manager where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the satellite office’s programming, which include providing financial literacy training and providing low-income individuals with rent and utility assistance.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Kirsten: I serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) to advocate for persons in Louisiana with disabilities. I also own a job placement agency that is contracted through Louisiana Workforce Commission to assist individuals with disabilities by teaching job readiness skills and providing job placement services. In addition, I serve as the Social Services Committee Chair for the Salvation Army of Northeast Louisiana. Lastly, I am a Girls Scout Troop Leader.
JEFF JOPLING
Director of Operations
Coast Professional Inc.
Jeff Jopling is a lifelong resident of Monroe, La and a self described “community guy.” Jeff graduated from Neville High School and received a BA in Communications from ULM in 2008. Jeff began his career at Coast Professional Inc in 2009 and has more than 11 years of management and operational experience and prides himself on his commitment to excellence; ability to execute; vast understanding of operational processes; and his ability to develop meaningful relationships and engage genuinely with everyone he encounters. Jeff and his wife, Lara currently reside in Monroe and welcomed their first child in April, 2020. They are both excited to raise a family in Monroe. Jeff is an avid musician who enjoys playing around local Monroe events and establishments. Jeff believes supporting the community is key to overall success and growth in Monroe as a whole and looks forward to his family’s future in Monroe.
BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?
Jeff: Maintain an open mindset, set specific times weekly for personal development, and creatively find opportunity for development (that commute time can be an asset).
BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?
Jeff: Set specific goals for both and devote specific and appropriate amounts of time for each. Also, having the right partner helps significantly.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Jeff: I hope to have established a legacy of personal success, with a history of positive impact and mentorship on many successful professionals.
BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self?
Jeff: Learning people is often equally important as learning academics.
BL: What was your first job?
Jeff: Post purchase packaging and deployment specialist (a.k.a. bag boy) at Brookshire’s grocery.
BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.
Jeff: I feel that creativity has as much place in the workplace as hard work. Also I don’t enjoy flying.
HANNAH LIVINGSTON
Service Academy Nominations Coordinator and Regional Representative for CENLA and NELA for U.S. Senator John Kennedy
Hannah Livingston is the Service Academy Nominations Coordinator and Regional Representative for CENLA and NELA for U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Hannah graduated from ULM in 2011 with a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) and in 2010 with a Bachelor of Administration in Management and a minor in Marketing. Prior to working for Senator Kennedy, she spent seven years working at CenturyLink in Marketing and Corporate Strategy.
While not a native of Monroe, Hannah has truly developed a family in Monroe and Ouachita Parish since moving here in 2006. She credits this to her involvement on several boards and committees in Monroe which include: former Board of Director for St. Frederick High School, former ULM Alumni Ouachita Parish President, current ULM Warhawk Club Secretary for the Board of Trustees to a name few.
When she is not working or volunteering, Hannah enjoys spending time with her spunky two year old daughter Eloise, and a host of friends who have become family in Monroe.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Hannah: I received the University of Louisiana at Monroe Rising Young Alumni Award in 2017, and I was so honored. ULM gave me so much as a student, and I have worked very hard to stay engaged and support our University since I graduated, which I feel like the award recognized.
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?
Hannah: I think the best thing NELA can do to retain young talent is engage them. I get asked all the time how I became so involved, and to be honest, it was connections I made in college, which opened up doors later. We have thousands of students on local campuses daily, but they very seldom interact with the community leaders. If we want to retain them here, we have to engage them while they are still in college. We have to bring them in the fold and show them that we want them here. We have to recognize that while age might limit a person to an extent, young people are capable, willing, and determined.
BL: What is your motivation?
Hannah: My motivation is my desire to leave the world a better place than I found it, and it is also my daughter, who I hope will understand the value of hard work and determination from watching me.
WESLEY MARTIN
EVP/ Commercial Lending
at Bank of Oak Ridge
Wesley Martin was born and raised in Monroe with my parents (Hap and Diane) and an older brother (Allan). Wesley graduated from Neville High School, and then LSU in Baton Rouge. While there, he was president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, received his Bachelors and MBA, and began working in Baton Rouge. In 2011, he married his wife Emily, and moved back to Monroe a year later. Walker, age 5, Levi, age 3, and a golden doodle named Honey complete the Martin family. Wesley has been in the banking business for 9 years. He enjoys hunting and being outdoors, staying active, spending time with family and serving at St. Paul’s United Methodist.
BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?
Wesley: This is not always easy for me; sometimes, I can focus too much on one area. For me, prioritizing my faith and my family life is what helps me be at my best. This balancing act would be impossible without my wife.
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?
Wesley: We love living in Monroe. We believe this is a great place to raise a family due to the community and people. In order to retain young talent, these individuals need well compensated employment opportunities and also to be provided with attractive growth opportunities. It is not enough to just attract the talent. We must be forward-thinking about how to retain it and help promote growth in careers. We can do this through attracting companies that are focused on investment and through a business climate that encourages entrepreneurs to start and base their businesses in Northeast LA.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Wesley: I am passionate about serving and staying involved with my church St. Paul’s United Methodist, and the Charis Retreat community. I have been on the Red Cross Board and chair the United Way Campaign for our bank.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Wesley: Our bank was named the #9 lender in the country for banks $550M or smaller by the Independent Community Bank Association. We were the only bank on the list from Louisiana.
ASHLEY MAYO
RN Supervisor Operations Coordinator in the Labor/Delivery and NICU/Nursery Departments at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-Monroe Medical Center
Ashley Mayo is the daughter of former Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo and Angela Mayo. Ashley was born, raised and now resides in Monroe, and has one son, Tyler Alexander Williams. In 2009, Ashley graduated with a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from Grambling State University . This opportunity has allowed her to pursue employment as a Registered Nurse at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-Monroe Medical Center (formerly E.A. Conway). For the last 10 years, she has embraced the pleasure of practicing her passion in Women’s Health. At present, Ashley serves as the RN Supervisor Operations Coordinator in the Labor/Delivery and NICU/Nursery departments. This assignment enables her to work closely with The Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LAPQC)program, allowing her to devote time and effort to the advancement of equity and improvement of outcomes for women, families, and newborns at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe.
Ashley is a faithful member of the New Saint James Baptist Church in Monroe, and a dedicated soror of the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Ashley: By age 50, I would like to have my Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Administration. Also, I pray I have raised my son where he would be successful in finishing college and enjoying a fabulous career in the National Football League (NFL).
BL: What is your motivation?
Ashley: My motivation is I admire my father, former Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo who has done a great job for the city of Monroe for the past 25 years, and my mother former First Lady Angela Mayo who is a great wife, mother, and grandmother. They have both inspired me to become the young leader I am today.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Ashley: My advice to recent graduates is to set goals and not let others determine their destination. Remember to always be positive, principled, pro-active and productive.
BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?
Ashley: To ensure my growth and development, I have mentors that encourage me and give me advice on how to become more successful. I also research leadership skills training workshops to assist me in becoming a more effective leader.
BRADY MIDDLETON
Director of Business Development
Ascent Health Inc.
Brady Middleton is the son of Mark Middleton of Rayville and Susan Morgan of Rayville. He is a graduate of Mangham High School and in 2009 graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a B.S. in Secondary Education. While at ULM, Brady participated in a number of student organizations, helped reinstate the Kappa Sigma chapter, and served as SGA President during the 2007-2008 academic year. After graduating ULM, he had the privilege of teaching and coaching at West Monroe High School from 2009-2014 where he credits meeting some of the nicest and most committed educators and coaches. In 2014, Brady left WMHS to work for Ascent Health Inc. in Monroe, La and am serves the agency as its Director of Business Development. Brady met his wife, Haylee Middleton, at PREP at ULM in the summer of 2004 and married in August of 2009. They have 3 children, Audrey, 9, Grant, 9, and Evie James, 4, and live in Mangham, La where they are active members of Mangham Baptist Church.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Brady: I love volunteering my time and energy toward multiple community and faith-based organizations. I especially enjoy volunteering at the Food Bank of NELA, the Louisiana Purchase Garden’s and Zoo, and at many school-based programs through the work that we do at Ascent. At Ascent, I serve multiple schools as a PBIS team member where we organize and implement positive behavior programs for students. As a former teacher at West Monroe High School, I have a strong passion for the education world and am always looking for opportunities to serve schools from my current position. I also enjoy serving my church community at Mangham Baptist Church. I teach our youth Sunday School class, I help with our technology for Sunday worship services, and I also serve as the Director of the Richland Baptist Assembly Encampment. I enjoy volunteerism and believe that it is one of the best ways to invest in your community.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Brady: Develop the skill of setting short, medium, and long-term goals for yourself and do your best to achieve them. No matter the size, every goal that you achieve is worthy of celebration.
JOSHUA MITCHELL
Executive Director
Louisiana Catalyst
Joshua Mitchell is a business owner, entrepreneur and community activist. Joshua lives in Ruston, Louisiana with his wife, April, and their two cats, Grayson and Lana. He is the son of Patrick and Acquanette Mitchell and sibling to Patrick II, Dionna and Daniel. Joshua was born in Germany and grew up along the east coast, but he calls Louisiana home. His first real introduction into the business ownership world was starting a furniture design business. That introduction to business helped develop a desire for creating and developing new ideas with like minded entrepreneurs ever since. Joshua’s personal passions include traveling, eating good food and doing anything on the water. His professional passions are networking, developing new relationships, and connecting people.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Joshua: I’m most proud of being a business owner. I encourage anyone who has a business idea to make a plan and go for it. The freedom of being your own boss, taking responsibility for something and making it successful is extremely empowering. It is hard work but it is rewarding work.
BL: What was your first job?
Joshua: Technically, my first job was working for my father. I cut grass at their rental properties, raked lawns, painted houses and tried to pick up on everything under the sun that Dad did. He is a businessman, a leader, a coach and I’ve learned a lot from him. He taught me at a very young age to be self sufficient and work hard for what you want.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Joshua: Godspeed and may the force be with you. Graduating college is a big accomplishment. It’s an especially admirable feat considering the current state of the job market, the political landscape and the economy. Stay positive and don’t pass up on other opportunities just because the piece of paper in your hand doesn’t qualify you for it.
BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?
Joshua: I surround myself with other people that are growing and developing. It is a key part of remaining humble while reaching for bigger and better endeavors. You don’t always have to be the smartest person in the room. The smartest person in the room is the one learning from the smartest people in the room.
JASON MORGAN
Fatherhood Program Coordinator – Life Choices of NCLA
Jason Morgan describes himself a self motivated, God-fearing man who dedicated his life to inspire and serving others. Jason was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica and move to America at age 19 on a track and field scholarship, to throw shot put and discus. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, and was a stand out in NCAA Discus and Shot Put. Jason is also a self-coached Olympian, who strives daily to set goals and stretch beyond limitations as a human being.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Jason: Search yourself within. Try and break all the bad habits that will not contribute to your future. Have the mindset of being successful, and avoid bad places and negative people.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Jason: I give back my time, words, And knowledge. I host track and field throws camps; I do volunteer work to give away food; I give away sports clothing to athletes; I donate clothes and shoes; or I give a child a pair of shoes in the community who is on the less fortunate side. I go to schools and mentor and do motivational speeches.
BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know?
Jason: I am a mama’s boy. I was super close to my mother before she passed away in 2007. I still pray for her, and think of her everyday and strive to make her proud. I still wake up every morning and say “God, I want to make my mama proud today.” A lot of people don’t know that about me.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Jason: I hope to have my own school and a youth facility. I’d like to mentor kids, teach them sports and give them the resources to be exceptional standouts in society if they attend my school.
BL: What is your motivation?
Jason: To make my late beloved mother proud. I want to become a leader, role model and a person of example to strive to be like. I want to be a positive impact to someone who may come across me, my name or my story – no matter where you live in the world …someone like Nelson Mandela or Bob Marley.
KERSTEN PUECHNER
General Manager
Pecanland Mall
Kersten Puechner was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI; and graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran HS. After high school, Kersten went on to play basketball and pursue my undergraduate degree in Business Management and Marketing at Concordia University of Chicago. Kersten then earned her MBA – Operations Management through American Intercontinental University – Online. Before moving to Monroe, Kersten was training at a shopping center: “Mayfair,” in Wauwatosa, WI for one year before being relocated and promoted as the General Manager of Pecanland Mall.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Kersten: When I took the Associate General Manager position at Mayfair, the company told me it would take me 18-24 months to get my first GM role. Ten months after my start date, I was tapped on the shoulder to take on the role of GM at Pecanland Mall, which has now led me to receiving this award from a community I have only been a part of for one and a half years.
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?
Kersten: The opportunity lies with the economic growth and building up the downtown area. As downtown grows it will bring more value and options for your incoming professionals and their family. It will also assist in bringing value to the mall, which helps me out.
NELA is such a beautiful place. When business people visit; it is important to show off what the area has to offer. The people here have hearts of gold (“southern hospitality” is real), and nothing is better than a sunset on the Ouachita River or the Bayou.
BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self?
Kersten: Be picky about what you want for yourself. Do not take an internship just because it looks good on your resume, take an internship because it will teach you how to move into your dream job. Also, rethink that last drink before you sit down to write your last paper that is due at 7:50 a.m.
BL: What was your first job?
Kersten: Aside from babysitting for $20 a night for my cousins, I was a bank teller at local credit union that is now expanding throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Around the same time, I also took side jobs as a score keeper for elementary basketball and volleyball games.
BECKY PULLIN
Director of Finance
Drax Biomass
Becky Pullin is married to her husband, Bryan, and has three sons who are currently five, eight, and eleven years old. She currently works for Drax Biomass as the Director of Finance. Becky graduated from ULM with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in 2004 and went on to obtain her CPA license shortly thereafter. She enjoys running and traveling in her free time. Becky says she enjoys a challenge- whether it’s a large project at work or trying to beat her husband in a board game. She’s a believer in and follower of Christ and tries to live a life that is worthy of His calling.
BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?
Becky: Sometimes this can be quite tricky. As with most young professionals, my children are young and need much attention. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with an amazingly supportive husband who partners with me in raising our children as well as a strong family support system close-by (it takes a village). Most of the time, it helps to just focus on the immediate need of the day (i.e. do I need to work late in order to meet a deadline today vs. does my son have a soccer game?) At the end of the day, the important thing is to know that my family knows that they are my priority and not let guilt creep in for having to sometimes spend more time than I’d like to working.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Becky: The company that I currently work for moved their corporate headquarters from Atlanta to Monroe in May of 2018. I am proud that I got to be a part of helping this company transition to Northeast Louisiana where I have lived all my life. We have recruited a lot of local talent from the area, and I am particularly proud of my own team who were, for the most part, all recruited with this transition. It’s exciting to be able to build a team from the ground up, and see how far that team has come.
BL: What is your motivation?
Becky: My motivation is that, even though I have worked really hard to get to where I am, I ultimately know that God is the one who has placed me where I am and guided my steps along the way. My motivation is to always work my hardest as if working for Him. I also want my three sons to know the value of hard work and never quitting no matter how hard it is to balance all that life throws at you.
DANIEL RAYMOND, DDS
Co-Owner of NELA Dental
Daniel Raymond is the son of Dave and Deborah Raymond, and has one younger sister, Sarah Raymond Haydel. Daniel met his wife, Sarah Taylor in the 7th grade and they’ve been together ever since. The couple has been married for 20 years and have been blessed with 3 healthy children. Caroline (19), William (12), and Lizzie Jane (8). Daniel’s great grandparents, Cotham and Dorothy Haddad were charter members of Covenant Presbyterian Church and where his immediate and extended family still worship. He attended St. Frederick High School and University of Louisiana at Monroe. Sarah and Daniel navigated college, his baseball career, and parenting Caroline their first 5 years of marriage before packing up and headed to New Orleans where he was accepted to LSUHSC in New Orleans to study dentistry. Upon his graduation from dental school, my family made the easy decision to return to Monroe. They were grateful to reunite with childhood friends, new friends, and family who all called Monroe their home as well. Dr. Vance Costello and Dr. Daniel Raymond are partners in ownership of NELA Dental. They are located in Monroe, Farmerville, and Oak Grove. I enjoy fishing, duck hunting, and traveling.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Daniel: There has never been a time that I can remember not loving Monroe. My roots run deep in this community and I love having the opportunity to give back to a place that has provided me with two things that I value greatly; baseball and duck hunting. My entire life has consisted of spending hours on a baseball field or duck blind with many friends and family. I’m a firm believer that both presented opportunities for deeper relationships and life lessons that have carried me into adulthood. The past 8 years, I have coached youth baseball; as well as served on the Monroe Youth Baseball Association Board of Directors. It was a privilege to serve as a league Vice President for 4 years. Additionally, I have been on the Delta Waterfowl Committee for a number of years. Delta completed several local projects such as wood duck banding, building a memorial boat ramp, and local habitat development from funds raised locally.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Daniel: I would like to think my goals won’t change too much…a strong marriage, a thriving business, a healthy family, and rich friendships.
ANGIE STURDIVANT
City Attorney
City of Monroe
Angie Sturdivant is the City Attorney for the City of Monroe where she has worked since 2009, previously serving as a Prosecutor and Assistant City Attorney. She received her degree in Political Science from Louisiana State University in 2004 and her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 2009. Angie is a member of the United Way and enjoys serving as a Read, Learn, Succeed reading mentor. Angie is also an active member of First United Methodist Church in Monroe where she is a kindergarten Sunday School teacher, and she also serves as a member of the church’s Children’s Council and the Pre-school and Daycare Board. She and her husband Jeremy live in Monroe. She has one son, Brooks, who is in second grade at Lexington Elementary and a stepson, Landon, who is in optometry school.
BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know
Angie: People who know me might laugh about this one, but I really do love to go hunting and fishing with my son and husband. We have a pond in our backyard and my husband is an avid hunter. Whether it’s sitting in the deer stand or fishing on our dock, those are some of my favorite times with my family.
BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?
Angie: Do not discount a career in government service. Whether local, state, or federal, public service offers you a unique opportunity to impact the lives of those around you. As long as you work hard, dedicate yourself, and focus on the future, you can be the change that you want to see.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Angie: I have been a member of the United Way since 2012 and was a 2019 campaign cabinet member. I’m especially proud to be a reading mentor for kids in our local community through the United Way’s “Read, Learn, Succeed” program. Through that program, I’ve been able to read to local 2nd and 3rd graders and hopefully make a difference in their lives.
I also enjoy teaching the kindergarten Sunday School class at my church, First United Methodist of Monroe, which I have taught for the last four years. I serve on my church’s Pre-school and Daycare Board and on the Children’s Council, too. I am a member of the PTO at Lexington Elementary where I have chaired the room parent committee since 2018.
DERON TALLEY
Director of Marketing & Communications at the Louisiana Small Business Development Center’s State Office
DeRon Talley is the Director of Marketing & Communications at the Louisiana Small Business Development Center’s State Office. He received his Master’s of Business Administration from Louisiana State University-Shreveport, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2012. DeRon is the Pastor of the St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church of West Monroe. He serves as a Board of Director for Downtown Monroe Alliance and is a Commissioner for Volunteer Louisiana. He is a 2017 graduate of Ouachita Leadership where he received the Twice as Much Award, and is a Past President of Twin Cities Rotary where he is a Paul Harris Fellow. He has served as the Editor of the Donaldsonville Chief Newspaper beginning in 2012, and also the Editor of the Gonzales Weekly Citizen Newspaper in 2013 serving both roles concurrently until 2015. As an editor, Talley collectively garnered nearly two dozen Louisiana Press Association awards. DeRon Talley is proudly married to Patience Talley and together they have a two year old daughter, Demi.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
DeRon: By the age of 50, I hope to be celebrating more than two decades of a happy marriage to my wife and father to my children. I hope to have created business and career opportunities for minorities as well as provide a program of resources for Ouachita Parish’s mental health community. I want to be able to do more than just act as a reference or provide a letter of recommendation, I want to have created a platform that influences disadvantaged citizens to desire to become productive citizens.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
DeRon: In 2016, I created the first-ever Millennial Generation focused professional development conference for America’s Small Business Development Centers. Maximizing Millennial Minds was an event that brought in Small Business Development Center professionals from across the country to New Orleans to learn how to better assist millennial entrepreneurs. The event was significant during that time as millennial generation studies were coming forth and its interest was validated by an appearance on Yahoo News. Seeing an event I created bring so many people and companies together, and to have it featured on Yahoo News was a proud moment.
DR. VERLENCIA JORDAN TARVER
Retail pharmacist at Wal-Mart
Dr. Verlencia Jordan Tarvin is a native of Monroe, LA. She is the devoted wife of Montrell Tarvin, Esq. and the beloved daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ray and Verlena Jordan. Verlencia received a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2013 from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as a part of the top 20% of her pharmacy class with membership into the prestigious Rho Chi Honor Society. Verlencia has worked for Wal-Mart as a retail pharmacist for the past seven years. She is a member of the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she participate in various community service events throughout the year.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Verlencia: I feel that I impact my community the most through mentoring our youth. I accomplish this by serving as the director of the Cinderella Guidance Clinic which was established by the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1959 to help young ladies develop a sense of morality, cultivate social skills, and contribute to society through community service. Currently, the Clinic is comprised of over 50 young ladies in grades 7-12. As the director, I desire for each young lady to complete the Cinderella Guidance Clinic feeling empowered and prepared to accomplish her goals. This is so important to me because I believe that inspiring our youth leads to a brighter future for us all.
BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?
Verlencia: Many of my friends left Northeast Louisiana in search of better opportunities, so the key to retaining young talent is to look like an attractive place to grow and live. Ultimately, we have to create more job opportunities and increase visibility of current job openings in the area. I also believe revitalizing downtown Monroe and increasing the amount of local events would be an added benefit.
BL: What is your motivation?
Verlencia: Since grade school, I have always wanted to make my parents proud. Frankly, that is still the case today. More importantly, I strive to make my Heavenly Father proud by living a life that is pleasing to Him.
GAIL WILSON
Application Developer for
IBM Monroe CIC
Gail Wilson is an application developer for IBM Monroe CIC. She received her Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems in the fall of 2019 from Northwestern State University, while working as a process lead for IBM’s first sales team selling CenturyLink business products. Gail is urrently working as an automation developer on a CenturyLink Billing Project. Gail has received many awards from management for her work with clients, CenturyLink being the biggest one. As part of IBM’s community involvement efforts, she was able to start a coding program for children called Code Blue, partnering with Louisiana Delta Community College and Northeast Louisiana Youth Technical Club to bring technology and coding to over 120 students in the Monroe area.
BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Gail: It was a very proud moment for me to be chosen as the process lead for the first sales team in our center. That assignment really helped me prepare for management roles to come and showed me that my management team truly believed that I could be great.
BL: What do you do to give back to your community?
Gail: The Code Blue Stem initiative I started in 2018 has allowed me to help children learn about coding and technology.We have had up to 120 students sign up from the Monroe area. I also mentor a high school senior from Rayville High School’s Class of 2020 who is going to Belhaven with aspirations to work in application development, as well as volunteering at the local food bank and Veteran’s Home.
BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?
Gail: Take the time to get to know your team’s strengths and weaknesses. It always helps to see where everyone can stand out using their own talents.
BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?
Gail: By age 50, I want to be Center Leader of a Client Innovation Center for IBM continuing to help guide the next generation of technology.
BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.
Gail: I am a gamer, but I don’t play the most popular games. I love The Sims series. I have The Sims 3 and The Sims 4 on my laptop at home and multiple Sims games for my PlayStation.
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